What is the Lifeline Assistance Program?
Lifeline is a federally-funded program that provides eligible recipient households a monthly discount on a communications service including local telephone, mobile phone service, or broadband service.
Idaho residents may also be eligible for an additional discount on phone services through the state-funded program, known as ITSAP.
Who is eligible?
Any residential customers who meet program-based or income-based eligibility criteria.
- Income Eligible: Income cannot exceed 135% of federal poverty guidelines for household size. Review guidelines here.
- Program Eligible:
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Section 8
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans pension and Survivors Benefit
How do I apply for assistance?
1. Contact your local state agency to apply for eligible programs.
Wyoming residents:
Wyo. Department of Family Services
631 Washington Street
Afton, WY 83110
307.886.9232
Idaho residents:
Contact the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, using the CareLine number below, or Community Action Partnership of Idaho (CAPAI) to make sure that you qualify for any of the benefits listed above and then apply with your local Community Action Partnership office.
211 Idaho CareLine: 800.926.2588
2. Apply for lifeline program eligibility.
Apply online at nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline
Bring your printed confirmation to a Silver Star office to complete the application process. If possible, print and complete this form in advance to make the process in store faster.
Do I need to apply every year?
Yes. Your eligibility must be renewed each year. You will be contacted by USAC, the agency responsible for administering the Lifeline program, at the annual anniversary of your discount activation. Failure to re-certify will result in the loss of Lifeline benefit.
Can I have more than one lifeline credit per account (say, I have more than one qualifying service)?
No, the lifeline credit is limited to only one per qualifying household.
More Questions?
If you have more questions regarding Lifeline, please contact Silver Star or lifelinesupport.org
Lifeline is a government assistance program; the service is non-transferable, only eligible consumers may enroll in the program, and the program is limited to one discount per household.