The Senior Desk · Already owed

Lifeline phone and internet discount

A monthly discount on phone or internet — $9 a month. This page explains who looks likely to qualify and how to apply — it does not decide, and we never file for you.

Who looks likely to qualify

A monthly discount on a phone or internet bill. Qualify by income — gross household income at or below 135% of the poverty guideline — or automatically if you already take part in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal housing help, or a VA pension. So Lifeline often rides along with the other programs on this page.

The 2026 figures

Income line135% of the poverty guideline — about $21,546 a year for one person
Monthly benefit$9 (up to $34 on Tribal lands)
Automatic if you getSNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal housing help, or a VA pension

Governing authority: 47 CFR 54.400-54.409. Every figure is read from the dated source list.

How to apply — with the agency, not with us

The application is the government's own. We hand you the link; you apply directly. We never submit anything for you, and only the agency can decide who is eligible.

Check and apply at lifelinesupport.org (official site)

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— The Senior Desk

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