How To Pay Your Bill With Govt Help
The Lifeline program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) helps low-income individuals and families get discounted landline or cell (wireless) phone service. The program is run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
Am I eligible for the Lifeline program?
Here how you can get help to pay your bill from Govt.You may qualify for this program if you or your family:
- Have income at 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines
- Participate in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) or Head Start (if you meet income eligibility criteria)
- Live on tribal land and qualify for certain tribal programs
- Receive a federal veterans pension
How do I apply for Lifeline?
Use the USAC map to find a company in your area that offers Lifeline. You must apply through a local participating company.
Ask the company for a Lifeline application. They will need the following information from you:
- First and last name
- Address
- Date of birth
- Last 4 digits of your Social Security number (or tribal identification number)
You will also need to show at least one of these items:
- Unexpired ID such as a driver's license
- Prior year's tax return
- Social Security card
- You may be asked for other documents to prove your identity.
You will need to prove your eligibility by:
- Showing a pay stub or tax return to prove that your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
- Showing a card or award letter to prove that you or your family participate in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) or other qualifying programs
Who do I contact for extra help with Lifeline?
Your local company is responsible for helping you apply for Lifeline and resolving any issues with your Lifeline service. To call them, look up your company's contact information.If you need more help or your company isn’t responding, contact USAC.USAC can
- Find companies that offer Lifeline-supported service
- Look up which company you are using
- Help if your company refuses to help you or is unresponsive
- Answer questions about how the program works
- Check Govt. Grants for Indivisuals.
USAC cannot help you apply for Lifeline, buy more minutes, sort out your bill, replace lost or broken handsets, or get specific information about your service plan.
Is there anything else I need to know about the Lifeline program?
- To continue with your Lifeline service, you must recertify every year.
- If you can't afford a telephone, contact your state social service agency for help finding an emergency cell phone donation program near you.
- Know more here about Govt Grants Hardship.