Lifeline program: who qualifies and how to apply for financial assistance to pay cell phone and internet bills
Do you need help paying your cell phone or internet bill? Find out if you qualify for relief from the Lifeline Program and how you can apply.
The United States stands out for its numerous economic aid programs at the federal level. Among the financial relief offered by the government in Washington DC is the Lifeline program, administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Through it, monetary help is provided to pay cell phone, landline and internet bills at a reduced price.
To participate in the program, citizens must meet certain requirements, such as a maximum income based on the number of family members or be enrolled in another financial aid program. Below, we share what you need to apply and how you can do it.
Who qualifies for the Lifeline program?
Those interested in applying must have incomes of 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. These are the figures, according to the number of household members:
- 1 member: $20,331
- 2 members: $27,594
- 3 members: $34,857
- 4 members: $42,120
- 5 members: $49,383
- 6 members: $56,646
- 7 members: $63,909
- 8 members: $71,172
*For each additional member, $7,263 dollars are added. In Alaska and Hawaii, the numbers change. You can see the full table on the Lifeline website
People who are enrolled in other financial aid programs can also participate. These programs include SNAP vouchers, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefit. The tribal assistance are also on the list of qualifying financial programs.
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If you meet the necessary requirements, you can apply to the program in different ways, either by submitting your application online, downloading the form and sending it by mail or by contacting directly a company that participates in the program.
For more information or any additional questions, contact the Lifetime Support Center at 1- 800 234-9473.