Lifeline is not only for free government phones. It is a discount of up to $9.25 a month, and some regular phone and internet companies will apply it to the bill you already pay. That can be a better deal than switching to a free plan if you like your current service.
The catch is coverage: each company offers Lifeline only in the states where it is approved, and some big names do not take part at all. This guide shows which companies apply Lifeline to a regular bill and how to add it. For the free plan route, see the free government phone hub and how to apply for Lifeline.
How the discount works on a regular bill
- Up to $9.25 a month off service that includes broadband meeting the FCC’s minimum service standards, such as home internet or a wireless plan with data.
- $5.25 a month off voice-only service, such as a basic landline.
- Up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands; see Tribal Lifeline.
- One Lifeline discount per household, on one service.
Which companies apply Lifeline to a regular bill
From each company’s own Lifeline page. State lists change, so confirm with the company.
| Company | Services | Where |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Wireless; home phone | Wireless in parts of AL, AR, ID, KY, LA, MI, MS, ND, OR, SD, TX, WA, WV. Home phone in CA, KS, NV |
| Verizon | Home phone and Fios internet; wireless | Home phone and Fios in CT, DE, DC, MA, MD, NC, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VA. Wireless in parts of IA, ND, NY, WI |
| T-Mobile | Wireless | Selected states only; its latest published list is from 2022, so ask |
| CenturyLink (Lumen) | Home internet or voice | States where it offers service; $9.25 for broadband or $5.25 for voice, not both |
| Brightspeed | Home internet or voice | Its service areas; broadband must be at least 25/3 Mbps |
| Frontier | Phone, internet or bundles | About 30 states, including AZ, CA, CT, FL, NY, OH, PA, TX, WV and others |
| Xfinity (Comcast) | Not in federal Lifeline | Takes part only in California’s state LifeLine home broadband program |
How to add Lifeline to your existing bill
- Qualify through the National Verifier (or your state process in Oregon or Texas). The 2026 income limits and programs are in our Lifeline eligibility guide.
- Write down your application ID or confirmation number.
- Contact your company and ask to add the Lifeline discount. AT&T lists 800-377-9450 for wireless Lifeline and 888-319-0519 for home phone Lifeline; Verizon uses 1-800-Verizon; CenturyLink and Brightspeed ask for your confirmation number.
- Confirm which service gets the discount, especially if you have both phone and internet with the same company.
- Check your next bill for the Lifeline credit.
If your company does not offer Lifeline
You have two choices. Switch to a company that applies Lifeline to the kind of service you want, or move your Lifeline benefit to a free wireless plan and keep your regular service without a discount. If you already have Lifeline elsewhere, a Lifeline transfer moves it; if you want to keep your phone, see bring your own phone to Lifeline.
For home internet, several companies also run separate low-income plans, and some accept Lifeline as proof of eligibility. Our guide to Lifeline vs ACP lists them.
Is it better than a free plan?
| Choose the discount on your current bill if | Choose a free Lifeline wireless plan if |
|---|---|
| You want to keep your current carrier, phone and number | You want to pay nothing each month |
| You need home internet or a landline | A basic phone and the plan’s data are enough |
| Your company offers Lifeline in your state | Your carrier does not participate |
Compare free plans in our Lifeline providers guide. If you qualify through SNAP, your SNAP letter is usually the quickest proof; see what SNAP is.