Get SNAP? You May Qualify for a Phone and Internet Discount
If your household receives SNAP (the food assistance benefit many people still call food stamps or EBT), there is a good chance you already meet one of the main requirements of a federal program called Lifeline. Lifeline is a long-running program overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) that lowers the monthly cost of phone service, home internet or a bundle of both for eligible low-income households in every state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories.
This independent guide explains, in plain English, what Lifeline is, how much it can reduce your bill, who can qualify and why SNAP participation matters so much. It is information only: we are not the government or a phone company, and nothing here guarantees approval. Our goal is to help you understand the rules before you apply through the official channels.
What you will learn in this guide
- What Lifeline is and how the monthly discount works
- Why receiving SNAP can make you eligible
- The other programs and the income rule that also qualify
- The one benefit per household rule and yearly renewal
- How to avoid scams and false promises about free phones
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What Lifeline is
Lifeline started decades ago to make sure low-income households could keep a basic telephone line. Today the program has been updated for modern life, and the discount can be applied to mobile phone plans, home internet service or bundles that combine voice and data. The money does not go to you as cash. Instead, the discount is applied directly to the bill of a participating phone or internet company that you choose, so your monthly price goes down.
The program is funded through the federal Universal Service Fund and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC rules. Because it is a national program, the basic rules are the same across the country, although some states add their own extra benefits or run part of the process through a state agency.
How much the discount is
According to the FCC and USAC, Lifeline provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month for eligible households on internet service or on a bundle that includes internet. Households living on qualifying Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month, which is the standard amount plus enhanced Tribal support. Voice-only phone plans currently receive a smaller discount, up to $5.25 per month.
The final price you pay depends on the plan and company you choose. Some participating companies offer plans where the discount covers most or all of the monthly cost, while others simply reduce a regular bill. That is why it is worth comparing what companies in your area offer once you know you are eligible.
Why SNAP matters
Lifeline has two ways to qualify: by taking part in certain government assistance programs, or by having a low household income. SNAP is one of the qualifying programs. In practice, this means that if you or someone in your household receives SNAP, you usually do not need to prove your income separately. You only need to show that you participate in the program, and in many cases the official system can confirm this automatically by checking government databases.
The same is true if your child or a dependent in your household participates in a qualifying program. This is one of the reasons Lifeline is often described as a natural next step for families already enrolled in food assistance.
Other ways to qualify
SNAP is not the only path. You may also be eligible for Lifeline if you or someone in your household participates in any of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8 vouchers)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal programs for residents of Tribal lands
If you do not participate in any of these programs, you may still qualify based on income. The rule is that your total household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size. On the next page we show the 2026 reference amounts and include a simple estimator so you can compare.
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Important rules to know
One benefit per household. Lifeline is limited to one discount per household, not one per person. A household is defined as everyone who lives at the same address and shares income and expenses. You also cannot receive the discount on a mobile plan and a home internet plan at the same time.
Yearly renewal. Lifeline is not a one-time enrollment. Every year your eligibility must be confirmed again through a process called recertification. If you do not respond when it is time to renew, the discount can be removed. Keeping your contact information up to date helps you receive these notices.
The ACP has ended. You may remember the Affordable Connectivity Program, a larger internet discount that ran for a few years. That program stopped accepting new funding and ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline is a separate, permanent program that continues today, so be careful with any website or message that still promises ACP benefits.
Watch out for false promises
Because Lifeline involves phones and discounts, it attracts misleading advertising. Lifeline does not pay you cash, does not offer a fixed amount of “extra government money”, and no one can guarantee approval before the official system reviews your information. Never pay a fee to “unlock” a benefit and never share your full Social Security number with someone who contacts you out of the blue. Applications are reviewed through the official National Verifier or by a participating company.
Quick questions
Do I get Lifeline automatically because I have SNAP?
No. SNAP can make you eligible, but you still need to apply and then sign up with a participating phone or internet company.
Is Lifeline only available in California?
No. Lifeline is a national federal program available in every state, the District of Columbia and the U.S. territories. Some states, like California, also have their own additional programs.
Can I keep my current phone number?
In many cases you can transfer your number to a participating company, but this depends on the company and plan. Ask the company before you switch.
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Disclaimer: this is an independent informational website. We are not the government, the FCC, USAC or any phone or internet company, and we have no partnership or affiliation with them. We do not run sign-ups, we do not collect personal data, and we never ask for payments, Social Security numbers or documents. Program rules and amounts can change and are decided only by the official agencies; always confirm the current terms on the official Lifeline website. We do not guarantee that you will qualify or receive any discount.