Resources & Help

The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal program that helps low-income households afford phone and internet service. Established in 1985, it provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet service, and many participating providers also offer free or discounted devices as part of their Lifeline plans.

You can qualify for free government devices through the Lifeline program if you meet one of these criteria:

• Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• You participate in certain government assistance programs (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, Veterans Pension, etc.)
• You live on Tribal lands and participate in specific Tribal programs

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.

Available devices vary by provider and location, but commonly include:

• Smartphones: Various Android models, some providers offer iPhones
• Tablets: Android tablets, some providers offer iPads
• Basic phones: Flip phones for those who prefer simplicity

Device availability changes frequently and depends on current promotions and stock levels.

The application timeline typically looks like this:

• Application Review: 2-3 business days
• Verification Process: 1-5 business days
• Device Shipping: 5-10 business days after approval

Total time from application to receiving your device is usually 1-3 weeks, though it can vary by provider and application volume.

The Lifeline program only allows one benefit per household, which means you can choose either phone service OR internet service, but not both. However, some providers may offer both a phone and tablet as part of their promotional offers.

Important: The government only subsidizes one service per household. Any additional devices or services are promotional offers from the provider and subject to their terms and availability.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended in June 2024 due to lack of additional funding from Congress. The program stopped accepting new applications in February 2024 and completely ended in June 2024.

However, the Lifeline program continues to operate and is now the primary option for free government devices. Many former ACP providers now focus exclusively on Lifeline services.

Yes, you must recertify your eligibility annually to continue receiving Lifeline benefits. Your provider will contact you when it's time to recertify, typically 30-60 days before your anniversary date.

Failure to recertify will result in loss of your Lifeline benefit. The recertification process is similar to the initial application and requires you to confirm that you still meet eligibility requirements.

Yes, in most cases you can port (transfer) your existing phone number to your new Lifeline service. This process is called number portability and is available nationwide.

During the application process, let your chosen provider know that you want to keep your current number. You'll need to provide your current account information from your existing carrier. The porting process typically takes 1-3 business days and your old service will be cancelled automatically once the transfer is complete.

If your application is denied, you have several options:

• Appeal the decision: You can appeal if you believe the denial was incorrect
• Reapply with additional documentation: If you were missing required documents
• Check other programs: You may qualify for other assistance programs
• Try a different provider: Requirements may vary slightly between providers

Your denial notice will include specific reasons and instructions for next steps.

The Lifeline program itself is free for eligible participants. The government covers the monthly service discount, and providers offer this service at no cost to you.

However, some providers may charge small fees for certain services:

• Device upgrade fees (if you want a better device)
• International calling charges
• Additional data or features beyond the basic plan

Always read the terms and conditions carefully and ask about any potential charges before signing up.