Need an ACP alternative? Check out the savings with Lifeline

The end of funding from the Affordable Communications Program has resulted in 23 million Americans being cut off from valuable funding; a disproportionately large number of these users veterans. ACP awarded households between $30 and $75, meaning in some cases it covered the full cost of their monthly internet bills.

Nowadays we need the Internet for almost everything, from work from home, taking care of our health using telemedicinewatching programs on our favorite streaming services or just staying in touch with friends and family – having reliable broadband connection is the basis of our daily routine.

Although there is no suitable alternative to ACP yet, Americans still have several options for getting a discount on your monthly internet bill. One of the most important options is Lifeline, a federal government program that can help you stay connected online.

What is the Lifeline programme?

Lifeline began in 1985 as a way to make telephone service more affordable for low-income families. It provides a monthly benefit of $9.25 to help cover those costs, while eligible individuals and families on tribal lands can receive up to $34.25. While Lifeline still includes traditional landline and wireless phone plans, the program was expanded in 2016 to include home broadband internet service.

AND home internet discount can help you stay connected to job prospects, educational opportunities, family services, and emergency care. The Lifeline program is available to consumers nationwide, but eligibility is limited to low-income families and individuals.

CNET can walk you through what you need to know to determine if you qualify. Qualifying for Lifeline can open the door to further discounts offered by internet providers or the state, but we’ll discuss that later. Let’s take a look at the Lifeline eligibility requirements and how you can apply today.

Do I qualify?

Lifeline is available throughout the United States, but not everyone can take advantage of it. Its goal is to help low-income households and individuals stay connected to school, work, play, media, health care, and other social services. So to participate in Lifeline, at least one household member must meet program requirements.

You may be eligible for help if someone in your household is currently participating in the following government support plans:

• Federal Housing Assistance
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Food Assistance Program
• Guaranteed additional income
• Tribal Specific Programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Temporary Tribal Assistance for Needy Families, Indian Reservation Food Distribution Program, and Head Start)
• Veterans Retirement and Survivor Benefits Programs

Even if you do not participate in any of the above programs, you may also qualify for Lifeline based on your income.

It’s worth noting that your household will be eligible for the benefit if your income is less than or equal to 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for 2024, as shown below.

Lifeline Qualification: Total Income

Number of people in the household	(48 states and the District of Columbia)	(Alaska)	(Hawaii)
1	$20,331	$25,394	$23,369
2	$27,594	$34,479	$31,725
3	$34,857	$43,565	$40,082
4	42,120 dollars	$52,650	$48,438
5	$49,383	$61,736	$56,795
6	$56,646	$70,821	$65,151
7	$63,909	$79,907	$73,508
8	$71,172	$88,992	$81,864

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Once the number of people exceeds eight, add $7,263 to the last amount listed for each additional person. In addition, the numbers are slightly higher for people living in Alaska and Hawaii, as seen above. In Alaska, add $9,086 to the last amount listed for each person above eight. Consumers living in Hawaii should add $8,357 for each person above eight.

What documents or papers do I need?

Whether you apply online or complete the application process by mail, you will need to gather several documents to help verify your eligibility. In almost all cases, you will need statements dated within the last 12 months. Acceptable documentation includes (but is not limited to):

• Proof of income (some options include a current pay stub, Social Security benefit statement, or tax return). Note: If the documents do not cover a full year of income, they must cover three consecutive months.
• Proof of program participation (including a letter of participation or statement of benefits).

In some cases, you may be required to send additional documents to verify your identity (Social Security number, driver’s license, W-2 form, etc.).

Keep these documents and make copies to send. A full list of acceptable documents is available online at the Lifeline Support Center.

How can I apply for Lifeline?

In most cases, you can apply for Lifeline broadband benefits online through the Lifeline National Verifier, an application system created by the Federal Communications Commission and run by the Universal Service Administrative Company. You can go to the website, enter your name, address, and identifying information, and begin the process of qualifying for benefits. The two exceptions are Oregon and Texas. Applicants from those two regions must go through the application process specific to their states.

If you prefer, you may also choose to apply by mail. You will need to print the application (PDF file available on USAC website), complete it, and mail copies (make sure to keep all originals—send only duplicates) of all required documents to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845. You may also request that the application be mailed to you. To do so, send an email to [email protected] or call Lifeline at 800-234-9473.

Once you start your Lifeline application, you have 45 days to complete the process. In addition, once you qualify for Lifeline, you will have 90 days to register for service with an internet company or apply for Lifeline benefits with your current broadband provider.

What other programs can I use?

You’ve just been accepted into Lifeline and now you’re getting $9.25 in internet service benefits, which is great. Many internet providers may offer additional low-cost plans to qualifying customers, but you’ll need to enter your information to see if you qualify.

Here are some ISPs that offer cheaper internet services:

This is not an exhaustive list of all providers offering cheap residential broadband internet. To find out what cheap internet programs are available in your area, check CNET low income internet guide by state.

You can also check out our best online deals seniors AND students and our compiled list monthly discounts and promotions.

A few final details to keep in mind

There is only one Lifeline benefit per household. If you choose to use the home internet discount, you cannot get an additional discount on phone service. You must choose one or the other.

In addition, eligible individuals must renew their eligibility annually to continue receiving the Lifeline discount. Failure to do so will result in the subscriber being disqualified from further assistance until eligibility is reestablished. You can change your internet provider whenever you want, but you will have to re-apply for benefits.

If you have questions about the Lifeline program, you can email [email protected] or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473.

Lifeline FAQs