Massachusetts Lifeline program — getting a discount on your phone bill if your income is low or you receive benefits
If you live in Massachusetts and your household income is low or someone in your home receives government benefits, you may be able to get $9.25 off your monthly phone or internet bill through the federal Lifeline program. Some Massachusetts residents may also get a free phone and service through carriers that participate in Lifeline in the state.
This page covers the Massachusetts-specific details: the income limits that apply here, the qualifying programs, how to apply, where to get help if something goes wrong, and how to find a free phone if that is what you need. For a general overview of how Lifeline works nationwide, see the NHPB Lifeline guide explaining how it works.
- Scam warning: Lifeline is one of the most imitated government programs. No legitimate carrier will charge you a fee to apply or ask for gift card payments. Only apply through an FCC-authorized carrier or through the National Verifier at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.
Who qualifies in Massachusetts
There are two ways to qualify — through income or through an existing benefit program. Only one needs to apply.
Income eligibility in Massachusetts requires that your total household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The exact dollar amount changes each year and depends on how many people live in your home and share expenses. A household with more people can have a higher income and still qualify. The current income limits by household size are listed on the Massachusetts Lifeline eligibility page at https://www.mass.gov/info-details/lifeline-program..
Program eligibility is a second option. This means that if anyone in your household already receives one of the following benefits, the household qualifies regardless of income. In Massachusetts those qualifying programs include MassHealth (the Massachusetts Medicaid program), SNAP food assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8, the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit program, and the National School Lunch Program. Massachusetts uses its own names for some of these programs — MassHealth for Medicaid and TAFDC (Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children) in place of the federal TANF name — so if you are enrolled in any of those, you likely qualify.
- NOTE: The Safe Connections Act is another option - but it is only for survivors of domestic violence. If you are a survivor of domestic violence, human trafficking, or a related crime and are facing financial hardship, the Safe Connections Act provides a separate path to Lifeline. More information on the survivor benefit is at the Lifeline Support Center at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
The benefit covers one phone line per household. If two people in the same home both want to apply, only one can receive the Lifeline discount at the address.
What the benefit covers
The federal Lifeline benefit is $9.25 per month off the cost of phone, internet, or a bundled service. You apply it to one plan from a participating carrier of your choice. It can be used on a landline, a cell phone, or broadband internet service — whichever is most useful to your household.
The discount does not cover long-distance calling, premium features, or add-ons beyond the base service. Some carriers offer plans specifically priced for Lifeline subscribers that bring the effective cost of basic service down to zero, while others apply the $9.25 as a credit against a regular plan.
Once enrolled, you stay with the same Lifeline provider for a minimum of 60 days for phone service or 12 months for internet service before switching to another carrier.
How to apply
Applications in Massachusetts go through the National Verifier, the federal system that confirms eligibility for Lifeline. You can start online through the Lifeline application portal at https://www.mass.gov/lifeline or through the carrier you plan to use. Either way, you will be directed to the National Verifier to confirm eligibility before enrollment is complete.
To apply you will need your full name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number or Tribal ID. You will also need your home address — or if you are experiencing homelessness, the address of the shelter or organization where you receive services. If applying based on program participation, have documentation of that benefit available, such as a benefit letter or award notice. If applying based on income, have a recent pay stub, tax return, or other proof of household income ready.
After you apply, you must recertify your eligibility once each year. If you miss the recertification window, your Lifeline benefit will be cancelled and your monthly bill may increase. Your carrier is required to notify you before recertification is due.
Free phone options in Massachusetts
Some Lifeline carriers in Massachusetts may offer a free phone along with free or very low-cost monthly service, rather than just a discount on an existing plan. These are worth knowing about if you do not currently have a phone or are on a plan that is more than you can afford.
SafeLink Wireless, operated by TracFone, offers free phones and Lifeline plans to eligible Massachusetts residents. Applications are at https://www.safelinkwireless.com.
Assurance Wireless offers on occasion a free Android smartphone to eligible Massachusetts residents along with free unlimited talk, text, and data on the T-Mobile network. Assurance Wireless is owned by T-Mobile. Applications for Massachusetts residents are at https://www.assurancewireless.com/.
Other carriers also participate in Massachusetts Lifeline. The full list of eligible telecommunications carriers currently authorized by the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Cable is available at mass.gov or by calling the department's consumer line below.
If something goes wrong — where to get help in Massachusetts
Lifeline in Massachusetts is overseen by the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC). If you have a complaint about a carrier, a question about your eligibility, or a problem that your carrier has not resolved, the DTC handles those directly.
Consumer hotline: (800) 392-6066 or (617) 305-3531, open Monday through Friday 8:45 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Lifeline benefit amounts, income thresholds, qualifying programs, and carrier participation can change. The information on this page reflects what was current as of the most recent available Massachusetts program update. Confirm current details at mass.gov or by calling the DTC consumer line before applying.
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