If you or someone in your household has Medicaid state health insurance, you may be eligible for Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both offer a monthly discount on phone and broadband internet service.
SNAP, food stamps, SSI, and other government assistance programs are among the many ways to qualify for free cell phones and internet. The program is federally regulated to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse.
Eligibility
If you’re a Maryland resident who receives state assistance programs like SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid or SSI, you may qualify for Lifeline. The federal program provides a monthly discount on phone or broadband Internet service or voice-broadband bundled services. Those who apply for the service must provide proof of eligibility through a verification system. You can find out if you qualify for Lifeline by visiting the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) website and completing an online application. The website will ask you to upload copies of your documentation and tell you if you’re approved within a few minutes of submission. Once approved, you can choose from a list of authorized providers offering different plans and options for Lifeline service. Each offers a different plan with varying minutes, refill options, and geographic coverage areas. Each provider has eligibility requirements, but most require you to be a Maryland resident. The program is not a free phone but helps low-income residents stay connected with family and friends. It also helps them communicate with their employers and keep up with schoolwork and classes.
Requirements
The Maryland Lifeline free government phone program provides low-income households free phones and broadband internet access. The program is a part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). This FCC program allows low-income consumers to afford state-of-the-art broadband and telephone service. This program is a great way for families to stay connected with loved ones and seek employment opportunities.
Eligible households can receive a landline phone, bundled voice-broadband services, or standalone broadband internet service. Each provider offers different prices and terms, but all follow national Lifeline rules. The one-per-household rule applies to Lifeline and the ACP; only eligible subscribers can enroll in the program. Subscribers who violate this rule may be subject to fines, imprisonment, or de-enrollment.
To qualify for the Maryland Lifeline Program, you must be a resident of Maryland and receive a federal assistance program. This includes SNAP/Food Stamps, Medicaid, SSI, and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. You must also have a household income at or below the poverty level. The eligibility requirements for the Maryland Lifeline Program are strict, so it’s important to ensure you have all the documentation necessary to sign up for service.
Restrictions
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program, Lifeline, makes it easier for low-income households to afford state-of-the-art broadband and telephone services. Lifeline is available for subscribers enrolled in eligible state and federally recognized aid programs, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, etc. The Lifeline discount can be used for phone or broadband services or bundled voice and broadband services. However, the one-per-household rule applies, meaning only one Lifeline discount is available per household. Subscribers who are found to violate the one-per-household rule face fines, imprisonment, de-enrollment from the program, and being barred from participating in the future. High-speed internet is necessary for many Americans to connect with family, friends, and healthcare providers. AARP has been fighting for affordable broadband access for years, and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new long-term solution that will allow eligible low-income consumers to enjoy fast internet service at an affordable price. To see if you qualify, fill out the ACP application and provide your Application ID number to your internet or phone provider.
Refills
The Maryland Lifeline Program and Emergency Broadband Benefit help low-income households overcome the barriers to affordable Internet access. They empower these households to search for jobs, complete their online education, communicate with family members and healthcare providers, and stay connected to vital community services. These benefits are available to state or federally-recognized aid program participants, including SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension, and Survivors Benefits.
You can find more information about the eligibility requirements for these two programs on their respective websites. The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). They are responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement of funds to the service providers. You can also apply for the program online. You will need to provide proof of your eligibility when you apply. Once you have applied for the program, an official will review your application and send you an ID number. You must provide this number to your service provider. Only one Lifeline phone or broadband discount per household. You must recertify your eligibility annually. Your Lifeline phone or Internet service will be discontinued if you do not. You can contact a service provider or visit an official site to recertify.