Where to Find Discounted Internet if You Receive Social Security
If you receive Social Security benefits, you may be able to get internet service at a reduced cost through Lifeline, a federal program that subsidizes phone and broadband for low-income households. Lifeline does not require you to be on any particular benefit program — it looks at your household income — but many people on Social Security income fall within the limits. The discount typically covers $30 per month toward your internet bill, though some providers offer plans that cost less than that.
You do not explore through Social Security itself. Instead, you contact a participating internet provider directly or go through your state's Lifeline administrator. The process takes a few weeks, and you will need to show proof of your income and household size. Once you are enrolled, the subsidy goes directly to your provider each month, so your bill is lower.
Beyond Lifeline, some states and local nonprofits run their own low-cost internet programs for seniors. These vary widely by location, so checking with your Area Agency on Aging or your city's social services office can turn up options specific to where you live.
Key Takeaways
- Lifeline is a federal program that reduces your monthly internet bill by up to $30 if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line.
- You do not need to be on any particular benefit program to use Lifeline — the program looks only at your current household income.
- You enroll directly with a participating internet provider or through your state's Lifeline administrator, not through Social Security.
- Some states and nonprofits offer additional low-cost internet programs for seniors, so contacting your local Area Agency on Aging can reveal programs in your area.
- The subsidy is paid directly to your provider, so you see the discount on your monthly bill.
How Lifeline Works and What It Costs
Lifeline covers up to $30 per month of your internet bill. If your provider's cheapest plan costs $25 a month, Lifeline covers all of it. If the plan costs $50, Lifeline covers $30 and you pay $20. You can use Lifeline for either home broadband or mobile phone service, but not both at the same time — you choose one.
The income limit for Lifeline is 135 percent of the federal poverty line. For 2024, that means a single person's household income must be around $1,800 per month or less, though the exact number changes each year and varies slightly by state. If you are on Social Security and have no other income, you almost certainly fall within this limit. If you have other household members or other income, you may still may have access to — the program counts your entire household's income together.
Lifeline is available through dozens of providers, including major ones like AT&T, Verizon, and Comcast, as well as smaller regional companies. Not every provider offers Lifeline in every area, so you will need to check which ones serve your address. The providers that do participate are required to offer a plan that fits within the $30 subsidy, so you will have at least one option that costs you little or nothing.
Which Internet Providers Participate in Lifeline
Large national providers like AT&T, Verizon, Comcast, Charter, and CenturyLink all participate in Lifeline in many areas. Smaller providers like Frontier, Windstream, and various local cable companies also participate. The list changes, and not every provider serves every location, so you need to check what is available at your address.
The easiest way to find participating providers in your area is to visit the National Lifeline Accountability Database at lifelinesupport.org. Enter your zip code and it will show you which providers offer Lifeline service where you live. You can also call your state's Lifeline administrator — your state's Public Utilities Commission or Public Service Commission can tell you who that is.
Once you know which providers serve your area, contact them directly to ask about their Lifeline plans. They will tell you what speeds and data limits come with the subsidized plan, what the full price is, and what documents you need to bring to enroll. Some providers let you enroll online, while others require you to visit a store or call.
What Documents You Need to Enroll
To enroll in Lifeline, you will need to prove your household income and verify your identity. For income, you can use a Social Security statement, a recent tax return, a benefit letter from Social Security, or a recent pay stub if you work. If you live alone and receive only Social Security, a benefit letter from the Social Security Administration is usually the fastest proof.
You will also need to show your identity — a driver's license, state ID, or passport works. If you do not have a photo ID, some providers accept other documents like a utility bill or lease agreement that shows your name and address. The provider will tell you what they accept when you call or visit.
Some providers ask you to sign a form certifying that you meet the income limit, rather than requiring you to show documents upfront. If that is the case, keep your proof documents at home in case the program audits your enrollment later — Lifeline does random checks to make sure people still may have access to.
How to Enroll in Lifeline
Start by finding which providers serve your address. Go to lifelinesupport.org, enter your zip code, and write down the names of the Lifeline providers available to you. Then contact one or more of them to compare their plans and pricing.
When you call or visit a provider, tell them you want to enroll in Lifeline. They will ask you questions about your household income and size, and they will tell you what documents to bring. Some providers let you enroll over the phone if you can answer their questions, while others require you to come in person or complete an online form.
Bring your proof of income and identity to your appointment or have them ready if you are enrolling by phone or online. The provider will submit your information to the Lifeline program, and you should hear back within two to four weeks. Once you are approved, the subsidy starts on your next bill.
If you are not sure which provider to choose, ask your local Area Agency on Aging or a senior center — staff there often know which providers are easiest to work with in your area and may have information about other local programs as well.
Other Low-Cost Internet Options for Seniors
Some states and nonprofits run their own internet programs separate from Lifeline. For example, some states offer subsidies for seniors over 65, and some nonprofits partner with libraries or community centers to provide free or low-cost internet access. These programs vary widely by location.
Your Area Agency on Aging can tell you what programs exist in your area. You can find your local agency by visiting the Eldercare Locator at eldercare.acl.gov or calling 1-800-677-1116. They can also tell you about other benefits you may be able to use, like programs that help with phone or utility bills.
Some libraries offer free public internet access and computers you can use on-site. If you need internet at home but cannot afford it even with Lifeline, a library card gives you a free place to go. Many libraries also offer classes on how to use email, video calls, and other online tools — useful if you are new to the internet.
What to Do if You Are Denied or Lose Your Subsidy
If a provider denies your Lifeline request, they must tell you why in writing. Common reasons are that your income is above the limit, you did not provide enough proof, or you already have Lifeline service with another provider. If you believe the decision is wrong, you can ask the provider to reconsider or contact your state's Lifeline administrator to file a complaint.
If you are already on Lifeline and your circumstances change — for example, if your income goes up or you move — you may lose your subsidy. The program checks enrollment periodically, and if your income is now above the limit, your provider will notify you. You can continue service at the full price, or you can switch to a different provider if you prefer.
If you move to a new address, you may need to re-enroll with a new provider if your old provider does not serve your new location. Contact your new provider's Lifeline department and they will walk you through the process. If you move within the same provider's service area, you may be able to keep your subsidy without re-enrolling — ask your provider.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be on Social Security to use Lifeline?
No. Lifeline is based on household income, not on receiving any particular benefit. You may have access to if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line, whether that income comes from Social Security, work, pensions, or other sources.
Can I use Lifeline if I have other people living in my house?
Yes, but Lifeline counts everyone's income together. If you live with a spouse, adult child, or roommate, their income counts toward the household total. If the combined income is still below the limit, you can enroll. If it is above the limit, you do not may have access to.
What if my internet provider is not on the Lifeline list?
You will need to switch to a provider that participates in Lifeline if you want the subsidy. Check lifelinesupport.org to see which providers serve your address, then contact one of them. The switch usually takes a week or two, and you may have to pay an early termination fee to your old provider.
How long does it take to get Lifeline approved?
Most providers process Lifeline applications within two to four weeks. Some may take longer if they need more information from you. Once you are approved, the discount appears on your next bill.
Can I use Lifeline for both internet and phone service?
No. Lifeline covers either broadband internet or mobile phone service, but you have to choose one. If you already have Lifeline phone service, you cannot also get Lifeline internet. You can switch from one to the other, but not have both at the same time.