Last updated: June 14, 2026
Bottom line
If you are a single mother who needs help with a phone or internet bill, start with Lifeline. Lifeline is the main federal program that can lower the cost of phone, internet, or bundled service through participating companies. It is not a cash grant, and it does not promise a free phone.
The Affordable Connectivity Program, also called ACP, ended on June 1, 2024. Be careful with any website or seller that still says you can sign up for ACP. Check FCC ACP updates before sharing personal information.
After Lifeline, check your current provider, local school, public library, 211, and state broadband office. Some companies have low-cost internet plans, but prices, speeds, device offers, and service areas vary by address.
If your phone or internet may be cut off
Do not wait until the service is already off. Call the company and ask for every option in writing: hardship plan, lower-cost plan, Lifeline, due-date change, data-only plan, prepaid option, fee waiver, or payment arrangement.
If the bill is mixed with rent, utilities, food, or child care problems, use ASMOM’s emergency help guide while you work on the phone or internet issue. Phone service matters for school calls, job interviews, benefits offices, doctors, child care, and safety.
Where to start
Start with the service you need most. A cell phone may matter most if your child’s school, doctor, child care provider, or job calls you. Home internet may matter most if you work from home, take online classes, apply for jobs, upload benefit papers, or your children have homework online.
I need phone service
Check Lifeline first, then compare participating wireless companies in your ZIP code. Ask what talk, text, data, device, activation fee, and refill rules apply.
I need home internet
Check Lifeline, then ask each internet provider at your address about low-income plans, equipment fees, installation costs, contracts, and data limits.
I need both
Ask whether one low-cost plan can cover the highest need first. Lifeline is usually one benefit per household, so do not sign up with more than one company.
If you also need food, health coverage, cash aid, or school support, these programs may help you qualify for phone or internet help. Start with ASMOM’s SNAP food guide, Medicaid and CHIP, welfare benefits guide, or school aid guide when those needs also apply.
Quick help table
| Need | Best first step | What to ask | Reality check |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower phone bill | Apply for Lifeline | Can my benefit lower this plan? | Plan details and companies vary. |
| Lower internet bill | Companies Near Me | Do you offer Lifeline at my address? | Not every provider serves every home. |
| Home internet for school | School, library, or provider | Are hotspots, devices, or low-cost plans available? | Help may be short-term or limited. |
| Service already off | Current provider | What is the cheapest reconnect path? | Ask about fees before paying. |
| Not sure where to go | 211 bill help | Who helps with phone or internet in my ZIP code? | Local funds can open and close. |
Lifeline: the main federal phone and internet discount
FCC Lifeline guide explains that Lifeline helps make communications service more affordable for low-income consumers. USAC, the Universal Service Administrative Company, runs the Lifeline application and support process for the FCC.
Lifeline can be used for qualifying phone service, internet service, or bundled service through a participating company. USAC says the standard Lifeline benefit is up to $9.25 per month for internet or bundled service, or up to $5.25 per month for voice-only service. For qualifying Tribal lands, the enhanced Lifeline benefit can be up to $34.25 per month.
That does not mean every plan is free. Some wireless companies may advertise no-cost plans or phone offers, but those offers come from the company, not from a federal promise of a free device. Ask the provider what is included before you give your Social Security number, Tribal ID, or benefit papers.
If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, check Tribal Lifeline help for the enhanced benefit and Link Up information. Link Up may help with some first-time connection costs for phone service, but participation and details must be confirmed with the provider.
Who may qualify for Lifeline
You may qualify for Lifeline based on income or because you, your child, or someone in your household participates in a qualifying program. The Lifeline qualifier lists the current paths.
| Possible path | Examples | What proof may show |
|---|---|---|
| Public benefits | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing help, Veterans Pension, Survivors Benefit | A benefit letter or official program document |
| Income | Household income at or below Lifeline’s current income limit | Tax return, pay stubs, benefit statement, or other income proof |
| Tribal programs | Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, qualifying Head Start, FDPIR | Official program participation proof |
| Survivor path | Some survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes | Line separation request proof and financial hardship proof |
If you are pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, or caring for a child under 5, WIC may help with food and referrals, but WIC is not a regular Lifeline qualifying program unless you are applying through the survivor rules or a provider’s separate low-cost plan. Use ASMOM’s WIC guide for food help while you check phone and internet options.
How to apply for Lifeline
There are three normal ways to apply. You can apply online, apply by mail, or ask a participating phone or internet company for help. Start with the official Lifeline apply page so you use the correct route for your state.
- Check whether you may qualify by income, public benefits, Tribal program, or survivor rules.
- Apply through LifelineSupport.org or the route your state uses.
- Upload or mail documents if the system cannot verify you automatically.
- After approval, choose a participating company and ask it to put the benefit on your service.
- Keep notices. Lifeline usually must be recertified each year unless the system confirms you automatically.
If you need help with the application, the Lifeline help page lists support options. For provider choices, use Lifeline company search, then call the company to confirm service at your exact address.
Tip
Use the same name, date of birth, address, and last four digits of your Social Security number or Tribal ID that appear on your official documents. Small mismatches can slow the application.
Other verified phone and internet help paths
Lifeline is the main federal discount, but it is not the only place to ask. After you check Lifeline, try these paths.
| Help path | Where to check | Good question to ask |
|---|---|---|
| Provider low-cost plans | Internet Essentials, Access from AT&T, Spectrum Assist, or Verizon Forward | Does my address qualify, and what will the full bill be? |
| State broadband office | state broadband map | Are there local device, hotspot, or digital access programs? |
| Local nonprofits | EveryoneOn offers and 211 | Are there low-cost internet offers or computer help in my ZIP code? |
| School or college | School office, counselor, family liaison, or student services | Can my child or I borrow a hotspot or device? |
| Public library | Local branch or library website | Do you lend hotspots, laptops, or offer computer time? |
Provider programs are not the same as Lifeline. They may use different income rules, public benefit lists, contracts, service areas, speeds, and prices. Before you change plans, compare the full monthly cost using the FCC broadband labels.
If the phone or internet problem is part of a bigger budget problem, start with ASMOM’s financial assistance guide, local resource guide, and organization guide to sort food, rent, utilities, child care, and local referrals.
Scam warnings
Be careful with “free government phone” ads, door-to-door signups, social media posts, and websites that ask for personal information before showing official rules. Some real Lifeline companies do advertise online, but you should still check them through official channels.
- ACP is closed. The FCC ACP warning says some sites still advertise ACP or collect information for ACP enrollment.
- Do not pay an application fee for Lifeline.
- Do not give your benefit card, bank login, or full Social Security number to a random caller.
- Do not let a seller rush you into switching providers without written plan details.
- Use the FTC scam guide if someone claims to be from the government and pressures you for money or personal information.
If you already entered your information on a suspicious ACP or Lifeline website, save screenshots and use the FCC complaint path or IdentityTheft.gov as the FCC recommends.
Documents and information checklist
You may not need every item below. Gather what you have, then wait for the official application to say what is missing. Do not send original papers unless the official program asks for them.
| Item | Why it may help | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Identity | Confirms who is applying | State ID, driver’s license, Tribal ID, or other official ID |
| Address | Confirms household and service area | Lease, utility bill, school letter, shelter letter, or mail |
| Benefit proof | May show program-based eligibility | SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing, or veterans benefit letter |
| Income proof | May show income eligibility | Pay stubs, tax return, unemployment statement, child support order |
| Current bill | Helps a provider compare plans | Phone bill, internet bill, account number, shutoff or past-due notice |
For broader paperwork planning, use ASMOM’s start here guide and 90-day help plan to organize benefit, school, job, housing, and child care documents.
What to ask a phone or internet provider
Before you accept a plan, ask questions that show the full cost. A cheap headline price can still include equipment, activation, installation, taxes, late fees, data limits, or a higher price later.
- Do you participate in Lifeline at my exact address?
- Can I use Lifeline for phone, internet, or a bundle?
- What is the total monthly bill after taxes and fees?
- Is this price temporary, or does it change after a few months?
- Is there a contract, deposit, credit check, installation fee, or equipment rental?
- What happens if I miss one payment?
- Is a phone included, borrowed, leased, financed, or sold?
- What is the replacement cost if the phone breaks or is lost?
- How much data is included, and what happens when it runs out?
- Can I keep my phone number?
If you need child care so you can work or attend training, use ASMOM’s child care guide. If you are applying for work or training online, ASMOM’s job training guide can help you find workforce offices that may know about local device or internet resources.
If you are denied, delayed, or stuck
A Lifeline denial does not always mean you can never qualify. It may mean the system could not match your information, your document was not accepted, your household already has Lifeline, or the provider does not serve your address.
- Read the notice and write down the exact reason.
- Check spelling, date of birth, address, and document dates.
- Ask the Lifeline Support Center what document would fix the issue.
- Ask whether your household needs the one-per-household worksheet.
- Try a different participating provider if the problem is service area or plan choice.
- Call 211, your school, library, or local nonprofit while you wait.
If your bigger issue is benefit delays, lost paperwork, or closed cases, use ASMOM’s real help guide and state directory to find the right state office and backup programs.
Phone scripts
Call Lifeline Support
“Hi, I’m applying for Lifeline and I need help. My application number is [number] if I have one. Can you tell me what is missing, what document you need, and how I should send it?”
Call your provider
“I’m trying to keep phone or internet service for my household. Do you offer Lifeline, a low-income plan, a lower-speed plan, a hardship option, or a way to avoid reconnection fees?”
Call 211
“I’m a single mother in [ZIP code]. I need help keeping phone or internet service. Are there local programs for low-cost internet, phones, hotspots, computers, bill help, or school access?”
Call a school
“My child needs internet access for schoolwork, and our service may be cut off. Does the school have hotspot loans, device loans, library passes, or a family resource office that can help?”
Resumen en español
Lifeline es el programa federal principal que puede bajar el costo del teléfono, internet o un paquete de ambos para hogares que califican. No es dinero en efectivo y no garantiza un teléfono gratis. El Programa de Conectividad Asequible, conocido como ACP, terminó el 1 de junio de 2024. Tenga cuidado con sitios que todavía prometen inscripción en ACP.
Empiece en la página oficial de Lifeline, reúna documentos de identidad, dirección, ingresos o beneficios, y luego confirme el plan con la compañía. Pregunte por el costo total, cargos, datos, contrato, equipo y reglas si se atrasa en un pago.
FAQ
Can single mothers get a free government phone?
Some Lifeline companies may offer no-cost phone plans or devices, but Lifeline itself is a service discount. A free phone is not guaranteed. Ask the company what is included and what fees may apply.
Is ACP still available?
No. The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024 because it did not receive more funding. Use Lifeline and provider low-cost plans instead.
Can SNAP or Medicaid help me qualify for Lifeline?
Yes. USAC says participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing assistance, Veterans Pension, Survivors Benefit, and some Tribal programs may be Lifeline eligibility paths.
Can I use Lifeline for home internet?
Yes, Lifeline can apply to qualifying internet or bundled service through a participating provider. Availability depends on provider participation and your address.
Can more than one person in my home get Lifeline?
Usually no. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household. If people at the same address do not share money, ask about the household worksheet.
What if my Lifeline application is denied?
Read the notice, check your personal information, and ask Lifeline Support what document is needed. You may also compare providers and check local help while you fix the issue.
What if I share a phone plan with an unsafe person?
The Safe Connections Act may help some survivors separate a mobile phone line and may allow emergency Lifeline support for a limited time. Use the survivor benefit page and consider contacting a local advocate if it is safe.
About this guide
This guide uses official federal, state, local, and other high-trust nonprofit and community sources mentioned in the article.
A Single Mother is independent and is not a government agency, benefits office, lender, law firm, medical provider, or tax advisor.
Program rules, funding, local availability, and eligibility can change. Always confirm details with the official program before you apply or make decisions.
Verification: Last verified June 14, 2026, next review September 14, 2026.
Corrections: If you see something wrong or outdated, email suggestions@asinglemother.org.
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only. It is not legal, financial, medical, tax, immigration, disability, safety, or government-agency advice.
Last updated: June 14, 2026. Next review: September 14, 2026.