Understanding the Lifeline Program: Eligibility & Process

Since 1985, the Lifeline Program has been started by the Federal Communication Commission. The aim was to help low-income individuals to get access to smartphones and internet services. This project is paid for by the United States Government and managed by USAC.

This initiative is promoting connectivity and technology access across all states, territories and Tribal lands through the Universal Service Fund. It helps people of below-average income to stay in touch with each other, to find job opportunities and to emergency services like 911. You may not get free iPhones with EBT but we are providing you free iPhones under the LifeLine Program.

How to Enroll in LifeLine Program

To Enroll in the Lifeline Program, Click on the Apply Now Button below and fill in all the required fields correctly. Read the description carefully before submitting.

Apply Now

List of Lifeline Eligible Programs

Eligibility is based on the Following Criteria:

Income Level: Income should be at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Enrollment in any of the following programs will make you qualify for Lifeline:

Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/Food Stamps
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit

Specific Programs for Native Americans

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Tribal Head Start
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

These Criteria broaden the benefits of the Lifeline Program and make a wide range for individuals and families to connect with digital edge.

Rules & Regulation

One Benefit Per Household: The Lifeline benefit is limited to one per household,

regardless of the number of residents.

Eligibility Proof Required: Only eligible consumers who can provide proof of their eligibility are allowed to enroll.

Non-Transferable Benefit: The Lifeline benefit cannot be transferred to any other individual.

Usage Requirement: To keep your FREE Lifeline service active, you must use it at least once every 30 days. If you don’t do this, your membership will result in disconnection.

Program Enrollment Restrictions: Only qualified consumers who meet the eligibility criteria can sign up for the Lifeline program.

Application Process to Apply for Lifeline

Proof of Identification

You need the following documents to prove your identification.

U.S Passport.
U.S Military ID cards:
U.S. Driving License.
Employment Authorization Card
Certificate of Naturalizations.
U.S. Citizenship Certificate.
Common Access Card.
Permanent Resident Alien Card.
Foreign Passport
Temporary Resident Identification Card
Northern Mariana Card
Permanent Resident Card
Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit
Common Access Card: Only Valid if you are an Active Military Person, Active Reserve, or Active Selected Reserve.
Mexican Consular Card: Acceptable versions include those from 2006, 2014, 2015, and later.

Proof of Residency

To confirm your residency, you need a proof of address to confirm your residency. You can use any of the documents:

Current Income Statement, Paycheck Stub, or W2: This Document Should have your Name and Current Address.
Utility Bill: You can use a recent utility, gas, water or electricity bill, as proof of your residency.
Identity Cards: Make sure you have Government Issued, State or Tribal Identity cards. Cards should not be outdated or expired.
Statement of Benefits from a Qualifying Program: This must include your name and address to be valid.
Recent Mortgage or Lease Statement: This document should be recent and have your name and the address of your residence.

Make sure you have one of these documents ready before applying to verify your living address.

Proof of Government Benefit Participation

Here is the list of acceptable Documents to prove your participation in the Lifeline Program:

Statement of Benefits: From any current or prior year, from state, federal, or Tribal programs.
Participation Notice: Letter from a qualifying program.
Official Documents: Any official document confirming your participation in these programs.
Unemployment Documents: Such as benefit payment notices or confirmation of submitted applications.
Social Security Benefits Statement
Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
Tax Returns: A copy of your state or federal return from the last year.
Recent Pay Stubs: The most recent three consecutive stubs.
Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
Legal Documents: Like child support or divorce decrees.
Workers’ Compensation or Unemployment Statement

Instructions for Completing Application

Income Qualification: Include a photocopy of an official income document. Check the list of accepted income documents below.
Program Qualification: Include a photocopy of a document from the qualifying government or Tribal program. Ensure the document includes:
- Your name or the name of the qualifying person
- Name of the qualifying program (e.g., SNAP)
- An issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration date
- The issuer’s name, like a government or Tribal program administrator or MCO
Important: Do not send original documents; photocopies only, as originals will not be returned.

State-Specific Instructions

New York:
- If receiving benefits like Medicaid, SSI, SNAP, etc., return the application and documents as proof.
- For benefits from programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, call 1.800.837.4966 to request a state-specific application. Return the completed application and documents to the address provided.
Connecticut:
- Return your application and documents to:
  - Verizon Lifeline Services
  - P.O. Box 16805
  - Newark, NJ 07101-6805
- For fax: Send to 1.877.306.2190.
Other States (MA, MD, NJ, PA, NC, DE, DC, RI, NY, VA):
- Send your application and documents to:
  - USAC
  - Lifeline Support Center
  - P.O. Box 1000
  - Horseheads, NY 14845

Conclusion

The Lifeline Program is an essential tool for low-income individuals to get access to the technology. The goal of this program is to make sure that all citizens have access to the digital world. By simplifying the application process and eligibility criteria, the Lifeline initiative is the gateway to technology for everyone. Follow the simple process and book your membership in the digital era.