Retirement Social Security

Millions of SSI Recipients May Qualify for a Discount They’re Not Using

A federal program could be lowering your phone or internet bill.

By David Maina, CPA , Edited by Laura Hohenstein

Updated April 2, 2026

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If you receive Supplemental Security Income, you may already qualify for a monthly discount on phone or internet service through a program called Lifeline. Many eligible recipients still aren't aware the benefit exists, which means they could be paying more each month than they need to.

That matters more on a fixed income, where even a modest recurring savings can make monthly bills a little easier to manage over time. Checking for benefits like this is one of the simpler ways to make the right moves and keep regular costs under better control.

Here's how Lifeline works, who qualifies, and how to sign up.

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How the Lifeline credit works

Lifeline is a federal program, administered by the FCC (Federal Communications Commission), that provides a monthly credit toward phone or internet service for low-income households.

The standard credit is up to $9.25 per month. For households on qualifying Tribal lands, that figure rises to up to $34.25. The credit can be applied to a landline, cell phone plan, or broadband connection, depending on what your carrier supports.

Once enrolled, the discount is applied through your Lifeline provider, and you have to stay eligible. Lifeline requires annual recertification, usually a brief online or mailed confirmation that you still meet the program's rules.

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Who's eligible for the Lifeline credit

If anyone in your household receives SSI, you qualify automatically through program-based eligibility. The same applies to recipients of Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or a Veterans Pension. Residents of qualifying Tribal lands have additional qualifying programs, including Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, and Tribal Head Start.

There is also an income-based route into the program. Households with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines can qualify, with the limit rising based on household size.

Each household is limited to one Lifeline credit. If someone else at your address is already enrolled, a second credit can't be claimed at the same location.

How to sign up

The fastest way to apply is through the Lifeline National Verifier at getinternet.gov. You create an account, fill out a short application, and submit proof that you qualify. It helps to have a few basic details ready before you start, including your name, home address, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number.

SSI recipients may be asked to upload an award letter or benefit verification statement, although the system can sometimes confirm eligibility automatically. When that happens, you may not need to upload any documents at all.

You can also print a paper application from lifelinesupport.org, fill it out by hand, and mail it in with copies of your documents. Some participating providers can also walk you through the application themselves, which may feel simpler if you would rather handle everything through your carrier.

For general questions not tied to a specific carrier, USAC's Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473 can help with eligibility, documentation, and the application process.

Once approved, the next step is choosing a participating provider to connect the discount to. If you already have service through a company that participates in Lifeline, you can ask them to apply the credit to your current plan.

If your provider isn't part of the program, you'll need to sign up with one that is. Either way, after the carrier is set, the discount starts appearing on your bill automatically.

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Where to apply the credit

Lifeline covers either phone or internet service, not both, so it's worth considering which bill costs more or which service you rely on most.

For retirees on a basic cell phone plan, the math can work out well. If your monthly plan runs close to $9.25, the credit could reduce it or cover it entirely. If you depend more on internet access for things like telehealth visits or managing finances online, applying the credit toward broadband may stretch further, even if it only offsets part of the bill.

Before choosing, it helps to compare a few participating providers in your area. Some offer low-cost plans designed around the Lifeline credit, which can make the savings go further than you might expect. A short review of your options can make the decision much clearer.

Bottom line

The Lifeline credit adds up to roughly $111 in savings over a year, or close to $411 on qualifying Tribal lands. For SSI recipients, enrollment is one of the simpler benefit applications available, and it applies to a bill most households are already paying.

A small monthly discount on phone or internet service may not look like much at first, but recurring savings can still help support a more stress-free retirement when every fixed expense has to earn its place. If you qualify and have not enrolled, it may be worth taking a closer look at how this benefit could help.

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