Phone and Internet Savings for Older Adults: Lifeline and Other Options
Staying connected matters for health, safety and family ties. Learn about the federal Lifeline program, low-income internet plans and ways to trim your phone bill.
The short version
- Lifeline provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for eligible households.
- Many internet providers offer low-cost plans for qualifying households.
- Reviewing your plan and removing unused features can lower your bill.
In this guide
A reliable phone and internet connection is important for keeping in touch with family, attending telehealth appointments, managing benefits online and getting help in an emergency. If these bills are straining your budget, several options may help.
The Lifeline program
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible households. The standard Lifeline benefit is a discount of $9.25 per month on qualifying service, with a larger discount available on qualifying Tribal lands.
Who may qualify: You may be eligible if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or if you or someone in your household participates in certain programs, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Important rules:
- Only one Lifeline benefit per household is allowed.
- You must recertify your eligibility each year.
How to apply: Apply through the Lifeline National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org or by mail, then choose a participating phone or internet company. You can also apply through a participating provider.
Low-income internet plans
Many internet service providers offer discounted plans for households that participate in programs like SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, or that meet income guidelines. Call providers in your area and ask about "low-income" or "affordable connectivity" plans. Some offer free installation and equipment.
Trim your current bill
Review your plan:
- How much data do you actually use? You may be paying for more than you need.
- Are you paying for features you do not use, such as extra lines, premium channels or insurance on old devices?
- Are you still paying equipment rental fees that could be avoided by buying your own modem?
Shop around:
- Compare plans from different carriers, including prepaid options, which can cost less than traditional contracts.
- Ask about plans designed for customers 55 and older, which some carriers offer.
- Ask your current provider whether they can offer a better rate.
Bundle carefully: Bundling phone, internet and TV can save money, but only if you need all the services. Watch for promotional rates that increase after a year.
Consider your landline: If you rarely use your landline, compare the cost with mobile-only service. If you keep a landline for emergencies or reliability, look for basic, low-cost plans.
Free Wi-Fi and devices
- Libraries often provide free Wi-Fi and computers, and some lend hotspots and tablets.
- Senior centers may offer free internet access and technology help.
- Some nonprofits provide refurbished computers at low cost.
Protect yourself
- Be cautious of calls or door-to-door offers claiming to provide "free government phones." Verify any provider through lifelinesupport.org.
- Never share your Social Security number or bank details with an unsolicited caller.
- Read the terms before signing any contract.
Terrameritavi is an independent publication and is not affiliated with the FCC, Lifeline or any phone or internet company.
