# Lifeline: Home Phone & Internet Service ## Connected service for less Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for those who qualify. [check availability](https://www.cox.com/residential/phone/lifeline.html). ## FAQs Your questions answered ### What is Lifeline? Lifeline is a federal program that provides discounts for phone or Internet service to qualifying low-income consumers. Some states, such as California, have a state Lifeline program that provides discounts for phone service to qualifying low-income consumers. ### Do you qualify? You may qualify if you, your dependent or someone in your household receive benefits from: - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) - Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit - Medicaid If you reside on Tribal lands, you can also get Lifeline if you, your dependent or someone in your household receive benefits from: - Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance - Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) - Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) - Tribal Head Start (Tribal lands, income-qualifying customers only) Additional qualifying programs may be available based on your state of residence. More details will be provided after you enter your service address. ### How do I apply? The first step to apply is to confirm you are qualified for Lifeline. Consumers are qualified by the National Verifier or a state administrator. Steps to qualify will be provided after you enter your service address. After you've been qualified, the application process is specific to your state of residence. Steps to apply will be provided after you enter your service address. ### What happens after I qualify for Lifeline services? You will receive steps to apply for Lifeline with Cox after you enter your service address. ### What if I don't qualify for Lifeline benefits? No worries. Check out [Cox Voice](https://www.cox.com/residential/phone.html), our phone service with over 20 helpful features or our other [low-cost internet options](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/low-cost-internet-plans.html). See the [Affordable Connectivity Program](https://www.cox.com/residential/internet/affordable-connectivity-program.html) for ways to save on your internet service. ### How will I know if Lifeline is available in my area? Lifeline discounts for phone are available wherever Cox provides residential phone service in California, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Lifeline discounts for phone and internet are available in limited areas where Cox has recently deployed new service and has received federal funding to do so. Enter your home address to see if Lifeline is available in your area. ### How do I keep my Lifeline benefit? Every year, you have to show that you still qualify for Lifeline. The National Verifier will first try to confirm your eligibility automatically. If the National Verifier cannot recertify you automatically, you will be asked to submit documentation proving your eligibility. ### Can I get Lifeline on phone and internet? You can only get one federal Lifeline benefit on either your phone or your Internet. California provides a state Lifeline benefit for phone which you can receive in addition to the federal Lifeline benefit for phone or Internet. --- Lifeline service is a government assistance program in which only eligible consumers may enroll. The service is non-transferable and is limited to one discount per household. The advertised monthly discounted Lifeline local flat rate service is available only to qualifying residential customers who provide and maintain certification of Lifeline eligibility (based on criteria determined by governing regulatory authorities). See [Cox Digital Telephone service details](https://www.cox.com/residential/phone.html#modalPhoneServiceDetails). See important [Cox Digital Telephone Power Outage](https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/phone-modem-battery-policy.html) usage information. See important information in the [Residential Customer Service Agreement](https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/customer-service-agreement.html) for full coverage details. See [Annual Notice Information](https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies/annual-privacy-notice.html) for related information and your privacy rights as a Cox customer. For all Cox Communication policies regarding our services and business practices visit [www.cox.com/aboutus/policies.html](https://www.cox.com/aboutus/policies.html).