Your Phone Provider May Already Offer Link Up — Here's How to Find Out Before You Pay Full Price

If you are setting up a new phone line and qualify for low-income assistance programs, you may be leaving money on the table without even knowing it. The Link Up program is a federal benefit that reduces the one-time cost of connecting to phone service — and knowing which phone companies participate in Link Up program before you sign up for a plan could save you real money on day one.

This guide walks you through exactly what Link Up covers, how to find participating carriers in your area, and what steps to take so you are not paying full price for phone installation or activation when you do not have to.

What Is the Link Up Program?

Link Up is a federal assistance program administered through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). It is designed specifically to help low-income households afford the one-time costs that come with starting new phone service — things like installation fees or activation charges.

Here is what makes Link Up different from other phone assistance programs:

• It is a one-time discount, not a monthly benefit. Link Up helps you get connected — it covers the upfront cost, not your ongoing bill.
• It can reduce your connection cost by up to $30. The exact amount may vary depending on your state and provider.
• It is tied to Lifeline eligibility. If you already qualify for the Lifeline program — which provides monthly discounts on phone or internet service — you are likely eligible for Link Up as well.
• It applies to initial installation or activation. This benefit is meant for households that are getting connected for the first time or reconnecting through a new provider.

Think of Link Up and Lifeline as companion programs. Lifeline helps keep your monthly costs down. Link Up helps you afford the door to get in.

Which Phone Companies Participate in Link Up Program?

This is the question most people forget to ask — and it matters more than you might think. Not every phone company offers Link Up, and participation can vary significantly from one state to another.

Carriers that participate in Link Up are called Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs). These are phone providers that have been approved by the government to offer federally subsidized phone benefits, including both Lifeline and Link Up discounts.

Some of the types of providers that commonly participate include:

• Regional and national wireless carriers
• Prepaid mobile phone providers
• Local landline telephone companies in rural areas
• Tribal-area phone providers (which may offer enhanced benefit amounts)

Because participation is determined at the state level and changes over time, there is no single permanent national list of every qualifying carrier. The best and most current source is the official USAC website, which maintains an updated directory of participating providers by state.

How to Look Up Participating Carriers in Your State

Finding which phone companies participate in Link Up program in your specific area takes just a few minutes if you know where to look. Here is how to do it:

• Visit the USAC Lifeline provider search tool. Go to the official USAC website at lifelinesupport.org and use the provider search feature. Enter your zip code to see a list of approved carriers near you.
• Look for carriers that list both Lifeline and Link Up benefits. Some providers offer only Lifeline monthly discounts. Others offer both. When browsing the list, check which specific benefits each carrier provides.
• Call the carrier directly. Once you have a short list of providers in your area, call their customer service line and ask specifically whether they offer Link Up for new activations. Confirm before you sign up.
• Check with your state public utilities commission. Some states maintain their own lists of approved Lifeline and Link Up providers. A quick search for your state name plus the phrase Eligible Telecommunications Carrier can point you in the right direction.

Who Qualifies for Link Up?

Since Link Up is available to Lifeline-eligible households, the eligibility requirements are the same as Lifeline. You may qualify if you participate in certain federal assistance programs or if your household income falls at or below a certain percentage of the federal poverty guidelines. Qualifying programs typically include Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, and Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits, among others.

Eligibility thresholds and qualifying programs can vary slightly by state, so it is worth checking the most current requirements when you apply.

Important: Only one Lifeline and Link Up benefit is allowed per household. If someone in your home is already receiving Lifeline service, a second person in the same household cannot receive a separate benefit.

What If I Already Have a Phone Plan?

Link Up is specifically for the connection or activation cost when starting new service. If you are already connected and simply paying a monthly bill, Link Up would not apply to your current situation — but Lifeline might still help reduce what you pay each month. The two programs work together, and many people who discover Link Up also benefit from enrolling in Lifeline at the same time.

Tips for Older Adults Shopping for Phone Service

If you are 55 or older and considering a new phone plan, here are a few practical steps to make sure you get every benefit you are entitled to:

• Do not activate a new line before checking for Link Up. Once you pay an activation fee without the discount, you generally cannot get it back. Check first.
• Ask providers upfront. When you call or visit a carrier, ask directly: Do you participate in the federal Link Up program? A simple question can save you money.
• Compare providers in your area. The USAC search tool shows all participating carriers in your zip code. You may have more options than you expect, including providers you have not heard of that specialize in low-income assistance.
• Bring documentation when you apply. You will likely need to show proof of eligibility — such as a benefit award letter for Medicaid or SSI — so having those documents ready speeds up the process.
• Apply through the National Verifier. USAC operates a central application system called the National Verifier that determines your eligibility for Lifeline and Link Up. Many carriers use this system, so your approval may carry over when you choose a participating provider.

Take the Next Step Today

You do not have to guess whether you qualify or which carriers accept Link Up in your area. The information is available, free, and just a few clicks away.

Here is your action plan:

• Visit lifelinesupport.org to search for participating providers in your zip code and check your eligibility for Lifeline and Link Up.
• Call 1-800-234-9473, the USAC Lifeline support line, if you prefer to speak with someone directly or need help navigating the process.
• Once you find a participating carrier, ask them to apply the Link Up discount before your service is activated.

A one-time discount of up to $30 may not sound like a lot, but for a household on a fixed income, every dollar saved on a connection fee is a dollar that stays in your pocket. Take five minutes today to find out whether a participating carrier is already available in your area — before you pay full price for something you may not have to.