Staying in touch with family, work and important services shouldn’t break the bank. That’s where the federal Lifeline program comes in — a resource designed to make phone and internet service more affordable for households with lower incomes. If you or someone you know struggles with monthly bills, Lifeline might be the solution to help you stay connected, safe, and informed.
Tip: Not sure if you qualify for Lifeline or want to see what other benefits you could get? MyFriendBen is a free tool that can help you quickly find programs, including Lifeline, that you may be eligible for.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or internet bills for qualifying households. If you live on Tribal lands, this discount increases to $34.25 per month, making it even easier to afford reliable service.
Learn more or start an application at LifelineSupport.org.
Who Qualifies for Lifeline?
You may be eligible for Lifeline if:
- Your income is 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- OR you (or someone in your household) already participate in certain benefit programs, such as:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- And others (the full list is on LifelineSupport.org)
Even if you’re already receiving help with food, housing or healthcare, Lifeline is a separate benefit and worth looking into. The MyFriendBen Colorado screener can help you review your situation and quickly see if Lifeline—and other helpful programs—are a good fit.
How Much Can You Save?
- Most households: Save up to $9.25 each month on your phone or internet bill
- Residents of Tribal lands: Save up to $34.25 per month
- Some providers may let you apply the discount to a bundled service (phone + internet)
How to Apply for Lifeline
Getting started is straightforward, and you can apply online, by mail, or through a participating phone or internet company.
Steps to apply:
- Visit LifelineSupport.org and click “Apply Now.”
- Gather documents to prove your eligibility—like a benefit approval letter, pay stubs or tax return.
- Complete the application online, or print and mail it in.
- Once approved, choose a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline in your area. Here is the list of Lifeline providers in Colorado.
- Ask your provider to apply the Lifeline discount to your account.
Maintaining Your Lifeline Benefit
After you’re approved, you’ll need to renew your Lifeline benefit every year to keep your discount. Be sure to respond to any requests from Lifeline or your phone/internet provider for updated information. If your household situation changes (like your income goes up or you no longer qualify for other benefits), let Lifeline know as soon as possible to avoid losing your discount.
Special Support for Tribal Communities
If you live on Tribal lands, you may qualify for even bigger discounts and extra help getting connected:
- Lifeline Tribal benefit: Up to $34.25/month off your bill
- Link Up program: A one-time discount (up to $100) to help with the cost of starting new phone service
Check the LifelineSupport.org Tribal page for details on qualifying Tribal programs and how to apply.
Other Ways to Save on Utilities in Colorado
Lifeline is just one of many programs that can help lower your monthly bills. If you’re looking for help with other utilities, check out these Colorado resources:
- Energy/Heating Assistance: Energy Outreach Colorado offers help paying your energy bill.
- Rent or Utility Help in Denver: Denver Resident Resources
- Colorado Utility Bill Payment Assistance: Public Utilities Commission has a list of programs and tips for managing your bills.
- Property Tax/Rent/Heat Rebate: If you’re a senior or have a disability, you may be eligible for a PTC Rebate from the Colorado Department of Revenue.
To see if you’re eligible for multiple types of assistance, try out MyFriendBen. You might discover savings you didn’t know existed!
Take the First Step to Stay Connected
Having a phone and internet connection is more important than ever—for work, school, healthcare and emergencies. The Lifeline program is here to help make sure no one has to go without this essential service. If you think you might qualify, don’t wait—check your eligibility today with MyFriendBen, and explore the other resources available to support your household. Staying connected is within reach!
