Two federal programs can lower or eliminate your cell phone bill
The Lifeline program and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are two separate federal initiatives that help low-income people, including seniors, pay for phone service. Lifeline has been running since 1985 and offers a monthly discount on your bill. ACP, which launched in 2021, provides a larger monthly subsidy and covers both phone and internet service. You can use both programs at the same time if you meet the income requirements for each.
Neither program gives you a phone for free outright, though some phone companies bundle a discounted or free device with service when you sign up for Lifeline or ACP. The real benefit is the monthly discount — Lifeline typically covers $9.25 per month of your bill, while ACP covers up to $30 per month depending on where you live. Both programs work by reducing what you pay to your phone company each month.
Key Takeaways
- Lifeline reduces your monthly phone bill by up to $9.25 if your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line, and you can stack it with ACP if you also meet ACP income limits.
- The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) covers up to $30 per month toward phone or internet service for households at or below 200% of the federal poverty line, but the program is running out of funding and may close.
- You do not need to own a smartphone or have internet already — both programs work with basic cell phones and landlines, though some providers offer better device deals if you choose a smartphone plan.
- You must show proof of income or participation in a benefit program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI to enroll in either program.
- You sign up directly with a participating phone company, not through a government office — different companies offer different phone options and service quality.
How Lifeline works and what it costs you
Lifeline is administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) but you enroll through a phone company that participates in the program. The company deducts the Lifeline discount from your monthly bill. You pay whatever remains after the discount is applied. If your plan costs $20 per month and Lifeline covers $9.25, you pay $10.75.
To use Lifeline, your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. For a single person in 2024, that means roughly $18,000 per year or less, though the exact amount changes yearly and varies slightly by state. You can also may have access to if you receive benefits from SNAP (food stamps), Medicaid, SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program). If you receive any of those benefits, you do not need to prove income separately.
Lifeline covers one phone line per household. If you already have Lifeline on a landline and want to switch to a cell phone, you can do that, but you still get only one discount. The program does not cover multiple lines for one person.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and its funding status
ACP is a newer program that covers up to $30 per month toward your phone bill, internet bill, or both combined. Your household income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty line — for a single person, roughly $27,000 per year. Like Lifeline, you can also may have access to by receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, LIHEAP, or several other assistance programs.
The critical issue with ACP right now is funding. Congress allocated money for the program but did not make it permanent. The program has been running low on funds since late 2023, and new enrollments have been paused in many states. If you enroll now, you may receive the discount for a few months before the program runs out of money entirely. Some states have reopened enrollment briefly when additional funding became available, but there is no may provide this will continue. Check the ACP website (fcc.gov/acp) to see if enrollment is currently open in your state.
If ACP closes before you enroll, Lifeline will still be available — it is a permanent program with ongoing federal funding. You can also look into state-level phone assistance programs, which vary by location.
Income limits and proof you will need
Both Lifeline and ACP use the same income thresholds, but ACP's limit is higher. The table below shows the rough income cutoffs for 2024, though these amounts adjust each year:
| Household Size | Lifeline (135% poverty line) | ACP (200% poverty line) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | ~$18,000/year | ~$27,000/year |
| 2 people | ~$23,000/year | ~$36,000/year |
| 3 people | ~$29,000/year | ~$44,000/year |
| 4 people | ~$35,000/year | ~$53,000/year |
To enroll, you will need to show one of the following: your most recent tax return, a recent pay stub, a benefit award letter from SNAP or SSI, or a utility bill in your name. If you receive any may have access to benefit program, you can use that letter instead of proving income — the phone company will verify your benefit status directly with the government agency.
When you contact a participating phone company to enroll, they will ask you to provide this proof. Some companies let you upload documents online, while others ask you to bring them to a store or mail them in. The process usually takes one to two weeks.
Which phone companies offer these programs and what devices they provide
Most major carriers participate in Lifeline and ACP, including AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and many smaller regional companies. Not every carrier offers the same device options or service quality, so it is worth comparing before you sign up.
Some carriers bundle a free or heavily discounted phone with Lifeline or ACP enrollment. Others require you to bring your own phone or buy one at full price. A few offer basic smartphones for $50 to $100 with the discount applied. If you already own a phone that works on the carrier's network, you can use it immediately — you do not have to accept a new device.
To find participating carriers in your area, visit the FCC's Lifeline website (fcc.gov/lifeline) or call 211 and ask which phone companies near you offer the program. You can also contact carriers directly and ask whether they participate and what phones they offer with enrollment.
How to sign up for Lifeline or ACP
The enrollment process is the same for both programs. You contact a participating phone company directly — you do not apply through a government office. Here are the steps:
- Choose a phone company that participates in the program and serves your area.
- Contact them by phone, in person at a store, or online to ask about Lifeline or ACP enrollment.
- Tell them you want to enroll and ask what proof of income or benefits they need.
- Provide the required documents (tax return, pay stub, benefit letter, or utility bill).
- Choose a phone plan and, if offered, a device.
- The company will verify your information with the government and activate your discount once approved.
Approval typically takes one to two weeks. During that time, you may be able to start using the phone service, but the discount will not appear on your bill until verification is complete. Once approved, the discount is applied automatically each month for as long as you remain enrolled and meet the income requirements.
You will need to recertify your income or benefit status periodically — usually every year for Lifeline and every year for ACP, though the exact schedule depends on the program and your phone company. The company will send you a notice when recertification is due.
Common mistakes and how to avoid them
One frequent mistake is assuming you can use both Lifeline and ACP on the same phone line. You cannot. You can receive both discounts, but they must be on separate lines — one for Lifeline and one for ACP. If you only need one phone, choose ACP because it offers a larger discount ($30 versus $9.25).
Another mistake is not recertifying when the company asks. If you miss the recertification deadline, your discount will be removed and you will pay full price for your service. The company will usually send a notice by mail or email, so watch for it and respond promptly.
A third mistake is providing outdated income information. If your income has changed since you last enrolled or recertified, tell the phone company. If you now earn more than the income limit, you will lose the discount. If you now earn less, you remain covered. Being honest about income changes keeps you from losing the benefit unexpectedly.
Finally, do not assume a phone company that does not advertise Lifeline or ACP does not participate. Many smaller carriers and prepaid companies are part of the program but do not promote it heavily. Call 211 or check the FCC website to see the full list of participating companies in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Lifeline or ACP if I receive Social Security?
Social Security income alone does not automatically may have access to you for either program. You must meet the income limit based on your total household income. However, if you also receive SSI (Supplemental Security Income), you automatically may have access to for both programs without proving income. If you receive only regular Social Security and your total income is below the limit, you can still enroll by showing a recent pay stub or tax return.
What happens to my discount if ACP runs out of money?
If ACP closes, your discount will stop and you will pay full price for your service. The phone company will notify you before this happens. You can then enroll in Lifeline if you meet its income requirements, which are lower than ACP's. Lifeline is a permanent program and will not run out of funding.
Do I need a smartphone, or can I use a basic phone?
Both programs work with basic cell phones and landlines. You do not need a smartphone or internet service. However, some phone companies offer better device deals if you choose a smartphone plan, so it is worth asking what options are available when you enroll.
Can my adult child sign up for Lifeline or ACP on my behalf?
No. You must enroll yourself or authorize someone in writing to act as your representative. The phone company will need your signature on the enrollment form. If you are unable to visit a store or make a phone call, ask the company whether they allow enrollment by mail or whether a family member can represent you with a power of attorney.
What if I move to a different state?
You will need to enroll with a new phone company in your new state, as Lifeline and ACP are administered at the state level. Contact a participating carrier in your new location and provide proof of income or benefits. Your old discount will end when you cancel service with your previous company.