Digital access

Affordable Phone and Internet

Reliable phone and internet access can support job applications, benefits, healthcare, housing, transportation, and required appointments. This guide explains the federal Lifeline program, other low-cost access options, and how to avoid outdated or fraudulent connectivity offers.

LifelineLow-cost serviceOfficial sources

Current-program notice: The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024. Websites that still claim to enroll consumers in ACP may be outdated or fraudulent. OACRA does not sell devices, select providers, or determine Lifeline eligibility.

Start with Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program that reduces the monthly cost of qualifying phone, internet, or bundled service. As of 2026, the standard benefit is up to $9.25 per month for internet or bundled service and up to $5.25 per month for voice-only service. Eligible consumers living on qualifying Tribal lands may receive an enhanced benefit of up to $34.25 per month.

Only one Lifeline benefit is generally allowed per household. A household is based on people who live together and share income and expenses, not simply everyone using the same address.

How Lifeline eligibility works

A consumer may qualify through income or participation in an approved assistance program. Current qualifying programs include Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and the Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit. Additional Tribal programs may qualify people living on Tribal lands.

Income eligibility is based on the current federal poverty guidelines. Because those dollar amounts change, use the official Lifeline application or eligibility page rather than an older article or flyer.

Prepare the application information

• Full legal name and date of birth
• Last four digits of the Social Security number or Tribal identification number
• Current physical address or an accepted temporary or descriptive address
• Proof of qualifying benefit participation when requested
• Proof of income when applying through income eligibility
• Household Worksheet when another adult at the address already receives Lifeline
• Application number and contact information for follow-up

A person without a permanent address may use an accepted temporary address, such as a shelter, family member’s home, or friend’s home, or may provide a descriptive physical-location address under Lifeline procedures.

Apply and connect service

1. Apply for Lifeline. Use the official online application, apply by mail, or obtain assistance from a participating company.
2. Respond to document requests. Submit only through the official Lifeline process.
3. Wait for the eligibility decision. Keep the application number and copies of documents.
4. Select a participating company. Approval does not automatically create service.
5. Review the actual plan. Check monthly price, data, minutes, equipment charges, activation fees, and replacement-device terms.
6. Maintain the benefit. Update changes, use the service as required, and complete annual recertification when requested.

Compare the full cost, not just the discount

Question	Why it matters
Is the phone included or financed?	A “free” device may involve taxes, activation charges, limited models, or replacement costs.
How much data is included?	Online appointments, video calls, job searches, and navigation can use substantial data.
Is hotspot use allowed?	Hotspot access can connect a laptop or tablet when home internet is unavailable.
What happens when data runs out?	Service may slow, stop, or generate additional charges.
What is the replacement policy?	Lost or damaged devices are not necessarily replaced without charge.
Is the service reliable in the needed area?	Coverage quality may matter more than a small price difference.

Other digital-access options

• Public libraries with computers, Wi-Fi, printing, and basic technology assistance
• Workforce centers and American Job Centers
• Community colleges and adult-education programs
• Housing-authority or nonprofit connectivity programs
• Provider-specific low-income plans
• Refurbished-device programs
• Community Wi-Fi, municipal broadband, or hotspot-lending programs

Program availability changes. Verify costs, eligibility, contract terms, device ownership, and data limits before providing identity or payment information.

Protect personal information

• Use only the official Lifeline website or a clearly identified participating provider.
• Do not give a Social Security number to a website claiming to enroll people in ACP.
• Create a long, unique password for the Lifeline and email accounts.
• Turn on multifactor authentication when available.
• Keep the device operating system and applications updated.
• Use a screen lock and record a safe device-recovery method.
• Do not store identity documents openly in the photo gallery.
• Review links carefully before entering credentials.

Keep service active

Lifeline may require annual recertification. Consumers must also report certain changes, such as an address change, loss of eligibility, or more than one Lifeline benefit in the household. A no-cost service may require use at least once every 30 days to remain active.

Contact the service provider about the bill, device, data, or service quality. Contact the Lifeline Support Center about eligibility, requested documents, application status, recertification, or the Household Worksheet.

Official sources

• Lifeline Support: Official program site
• Lifeline Support: How to qualify
• Lifeline Support: How to apply
• Lifeline Support: Supporting documents
• Lifeline Support: Managing and maintaining the benefit
• FCC: Warning about websites advertising the ended ACP benefit
• FTC: Protect personal information online

Last reviewed July 28, 2026. Benefit amounts, eligibility standards, providers, and plan terms can change.

On this page

Lifeline benefitEligibilityDocumentsHow to applyCompare plansOther accessProtect informationKeep service activeOfficial sources