Need an ACP replacement? Save more with Lifeline Plan

Throughout the pandemic, we’ve learned how important it is to stay connected at home. Whether working from home, taking care of our health through telemedicine, or simply staying sane by binge-watching shows on our favorite streaming services, having a reliable broadband connection is essential to our daily lives .

Now, we are all riding the wave of economic uncertainty. In times like these, finding ways to save money can be empowering. The federal government’s lifeline program could help, especially nowAffordable Connect Program has ended.

Lifeline started in 1985 to help low-income families afford phone service. It offers $9.25 per month in benefits to help offset those costs. Qualifying individuals and families on tribal lands can receive up to $34.25. While Lifeline still covers traditional landline and wireless plans, the plan expanded in 2016 to include home broadband service.

Home internet discounts can help you stay connected to job prospects, educational opportunities, home services and urgent care. The Lifeline program is open to consumers nationwide, but eligibility is limited to low-income households and individuals. CNET can walk you through what you need to know to determine if you qualify. If you do, you may find that the Lifeline discount also opens the door to additional savings – with more to come.

Are you qualified?

While Lifeline is available across the United States, not everyone benefits. The goal is to help low-income families and individuals stay connected to schools, jobs, recreation, utilities, health care and other social services. To participate in Lifeline, at least one family member must meet program requirements.

If anyone in your household currently participates in government assistance programs – including federal public housing assistance, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, tribal-specific programs (Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Temporary Tribal Assistance for Needy Families, Food Assistance) Indian Reserves and Preemptive Distribution Programs) and Veterans Pension and Survivor Benefit Programs – you should be eligible for the Lifeline Discount.

Even if you are not enrolled in any of the above programs, you may qualify for Lifeline based on your income. Your household will qualify if your income is less than or equal to 135% of the federal poverty level. It looks like this:

Lifeline Eligibility: Gross Income

Once there are more than 8 people, add $5,380 to the last listed amount for each additional person. Additionally, as you can see above, the numbers are slightly higher for people living in Alaska and Hawaii. In Alaska, for more than 8 people, you should add $6,730 to the final amount listed. Consumers living in Hawaii should add $6,190 per person for more than 8 people.

Have you gathered your documents and paperwork?

Whether you register online or complete the application process by mail, you will need to gather some documents to help verify your eligibility. In almost all cases, you will need statements from the past 12 months. Acceptable documents include (but are not limited to):

• Proof of income (some options are current pay stub, Social Security benefit statement, or tax return). Note: If the document does not cover the entire income year, it must reflect three consecutive months.
• Proof of program participation (including notification of participation letter or statement of benefits).

Keep these documents and send copies. A complete list of acceptable documents is available online through the Lifeline Support Center.

Now is the time to apply for a lifeline

In most cases, to apply for Lifeline broadband benefits, you can apply online through the Lifeline National Verification Program, an application system established by the Federal Communications Commission and operated by the Universal Service Administrator. You can visit the website, enter your name, address and identifying information, and begin the process of qualifying for benefits. Oregon and Texas are two exceptions. Applicants from both regions must complete their state’s specific application process.

If you prefer, you can also choose to apply by mail. You will need to print an application form (a PDF version is available on the USAC website), fill out the application form and send copies of all required documents (make sure to keep all original documents – only send copies) to USAC, Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 7081 , London, KY 40742. To do this, please email LifelineSupport@usac.org or call Lifeline at 800-234-9473.

Once you start applying for Lifeline, you have 45 days to complete the process. Additionally, once you qualify for Lifeline, you have 90 days to sign up for service with an Internet company or apply Lifeline benefits to your current broadband provider.

Bonus round: Lifeline saves you extra money on internet service

You’ve just been accepted into Lifeline and now you can take advantage of a great discount of $9.25 on Internet service. Even better, many internet providers offer low-cost plans to qualified customers, but you have to enter your details to see if you qualify.

Here are some ISPs that offer discounted internet services:

This is not an exhaustive list of all providers offering cheap residential broadband. Check out CNET’s best internet deals for seniors and students, plus our compiled list of monthly discounts and sales.

Some final details to remember

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. If you choose to use the discount on your home network, you won’t get an additional discount on your phone service. You must choose one of them.

Additionally, eligible individuals must recertify 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 redetermined.

If you have questions about the Lifeline program, you can email LifelineSupport@usac.org or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473.

Lifeline FAQs