Lifeline Program
Established in 1985 and still running today, Lifeline is the most reliable federal starting point for low-income households — even though it's built around service discounts rather than free hardware.
Reviewed by Our Research Team
Every program on this site is manually researched and checked against official sources before publishing.
What It Provides
- Monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or broadband service (up to $34.25 on Tribal lands)
- Free or discounted phone service through many participating providers
- Free or discounted internet service through many participating providers
- Occasional device discounts (tablets and, less commonly, laptops) bundled by specific providers
Eligibility Requirements
Qualify either by income or by enrollment in a qualifying government assistance program.
Income threshold: At or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Qualifying benefit programs: SSI, Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, Certain Tribal assistance programs
How to Apply
- Check eligibility using the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org
- Gather proof of income or benefit enrollment
- Apply online, by mail, or directly through a participating Lifeline provider
- Once approved, choose a participating provider in your state
- Ask that provider specifically about any current device promotions — laptops are not standard, but tablets and phones commonly are
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Lifeline give out free laptops?
Rarely, and it's not standard. Lifeline's core benefit is a monthly service discount. Free smartphones are common among participating providers, tablets are occasionally offered, and laptops are the least common device type — check with individual providers for current promotions.
Can I stack Lifeline with a nonprofit laptop program?
Yes. Many households use Lifeline for their discounted phone or internet service while separately applying to a nonprofit like PCs for People or Human-I-T for the actual laptop hardware.
Is Lifeline the same as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
No. ACP was a separate, larger benefit that ended June 1, 2024. Lifeline is an older, still-active federal program with a smaller monthly discount.
Related Programs
EveryoneOn→
A nonprofit that has connected more than 70,000 residents across 48 states to affordable technology through its Connect2Compete program and ISP partnerships.
Comcast Internet Essentials→
Comcast's long-running low-cost internet program, which also offers the option to purchase a low-cost laptop alongside discounted service.
AirTalk Wireless→
A Lifeline-participating wireless provider offering free smartphones and, depending on availability, tablet or laptop promotions to eligible households.
TAG Mobile→
A nationwide Lifeline provider frequently recommended for senior applicants, offering free phone and internet service to qualifying households.
Q Link Wireless→
A Lifeline-participating provider offering free phones and data plans to eligible low-income households.
Assurance Wireless→
A major Lifeline provider offering free phones and unlimited talk and text to eligible households.