Are you struggling to pay for phone service each month? Verizon’s Lifeline program might help you get a phone plan at a lower cost. This program is for people with low incomes, and it can save you money every month on your Verizon Wireless bill. Below is a clear guide on how to qualify, apply, and choose the right plan. We’ve kept this simple so everyone can understand it.
1. What Is Verizon’s Lifeline Program?
- Lifeline is a federal government program that helps people with limited incomes afford phone or internet service.
- If you qualify, you can get at least $9.25 off your Verizon Wireless bill each month.
- People who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may get more help with fees or monthly costs.
2. Where Is It Available?
Verizon Wireless offers Lifeline service in parts of:
- New York (NY)
- Pennsylvania (PA)
- New Jersey (NJ)
- Virginia (VA)
- Maryland (MD)
- Massachusetts (MA)
- North Carolina (NC)
- Connecticut (CT)
- District of Columbia (DC)
- Delaware (DE)
- Rhode Island (RI)
Important: Lifeline for Verizon Wireless is not available everywhere in these states. You need to check if your address is in a covered area before applying.
3. How Do I Know If I Qualify?
You must prove that your income is low enough. If you make less than $21,000 per year, you most likely qualify. If you are part of these programs, you qualify:
- SNAP (Food Stamps)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing (Section 8)
- Other programs listed in the Lifeline application
To qualify, you must:
- Show two proofs of identification (for example, a driver’s license and a utility bill, or other ID documents).
- Show proof that you meet income requirements or are already in a qualifying government program.
Only one discount is allowed per household. That means if you get a Lifeline discount on your cell phone, you cannot get another Lifeline discount on a home phone or internet service at the same time.
4. How Do I Apply?
- Check eligibility: Make sure you meet the low-income or government program requirements.
- Gather documents:
- Two forms of ID
- Proof of eligibility (like a letter showing you get SNAP benefits)
- Get the application:
- The online application can be found here: https://getinternet.gov/apply?id=nv_home
- Visit Verizon’s Lifeline Information Page for details.
- Or call 1-800-417-3849 to ask for help and get the right forms.
- Fill out the application: Include copies of your documents to prove you qualify.
- Send it in: Follow the instructions on where to mail or submit your application.
- AFTER you are verified, you can call 1-800-Verizon to select your service.
Once your application is approved, Verizon will apply the discount to your monthly bill.
5. What If I Live on Tribal Lands?
- If you live on Tribal Lands, you may get even bigger discounts.
- You might also get help with certain one-time activation fees through the Tribal Link Up program.
- Note: The Link Up assistance does not cover the cost of your actual phone. It only covers the activation fee.
6. Which Phone Plans Can I Get With Lifeline?
Verizon has two special plans for Lifeline customers:
Plan | Monthly Cost (Before Discount) | Monthly Cost (After $9.25 Discount) | Any Extra Discount for Tribal Lands? | Details |
---|---|---|---|---|
$25.00 Lifeline Plan (Requires a cellphone) | $25.00 | $15.75 | Could be $0 if you live on qualifying Tribal lands | – 1,000 minutes each month – Unlimited nights & weekends – Unlimited text messages – 45¢ per minute after 1,000 minutes – $35 activation fee (Tribal residents may get this waived) |
$19.99 Home Phone Connect Plan (Requires a Home Phone Connect device) | $19.99 | $10.74 | Could be $0 if you live on qualifying Tribal lands | – Unlimited minutes each month – Does not support internet, fax, security systems, etc. – $35 activation fee (Tribal residents may get this waived) |
Important Details for These Plans
- Unlimited Nights and Weekends: For the $25.00 plan, you won’t use up your 1,000 minutes during evening and weekend calls.
- Domestic Long Distance: Calls within the United States or Puerto Rico are included in both plans, but airtime may still count toward your minutes if you choose the $25.00 plan.
- No Data Service: You cannot add data (internet) to these special Lifeline plans.
- Home Phone Connect: This is a special device that turns your home phone into a wireless service using the Verizon network. It does not work with internet, fax machines, medical devices, or security systems.
7. Rules You Need to Know
- One Lifeline Benefit Per Household: You can’t get a Lifeline discount on more than one phone or internet service at the same time.
- No Transfer: You cannot give your Lifeline discount to anyone else.
- Be Honest: You must swear (certify under penalty of perjury) that the information you give is true. Anyone who lies to get this benefit can be fined, jailed, or barred from the program.
- Use Your Address: The address you list must be in an area where Verizon Wireless is approved to offer Lifeline service.
- No Retroactive Discounts: You can’t apply the Lifeline discount to past bills.
8. Step-by-Step Summary
- Check if Verizon Lifeline is in Your Area: This is important if you live in Iowa, North Dakota, New York, or Wisconsin.
- Look at the Requirements: Do you receive benefits like SNAP or Medicaid? If yes, you might qualify. If not, see if your income level still meets the program rules. ($21,000 for individuals)
- Call or Go Online:
- Verizon Lifeline Page
- Phone: 1-800-417-3849
- Fill Out the Application: Show proof you qualify and give two forms of ID.
- Pick Your Plan:
- $25.00 Lifeline Plan if you want to use a wireless cellphone.
- $19.99 Home Phone Connect Plan if you want a home-style phone (but no internet or fax).
- Submit Everything: Wait for Verizon to confirm you’re approved.
- Start Saving: Enjoy at least $9.25 off your monthly bill—or possibly more if you live on Tribal lands.
9. Get Help or Learn More
- Visit Verizon’s Lifeline Support Page
- Call 1-800-417-3849 for questions about your situation.
- You can also read about the overall Lifeline program (run by the federal government) at lifelinesupport.org.
Final Thoughts
If you’re struggling with phone bills, Lifeline can help you stay connected. Having a phone is important for talking with doctors, finding jobs, and keeping in touch with family or emergency services. Check today to see if you’re eligible, send in your application, and start saving with Verizon’s Lifeline discount. You deserve to have reliable phone service—even on a tight budget.
For more information or questions, call 1-800-417-3849 or visit the Verizon Lifeline website.
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