Lifeline Program: This Benefit Can Help You Get $34 Monthly Discount for Your Internet Bill, But Are You Eligible?

Lifeline program is a federal program aiming to make phone and internet service costs more affordable for low-income households.

Eligible consumers can have a monthly discount of up to $9.25. it can go up to as much as a $34.25 discount if you are a consumer living on tribal lands.

The Lifeline program initially only offers to cover traditional landline and wireless plans. However, the program widened its coverage in 2016, including the home broadband service.

An internet bill discount can be helpful, especially when working from home and studying online due to the restrictions of the pandemic.

To avail of the Lifeline discount, here are some of the things you should look at to ensure that you are eligible for the Lifeline program.

Lifeline Program Eligibility

At least one household member should be able to meet the requirements of the Lifeline program.

If you are currently receiving other government assistance programs such as Federal Public Housing Assistance, Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplemental Security Income, Veterans Pension, Survivors Benefit Programs, and tribal-specific programs, you should be able to receive the Lifeline internet bill discount.

Another eligibility requirement you should meet to participate in the Lifeline program is the total income limit.

The income limit for those eyeing to participate in the lifeline discount should reflect 135% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

For a household size of one, the total income limit is $18,347. In Alaska and Hawaii, it should be $22,937 and $21,101, respectively.

Applicants for the federal program should also bring proof of income, such as a tax return or three consecutive pay stubs.

The application should also include proof of participation in other federal assistance, such as a benefits letter or official document.

Lifetime Discount Application

If applicants qualify for the internet bill discount, they have 90 days to choose a phone or internet company and sign up with them for a service.

Applicants can also ask their current company to apply a Lifeline program benefit to a service that they are already using. A household can get one Lifeline benefit for phone or internet service, but not both.

The qualifying household can only get a Lifeline benefit from one company. People can apply online, by mail, or through a phone or internet company.

During the application process, applicants will be asked to provide their full name, date of birth, last four digits of their Social Security Number or Tribal identification number, and home address.

Applying through the mail would mean providing a Lifeline application form in English or Spanish.

Applicants can mail their application form to Lifeline Support Center: P.O. Box 7081 London, KY 40742. They can also call (800) 234-9473.

However, Oregon and Texas applicants must go through their states' specific application processes.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Mary Webber

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