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Verizon's low-income internet programs commit to keeping needy individuals connected by ensuring quality internet access at the lowest rates. Customers can apply for these services through Verizon Forward and Verizon Lifeline. These programs are great alternatives to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which was discontinued in June 2024, leaving many people without internet access.
This blog covers all the information to hunt Verizon low-income internet, including eligibility criteria and the benefits they offer. Let’s begin.
Verizon Forward
The Verizon Forward discount provides cheap internet to new or existing customers who’ve subscribed to its internet plans.
Who Can Apply for Verizon Forward Discount?
New and existing customers of Verizon who’ve subscribed to its market plans can apply for this discount. The discount applies to Verizon's FiOS, 5G Home, and LTE Home internet plans. Note: only one Verizon Forward program is available per household.
Who is Eligible for Verizon Forward?
Verizon Fios, 5G Home, and LTE Home internet customers can apply if they meet at least one of the following criteria:
- Qualified for Lifeline Program or other Federal Assistance Programs, i.e., SNAP, at least 180 days prior to application
- Qualified for Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Received Federal Pell Grant – at least 1 year prior to application
In addition, New York residents can apply if they qualify for at least one of the criteria provided below:
- Free or reduced-priced lunch through the National School Lunch Program
- ‘Senior Citizen’ or ‘Disability’ rent increase exemption
- Affordability benefits from a utility
How to Apply for Verizon Forward?
If you’re eligible as per the criteria above, you can visit Verizon Forward to begin the process.
- Visit the website link and click on ‘Get Started’
- Follow the prompts to apply for the Verizon Forward discount
- You’ll be required to upload documents for eligibility verification
- You’ll receive a confirmation email if you’re eligible for the discount
- Follow the instructions to apply your discount on new or existing services
Verizon Lifeline
Lifeline is a government-approved and funded assistance program that offers affordable internet to qualified low-income households. Verizon customers who’ve subscribed to home phone service and Fios home internet can apply for the Lifeline discount. If eligible, Verizon provides at least a $9.25/mo discount per account/ household.
| Standard Lifeline Benefit | Enhanced Tribal Benefit |
|---|---|
| $9.25 for Eligible Subscribers | $34.25 for Eligible Subscribers living on Tribal lands. |
| Phone, internet, or bundled service monthly discount | FPhone, internet, or bundled service monthly discount |
Who Can Apply for Lifeline?
Customers who are enrolled in government programs, including Medicaid, SNAP, or others, can apply for the Lifeline discount.
Who is Eligible for Lifeline?
Here’s the criteria for eligibility for the Lifeline discount:
Based on Income
You can apply for the Lifeline discount if your income is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline (FPG). The FPG is based on household size and states as shown below:
| Household Size | Poverty Guideline | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii | |
| 1 | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| 5 | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,041 |
| 7 | $65,678 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
| 8 | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
When applying, you’ll be asked to show proof of income, like pay stubs of 3 consecutive months or tax returns.
Based on the Federal Assistance Program
If you or someone in your household is enrolled in a Federal Assistance Program, you can apply for the Lifeline discount. Here are the programs that make you eligible to apply:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
When applying, you’ll be requested to show proof of enrollment, such as an official benefit letter or a document.
Based on the Tribal Assistance Program
If you reside in Tribal Lands (areas with federally recognized tribes), you can apply for the Lifeline program, given your income is at or lower than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if any person in your household is currently enrolled in:
- Any of the Federal Assistance Programs (mentioned above)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
You may have to submit proof of enrollment to apply for the assistance program.
Based on the Survivor Assistance Program
The Safe Connections Act (SCA) assists survivors of crimes, such as domestic violence, human trafficking, etc., in getting low-cost internet, phone, and bundled services. In order to apply for the Lifeline program via SCA, the survivor must fall into at least one criteria given below:
- The household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Is enrolled in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Is enrolled in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district
- Has received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
For applying, the user must provide proof of enrollment, such as official documentation, during the application process.
Note: You can apply for the Lifeline Program if your child or dependent participates in the above programs
How to Apply for the Lifeline Program?
You can apply for the Lifeline Program for Verizon in the following ways:
Online
- Check online to see whether you or someone in your household qualifies for the program.
- Visit the Lifeline National Verifier, follow the steps to apply, and submit your application.
- If your application is accepted, the team from the Lifeline program will reach out to you to process your request.
- You can connect your provider on the Lifeline website or reach out to Verizon at 1-800-Verizon.
Via Mail
You can download the application form online and send it via email.
| Verizon Lifeline Services | Verizon Lifeline Services P.O. Box 16805 Newark, NJ 07101-6805 |
| Massachusetts, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Delaware, Washington D.C., Rhode Island, New York, and Virginia customers can mail to | USAC Lifeline Support Center P.O. Box 1000 Horseheads, NY 14845 |
Other Affordable Verizon Home Internet Plans
Apart from Verizon Forward and Verizon Lifeline, you can apply for the following discounts:
New York Affordable Broadband Discount (ABA)
If you’re a resident of New York, you’re eligible for a $20/mo. discount through the New York Affordable Broadband Act (ABA). Visit Verizon to check for eligibility and apply for the program.
FAQs
Can I get two lifeline discounts at the same time?
No, FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.
What documents do I need to show for proof?
When applying for the Lifeline discount, you may be required to submit documents related to award letters for SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or other federal assistance programs. In addition, you’ll also need to show proof of income.
Can I transfer my ACP discount to Verizon?
No, you cannot transfer your Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) discount to Verizon. You’ll have to apply for Verizon Forward to avail of new low-income internet discounts.
Can I use Verizon Forward with other discounts?
Yes! Verizon allows its customers to combine Verizon Forward with other discounts, such as Lifeline, Auto Pay, bundles, and more.
How can I know whether my Verizon Forward discount is applied?
Once your eligibility is confirmed and you have received a confirmation email of eligibility, Verizon will credit up to $30/mo. from next month’s billing.
