Access to reliable phone and internet service is essential in today’s world, but the cost can be a barrier for some households. Recognizing this need, programs exist to help make these services more affordable. If you are looking for a verizon low income discount, there are government-mandated and Verizon-specific programs available for qualifying individuals and families in the US.
verizon low income discount
Federal Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a long-standing program from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) designed to make communications services more affordable for eligible low-income consumers.
- Verizon Participation: Verizon is a participating provider in the federal Lifeline program.
- The Benefit: Qualifying households can receive a monthly discount on either home phone service, home internet service, or wireless phone service. The standard discount is typically $5.25 or $9.25 per month, depending on the service type (higher discounts may be available for residents on qualifying Tribal lands). Important: A household can only receive one Lifeline discount, not one for each service type.
- Eligibility: You generally qualify for Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, OR if you (or someone in your household) participates in specific federal assistance programs like:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal Programs (for residents of Tribal lands)
- How to Apply: Eligibility is determined through the Lifeline National Verifier. You must apply and prove your eligibility via their website (GetInternet.gov or lifelinesupport.org) or by mail before enrolling in the discount with Verizon or another participating provider. You will need to recertify your eligibility annually.
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Verizon Forward Program
Verizon offers its own discount program specifically for home internet services (Fios, 5G Home, LTE Home).
- The Benefit: Verizon Forward provides a significant monthly discount (often up to $30) on eligible Verizon Home Internet plans for qualifying households. When combined with other discounts like Auto Pay and potentially the federal Lifeline benefit, this can make home internet service available for as low as $20/month or potentially even less in some cases.
- Eligibility: You may qualify for Verizon Forward if your household meets criteria similar to Lifeline (e.g., participation in SNAP, Medicaid, WIC, Veterans Pension) or other programs like receiving a Federal Pell Grant within the past year, or specific state-level programs (like free/reduced school lunch in New York). Past participation in the now-ended Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) might also qualify you.
- How to Apply: Visit the Verizon Forward section on Verizon’s website. You will need to verify your eligibility through Verizon’s partner (usually ID.me), which may require uploading documentation proving participation in a qualifying program or receipt of a Pell Grant. Once verified, you can apply the discount to a new or existing eligible Verizon Home Internet plan. Annual re-verification is typically required.
Important Note on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
- The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which previously offered a separate internet discount, ended in the Spring of 2024 due to a lack of additional funding from Congress. The program is no longer accepting new applications. Verizon participated while the program was active, but the benefit is no longer available. Lifeline and Verizon Forward are the primary current discount options for eligible low-income households through Verizon.
Combining Discounts & Other Savings
- Stacking Lifeline & Forward: For home internet, eligible households can often combine the federal Lifeline discount and the Verizon Forward discount for maximum savings.
- Other Discounts: The verizon low income discount programs (Lifeline, Forward) can generally also be combined with Verizon’s standard discount for enrolling in Auto Pay and paper-free billing, and potentially the Mobile + Home Discount if bundling home internet with an eligible Verizon Wireless plan.
How to Get Started
- Check Lifeline Eligibility: Visit the Lifeline National Verifier website (GetInternet.gov or lifelinesupport.org) to see if you qualify for the federal program and complete their application process first.
- Check Verizon Forward Eligibility: Visit the Verizon Forward page on Verizon’s website to review the specific eligibility criteria and begin the verification process through ID.me.
- Check Service Availability: Ensure Verizon Home Internet (Fios, 5G Home, or LTE Home) or the desired phone service is available at your address using the tools on Verizon’s website.
- Enroll with Verizon: Once approved for Lifeline and/or Verizon Forward, contact Verizon or follow the online prompts to apply the discount(s) to your new or existing eligible service.
