How to Save Money on Phone and Internet When You're on a Low Income

Stay Connected Without Breaking the Bank: A Guide to Save Money on Phone and Internet for Low-Income Households

Staying connected to family, healthcare providers, and emergency services is not a luxury — it is a necessity. But for millions of Americans on fixed or limited incomes, monthly phone and internet bills can feel like an impossible burden. The good news is that several federal and state programs exist specifically to help low-income households save money on phone and internet costs. Whether you are setting up service for the first time or looking to reduce what you already pay, this guide walks you through every major option available to you.

What Is the Link Up Program?

One of the most overlooked benefits for people starting new phone service is a federal program called Link Up. This program is designed to reduce the one-time cost of connecting to phone service — things like installation fees or activation charges — which can sometimes prevent people from signing up in the first place.

Here is what you need to know about Link Up:

• One-time discount: Link Up provides a discount of up to $30 on the initial cost of connecting to phone service. This is not a monthly benefit — it applies once, at the time you activate or install service.
• Eligibility: To qualify, your household must meet the same eligibility requirements as the Lifeline program (described below). If you qualify for Lifeline, you very likely qualify for Link Up as well.
• Participating providers: Not every phone company offers Link Up, so you will need to check with providers in your area to find one that participates.
• Purpose: The program is specifically intended to cover activation or installation costs — those upfront fees that sometimes stop people from getting service at all.

If cost at startup has been a barrier to getting phone service, Link Up may be exactly the help you need to get connected.

The Lifeline Program: Ongoing Monthly Savings on Phone and Internet

Link Up works hand-in-hand with Lifeline, the federal program that provides ongoing monthly discounts on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. While Link Up handles the one-time connection cost, Lifeline helps you keep the service affordable month after month.

Key facts about Lifeline include:

• Eligible households receive a monthly discount on their phone or broadband internet bill. The exact amount can vary, so check with your provider or the official Lifeline program website for current figures.
• Qualification is typically based on income level or participation in programs such as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
• Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
• You must re-certify your eligibility every year to continue receiving the benefit.

Lifeline and Link Up are managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered through participating phone and internet providers. You apply through a provider or through the national verifier at the official Lifeline support website.

The Affordable Connectivity Program and What Replaced It

You may have heard about the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a federal benefit that offered larger monthly discounts on broadband internet. As of mid-2024, that program has ended due to a lack of Congressional funding. However, if you were receiving ACP benefits, you may still be eligible for Lifeline, and some internet providers have introduced their own low-income discount plans to help fill the gap.

It is worth calling your current provider to ask what options are available, even if ACP is no longer active. Many companies have continued affordable plans for qualifying customers.

Free and Discounted Phone Plans for Low-Income Seniors

If you qualify for Lifeline, some participating providers will give you a free basic phone plan — including a smartphone and a set number of minutes, texts, and data each month. These are sometimes called Lifeline plans or government phone plans.

To find providers offering free or reduced-cost plans in your area:

• Visit the official Lifeline Support website and use their provider search tool.
• Ask your local Area Agency on Aging or senior center — they often keep updated lists of local options.
• Contact your state's public utility commission, as some states have additional programs on top of the federal benefit.

Low-Cost Internet Options Worth Knowing

Beyond Lifeline, several major internet service providers offer low-income internet programs with flat monthly rates that are significantly below standard pricing. Eligibility is usually tied to participation in assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid. These programs go by different names depending on the provider, so search for your provider's name along with terms like low-income internet or connect program to find their offering.

Additionally, many public libraries offer free Wi-Fi access — and some even lend out Wi-Fi hotspot devices — if home internet is not yet affordable.

Practical Tips to Save Money on Phone and Internet Every Month

Even outside of government programs, there are smart habits that can help stretch your budget further:

• Switch to prepaid: Prepaid phone plans often cost significantly less than traditional contracts and have no credit check or long-term commitment.
• Use Wi-Fi whenever possible: Connecting to Wi-Fi at home, at the library, or at community centers reduces the amount of cellular data you use, keeping your plan costs lower.
• Bundle carefully: Sometimes bundling phone and internet with the same provider saves money — but always compare the bundled price against separate plans before committing.
• Review your bill regularly: Unused features and auto-renewed add-ons can silently inflate your bill. A quick review every few months can reveal savings.
• Ask about senior discounts: Many providers offer discounts for customers 55 or 65 and older. It never hurts to ask directly.

Take the Next Step Today

If you are struggling to afford phone or internet service, you do not have to figure it out alone. Programs like Link Up and Lifeline exist specifically to help people in your situation get and stay connected.

To get started, visit the official Lifeline Support website at lifelinesupport.org to check your eligibility, find participating providers in your area, and begin your application. You can also call 1-800-234-9473 to speak with someone directly about the Lifeline program. If you are already enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, or another assistance program, there is a good chance you qualify — and getting started takes just a few minutes.

Staying connected is too important to put off. Take the first step today and find out how much you could save money on phone and internet starting right now.