What is Lifeline Support for Survivors?
Lifeline Support for Survivors is a special program created to help people who have experienced domestic violence, human trafficking, and similar crimes. This program helps these survivors by providing them with phone and internet service at a lower cost, ensuring their privacy, and making it easier for them to separate their phone lines from those of their abusers.
How Does It Work?
- Separate Phone Lines: Survivors can ask their phone company to separate their phone line from their abuser’s account. The phone company must respond within two business days.
- Privacy Protection: Calls and text messages to hotlines for domestic violence will not show up on phone bills.
- Discounted Services: Survivors facing financial difficulties can get a discount on their phone or internet service for up to six months. After that, they can still receive a smaller discount if they qualify.
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a federal program that makes phone and internet service more affordable for people with low incomes. It provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25, and for those living on Tribal lands, the discount can be up to $34.25. People can qualify for Lifeline based on their income or participation in certain federal assistance programs like SNAP or Medicaid.
How to Get Lifeline Support for Survivors?
Starting in August 2024, survivors can apply for emergency support. There are multiple ways to qualify:
- Based on the usual Lifeline rules.
- Household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).
- Part of certain programs like WIC, Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch, or received a Federal Pell Grant.
Survivors need to provide proof that they requested to separate their phone line from their abuser’s account. This proof can be an email, text message, or letter from the phone company.
Apply online starting in August of 2024.
Who Do I Contact With Additional Questions?
Seniors 60 and over Call:
1-866-621-9886
Others Call:
1-800-634-5263
You may apply for legal services by completing our online website application.