Partial federal government shutdown
HCA does not anticipate any immediate impacts to our services or disruption to provider payments at this time. We will continue to monitor the situation and share updates if anything changes.
Lifeline phone services
Learn about Lifeline phone services available for income eligible individuals.
On this page
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is the Federal Communications Commission’s program to make communications services accessible to low-income consumers in Washington State. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet access service, or voice-broadband bundled service purchased from participating providers.
Who is eligible?
Lifeline is available to eligible, low-income consumers in every state, commonwealth, territory, and on Tribal lands. You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on household size and state of residence. You may also qualify if you or someone in your household gets SNAP, Apple Health (Medicaid), or assistance from other federal programs. Learn more about eligibility requirements for Lifeline services.
How do I apply?
You can only receive one Lifeline subsidy per household. You must choose whether you want the subsidy applied to a landline or cell phone. View the steps required to receive a Lifeline discount.
Cell phone
- Apply with a Lifeline cell phone provider in Washington.
- Complete your phone company’s application for Lifeline services.
- You will receive a cell phone by mail, if you are eligible.
Landline
- Contact your local landline phone service provider and request a Lifeline application.
- The local phone company will apply a Lifeline subsidy to your phone bill, if you are eligible.
Lifeline service providers
The following Lifeline service providers are active in Washington:
Enhanced Lifeline benefits for Tribal lands
- Enhanced Lifeline benefits are available to low-income residents of Tribal lands. You can receive up to $25 per month in addition to the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25, if you live on federally-recognized Tribal lands.
- Link Up, another federal benefit program, reduces the initial installation or activation fees of certain Lifeline providers offering telephone service on Tribal lands.
- More details are available online about these programs, including which areas are eligible Tribal lands.
Contact
Email: Lifeline support center
Phone: 1-800-234-9473