A Lifeline internet application goes through the National Verifier, the federal system run by USAC. You apply online, by mail, or in person with a participating provider, upload proof if asked, then ask a company that offers Lifeline internet at your address to apply the discount.[1][2] Texas and Oregon residents use their state's process.
Approval qualifies your household for the discount. It does not choose a plan or prove a company serves your home. Use the ZIP lookup for an area-level list, then have the provider confirm your exact address.
Check that you qualify before you apply
You can qualify through a program or through income. USAC lists Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.[3] The income limit is 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines: in the 48 contiguous states, D.C., and territories, that is $21,546 for one person and $44,550 for a household of four, with higher limits in Alaska and Hawaii.[3]
You must be at least 18, unless you are an emancipated minor with court papers.[4] The benefit is worth up to $9.25 a month, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands.[1] For the bigger picture of low-cost plans that can sit alongside it, see our low-income internet programs guide.
Step 1: Pick how to apply
USAC describes three routes.[2]
- Online on your own: start the application from LifelineSupport.org and finish it in the consumer portal.
- By mail: print the official application form, plus the household worksheet if needed. Complete every page, initial each certification, sign it, and use capital letters and black ink. Include copies of your identity and eligibility proof in case the system cannot check them automatically.
- With a provider, in person: a company representative can guide you through the provider portal, but you must initial and sign yourself. USAC says providers cannot sign for you or take the application by phone.
Online is usually simplest because you can upload documents and fix address problems on the spot.
Step 2: Answer the identity and address questions
The verifier checks details such as your date of birth and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If it cannot confirm them, you will be asked for documents.[4] If your address is not found, the online application has you drop a pin on a map at your home.[4]
Answer the household questions carefully. The FCC defines a household as people living at one address who share income and expenses, and allows only one Lifeline benefit per household.[1] If another adult at your address already has Lifeline, you will complete a worksheet showing you are a separate household.[5]
Step 3: Upload the right proof if asked
USAC says to send copies, never originals, and to include its cover sheet when mailing documents.[4] Use this table to pick a document that will pass the first time.[5]
| If the verifier asks for | The document must show | Common examples |
|---|---|---|
| Program proof (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI and others) | Your name, the program, the issuing agency, and an issue date within 12 months or a future expiration date | Award letter, benefit statement, verification letter, benefits portal screenshot |
| Income proof | Your name, annual income, and an issue date within 12 months | Prior-year tax return, Social Security benefits statement, three consecutive months of pay stubs |
| Identity | Your name with date of birth or last four Social Security digits | Unexpired driver's license, U.S. passport, Social Security card, recent W-2 |
| Address | Your name and address | Lease or mortgage statement, ID, utility bill from a company other than your internet provider |
An income document must be issued within the last 12 months, and a program document needs that recent date or a future expiration date, so check dates before uploading.[5] Make sure your name and every edge of the page are readable in the copy.
Step 4: Choose a provider and enroll
After approval, you still need a company to apply the discount. USAC's Companies Near Me tool searches by ZIP or city, but it notes that not every company offers Lifeline and the list may miss some.[6] Ask providers directly as well.
Before enrolling, ask these questions:
- Is this a home internet plan or a mobile phone plan?
- What is the monthly price before and after the Lifeline discount, and are equipment or setup charges extra?
- Does the provider charge a monthly fee at all? If it does not, the FCC says you must use the service at least once every 30 days to keep it.[1]
- What happens to the price if my Lifeline eligibility ends?
Because the benefit is one per household, decide whether it goes on a phone or the home internet bill. SNAP households can compare provider programs in our guide to internet with food stamps, and people receiving SSI can see our internet for people with disabilities guide.
Step 5: Recertify every year
Lifeline checks eligibility every year. In some cases this is automatic; otherwise you must respond.[1] If you miss a recertification deadline, USAC says you lose the benefit and your service may end or your bill may go up.[7] If your income rises or you leave the qualifying program, tell your provider so you can be removed from the program.[1]
You can move the benefit to another company, once a month at most. Ask the new company to transfer it; you may need to reapply first.[7]
The call option below compares internet plans for sale at your address. It cannot submit or check a Lifeline application, and it is not support for a service you already have.
Frequently asked questions
Can I apply for Lifeline over the phone?
USAC says providers cannot accept applications by phone.[2] Apply online, by mail, or in person with a provider representative.
How will I hear back on a mailed application?
USAC reviews it and sends the eligibility decision by U.S. mail. After that, you contact a provider to enroll.[2]
Do I have to reapply when I switch companies?
Sometimes. USAC says you may need to reapply before a new company can transfer your benefit.[7]
Sources
- FCC: Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications. FCC, Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications, accessed October 20, 2026. ↩
- USAC: How to Use National Verifier. USAC, How to Use National Verifier, accessed October 20, 2026. ↩
- USAC Lifeline: How to Qualify. USAC, Lifeline: How to Qualify, accessed October 20, 2026. Income figures are 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. ↩
- USAC: Resolve Application Errors. USAC, Resolve Application Errors, accessed October 20, 2026. ↩
- USAC Lifeline: Supporting Documents. USAC, Lifeline Supporting Documents, accessed October 20, 2026. ↩
- USAC Lifeline: Companies Near Me. USAC, Lifeline Companies Near Me, accessed October 20, 2026. ↩
- USAC: Lifeline Support home page. USAC, Lifeline Support home page, accessed October 20, 2026. ↩
Written with AI assistance and checked against the sources listed; our data from FCC/Census as dated. FCC data as of December 30, 2025; Census ACS 5-year 2020-2024. Editorial policy