Utility, Phone & Internet Help › Guide

State Lifeline and Low-Cost Internet Help Beyond Federal Aid

By CalculateBenefits Editorial Team · Reviewed by Mark Phaneuf, Publisher · September 2026

Federal Lifeline can lower a phone or internet bill by up to $9.25 a month. Some states add more help or require a low-cost plan. California and New York are two clear examples.

State rules change. Check the state page and your provider before you switch service.

How does federal Lifeline work?

Lifeline can be used for phone, internet, or a bundle of both. A household gets one benefit, not one for each person.

You may qualify through income or a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal public housing help, or a VA pension benefit. People on qualifying Tribal lands may get more federal support.

Use the official Lifeline application. Applying is free.

What does California LifeLine provide?

California LifeLine offers up to $19 a month for an eligible home or cell phone service. It can work with the federal benefit for up to $28.25 in total phone support.

California also approved a home internet test program. It can give up to $20 a month for internet alone or up to $30 for an internet-and-phone bundle. A provider must take part.

Ask the provider which plan and discount it offers at your address. A top amount is not a promise of a free bill.

Who may qualify in California?

You may qualify through household income or a listed program. The program list includes Medi-Cal, SNAP, SSI, WIC, LIHEAP, Section 8, school meals, TANF, and some VA pension help.

The income limits change each year. Use the CPUC current eligibility page rather than a saved chart.

Only one California LifeLine phone discount is allowed per household. You must choose home phone or cell phone service.

What does New York require?

New York uses a low-price plan rule. It is not a second Lifeline credit. Covered internet companies must offer an eligible home a plan of no more than $15 a month at 25 Mbps or a plan of $20 a month at 200 Mbps.

A company does not have to offer both plans, and some smaller companies may be exempt. The price cannot add required taxes, fees, or a bundle.

Who may qualify in New York?

A home may qualify through SNAP, Medicaid, or free or low-cost school meals. A power bill aid plan or set rent-freeze plan may also help.

Use New York's consumer page to see providers by county. You can also call 211 for help. New York City residents can call 311.

Can you add Lifeline to a state plan?

California says its phone help can combine with federal Lifeline. For broadband pilots or a New York low-price plan, ask the provider.

Get the full answer before you change service. Ask for the plan price, equipment cost, speed, and whether the federal benefit is already in that price.

Do other states offer extra help?

Some do, but the names and rules differ. A state utility office is the safest place to check.

Search the state site for phone or internet aid. Be sure it cuts a service bill. Some states use the word Lifeline for other kinds of help.

Our post-ACP guide covers the federal path. Our provider guide compares other low-cost choices.

Programs mentioned in this guide