The Lifeline program offers crucial benefits to help eligible individuals stay connected to essential services like job searches, emergency contacts, and healthcare through free or low-cost phone and internet services. If you’re struggling to cover phone or internet costs, Lifeline can be a lifeline—literally! But how can you apply and track your application using the Lifeline Application ID?
In this blog, we will walk you through a step-by-step guide on how to apply for Lifeline either through the Lifeline Support website or by mail, and how to use your Lifeline Application ID to get connected with AirTalk Wireless. But first, let’s briefly discuss the benefits and eligibility for Lifeline.
What is the Lifeline Program, and What Are Its Benefits?
Lifeline is a federal program that provides eligible low-income individuals with a discount on phone and internet services. This program ensures that you have access to essential communication tools for:
- Connecting with job opportunities
- Emergency and healthcare services
- Staying in touch with family and friends
Lifeline offers a discount of up to $9.25 per month for eligible households, and in tribal lands, the discount is even higher. You can use this benefit for either phone service, internet, or a combination of both.
Ways to Apply for Lifeline
- Apply through AirTalk Wireless – You can apply directly on the AirTalk website.
- Apply through the Lifeline Support website – Apply via www.lifelinesupport.org or by mail.
Both application methods are essentially the same; it’s up to you to choose the most convenient option. For this blog, we’ll show you the step-by-step process of applying through the Lifeline Support website or by mail.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Lifeline via Lifeline Support
Step 1: Choose application options
You have two options for how to apply to the Lifeline program:
- Option 1: Apply online
- Visit www.lifelinesupport.org to complete the online application and upload any required documentation
- Option 2: Apply by Mail
- Fill out all the application, instructions are available in 10 languages
- Mail the application and supporting documentation to the Lifeline Support Center (P.O Box 1000 Horseheads, NY 14845)
Step 2: Apply Online
Visit www.lifelinesupport.org and select “Apply Now” to start your application
Step 3: Fill out your information
- People will be redirected to the application landing page, select “Get Started” to begin
- People need to fill personal information
- They will be asked if they qualify for the benefit through themselves or through a child or dependent.
- If people qualify for emergency Lifeline support through a dependent or a child, they will be asked to provide that person’s information
Step 4: Create account
- People must create a username and password to set up an account and sign in
- People should select the way they would like FCC to contact them about their benefit by choosing either “Email” or “Mail”. Detailed contact information should be provided and then prefer the language. Remember, eligible people must agree to “Term & Conditions” by checking the box to continue their application
Step 5: Qualifying programs
- Eligible people must state how they qualify by selecting all the program they participate in
- If they do not participate in any of the list program, they also qualify based on income or through a child or dependent
Step 6: Review & Submit
- People can review and make correction to the information they provided, select “Edit” to make any change and continue by clicking “Submit”
- All people must provide proof of attempted line separation request to qualify emergency support from Lifeline. Please select “Yes” and then click “Next”
Step 7: Agreement page
- People must initial each box and consent to the information of each statement by signing electronically with their first and last name. Finally, click “Submit” to finish application
Step 8: Application status
- After an eligible person submits the application, they will receive a message that their documents are being reviewed. Once review is complete, people will get the notification via mail or email about the status of their application
- When people get approval, they will be informed and given instructions on how to sign up along with application ID. Please sign up before the deadline provided.