How Often Do You Need to Use a Lifeline Phone?
Quick Answer You need to use your Lifeline phone or service at least once every 30 days to keep the benefit active. A qualifying “use” can be a quick outbound … Read more
How to Check Your Lifeline Application Status
Quick Answer You can check your Lifeline application status online through the National Verifier portal, through your service provider’s website or customer support, or by contacting the Lifeline Support Center. … Read more
Why Was My Lifeline Service Disconnected?
Quick Answer Your Lifeline service was likely disconnected for one of these reasons: no qualifying usage for 30 days, missing your annual recertification, a change in eligibility, or a duplicate … Read more
Can Lifeline Help Pay for Home Internet Instead of a Cell Phone?
Quick Answer Yes. The FCC’s Lifeline program can discount a home internet (fixed broadband) plan instead of a cell phone plan—if a participating provider in your area applies Lifeline to … Read more
Can You Get Lifeline With No Permanent Address?
Quick Answer Yes. You can get Lifeline even if you don’t have a permanent address. The program accepts a shelter or transitional housing address, a friend or relative’s place where … Read more
Can Homeless People Qualify for a Free Government Phone?
Quick Answer Yes. People experiencing homelessness can qualify for free or low-cost phone service through the federal Lifeline program, even without a permanent address. You can use a shelter address, … Read more
Can You Bring Your Own Phone to a Lifeline Plan?
Quick Answer Yes, you can bring your own phone to many Lifeline plans if the device is unlocked, compatible with the provider’s network, and has a clean IMEI (not lost, … Read more
Can You Get Lifeline Without a Social Security Number?
Quick Answer Yes. You can qualify for the Lifeline phone and internet discount without a Social Security Number. The National Verifier (the system that reviews applications) accepts either the last … Read more
Can You Get Lifeline If You Live With Someone Who Already Has It?
Quick Answer Yes, you can get Lifeline if you live with someone who already has it—but only if you are considered a separate household under the program’s rules. Lifeline allows … Read more
Can You Keep Your Phone Number When Switching Lifeline Providers?
Quick Answer Yes, you can usually keep your phone number when switching Lifeline providers. Under FCC local number portability rules, most mobile and landline numbers can be moved (“ported”) to … Read more