Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
Hi friend. A phone can be your lifeline. It's how shelters, jobs, doctors and caseworkers reach you. If you don't have one, or can't afford service, there's help. Let's find it together.
Here is the easy first step: check if you qualify for Lifeline, a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, you may qualify.
A few things to know
- You choose. Pick what fits your life.
- Each company and program sets its own rules. We share what each says it offers and how to reach it.
- Never share your Social Security number or bank details with someone who calls you out of the blue offering a phone.
Lifeline is a federal program run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you qualify, Lifeline says you can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet or bundled service.
On qualifying Tribal lands, the discount can be up to $34.25.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Who can get Lifeline?
Lifeline says you can get it if you, or someone in your household, take part in one of these programs:
- Medicaid. In New Jersey, that's NJ FamilyCare.
- SNAP, formerly known as food stamps.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Federal Public Housing Assistance.
There are other ways to qualify too. Check the Lifeline site.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/
Getting Lifeline, step by step
- Check if you qualify at lifelinesupport.org.
- Apply online, or through a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.
- Have proof ready, like a SNAP or Medicaid letter.
- Pick a phone or internet company that takes Lifeline.
- Keep your service active, so you don't lose your benefit.
What to say when you call the Lifeline Support Center
"Hi. I get SNAP in New Jersey, and I'd like to apply for Lifeline."
"Can you tell me which companies near me take Lifeline?"
"What papers do I need to send?"
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/how-to-apply/
Questions about your application?
Call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473. They can help you check on your application.
Where can I get online if I don't have internet?
- Public libraries. Most New Jersey public libraries have computers and Wi Fi. Ask at the front desk about a library card and computer time.
- One Stop Career Centers. They help with job search, and many have computers for job seekers. See Guide 6.
- Shelters and day centers. Some let you charge your phone or use a computer. Ask staff.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/contact-us/one-stops/
What to keep safe on your phone
What if I can't make calls right now?
- Text 211. Text your ZIP code to 898211 to reach NJ 211.
- Text 988 for crisis support, any time.
- Many public phones and front desks at shelters and agencies can let you make a call for help. Just ask.
Sources: https://nj211.org/get-help and https://988lifeline.org/
Say you get SNAP in Trenton and your phone was cut off
Say you get SNAP in Mercer County and your phone service was cut off. You could go to lifelinesupport.org from a library computer, check if you qualify, and apply. Then you could pick a company that takes Lifeline, so your monthly bill goes down.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
How do I stay safe from phone scams?
- Lifeline is run by USAC with FCC oversight. Apply through lifelinesupport.org or a company that takes Lifeline.
- Don't give your Social Security number to someone who calls you out of the blue.
- If something feels off, hang up and call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Write numbers down too
Phones get lost. Write your most important numbers on paper and keep it in your wallet. Easy peasy!
How do I set up an email address?
An email address helps you apply for jobs, benefits and housing. Many applications ask for one.
Setting up email, step by step
- Go to a library or One Stop Career Center computer.
- Pick a well known email service and choose "create account."
- Use a simple address with your name, like first.last plus a number.
- Write down your password and keep it somewhere safe.
- Add a phone number or backup email, so you can get back in if you forget your password.
Ask for a hand
Library staff help people set up email all the time. It's okay to ask.
Staying safe online at a public computer
Say you're looking for work in Paterson without a phone
Say you live in Passaic County and your phone broke. You could go to your public library, set up an email address and check job listings. Then you could visit your One Stop Career Center for job search help, and check if you qualify for Lifeline to make a new phone plan easier to afford.
This is an example to show how it can work. It is not about a real person, and every situation is different. Sources: https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/contact-us/one-stops/ and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
How can I use my phone for a job search?
- Set up voicemail with a short, friendly greeting, like "Hi, you've reached (your name). Please leave a message."
- Check your messages every day, and call back soon.
- Save the names and numbers of people you talk to.
- Keep your phone charged before interviews and calls.
- See Guide 6 for job help near you.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nj.gov/labor/career-services/contact-us/one-stops/
Before you give out your number
How can I make my data and battery last?
Running out of data or battery at the wrong time is stressful. A few small habits help a lot.
Saving data and battery, step by step
- Use Wi Fi at a library or One Stop Career Center when you can.
- Turn off video autoplay in your apps.
- Download maps of your area while you're on Wi Fi.
- Lower your screen brightness and turn on battery saver.
- Close apps you're not using.
Carry a short charging cord
A small cord fits in a pocket, so you can charge whenever you find an outlet.
What if I can't pay my phone bill?
- Call your phone company before the bill is due. Ask about payment plans or a lower cost plan.
- Check if you qualify for Lifeline, which can lower your monthly bill.
- Dial 211 to ask about local help.
Sources: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ and https://nj211.org/get-help
What to say to your phone company
"Hi. I'm having trouble paying my bill this month."
"Do you have a payment plan, or a lower cost plan?"
"Do you take Lifeline?"
Questions people ask a lot
What is Lifeline?
A federal program that gives a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet or bundled service, if you qualify.
Who can get Lifeline?
People who, or whose household members, get Medicaid, SNAP, SSI or Federal Public Housing Assistance, among other ways to qualify.
How do I apply for Lifeline?
Online at lifelinesupport.org, or through a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline.
What is the Lifeline Support Center number?
Where can I use the internet in New Jersey?
Try your public library, a One Stop Career Center, or ask at a shelter or day center.
Sources: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/ and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/how-to-apply/
Staying connected matters
Being reachable helps every other step. You're doing great, friend.
Your county social services agency can help with SNAP and Medicaid, which can help you qualify for Lifeline. Call ahead for hours.
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
Lifeline (phone and internet discount)
What it offers A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. If you qualify, you can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25.
How to reach Apply at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Source https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
EveryoneOn
What it offers A no cost search tool to find low cost internet offers and computers in your area.
How to reach Search by ZIP code at https://www.everyoneon.org/
Source https://www.everyoneon.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New Jersey
Here are some places to start.
NJ 211
What it offers New Jersey's statewide information and referral line. Trained staff connect you to housing, food, health care and other help, 24/7.
How to reach Dial 211. Chat, text and search at https://nj211.org/
Source https://nj211.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Essex County (Newark)
Here are some places to start.
Newark Public Library
What it offers No cost public computers and internet access at the main library, 5 Washington Street, Newark.
How to reach Call 973.733.7812. Computer lab 973.733.3603.
Source https://www.npl.org/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Hudson County (Jersey City and Hoboken)
Here are some places to start.
City of Jersey City
What it offers City services for Jersey City residents. Ask how to reach local community programs.
How to reach Call City Hall at 201.547.5000.
Source https://www.jerseycitynj.gov/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Other counties (call your county agency)
Here are some places to start.
Atlantic County Department of Family and Community Development
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Atlantic County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 1333 Atlantic Avenue, Atlantic City. Call 609.348.3001. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Burlington County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Burlington County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 795 Woodlane Road, Mount Holly. Call 609.261.1000. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cape May County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cape May County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3801 Route 9 South Unit 4, Rio Grande. Call 609.886.6200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Cumberland County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Cumberland County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 275 North Delsea Dr., Vineland. Call 856.691.4600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Gloucester County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Gloucester County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 400 Hollydell, Drive Sewell. Call 856.582.9200. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 3:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Hunterdon County Department of Human Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Hunterdon County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 6 Gauntt, Place Flemington. Call 908.788.1300. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Mercer County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Mercer County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 200 Woolverton, Street Trenton. Call 609.989.4320. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:15 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Salem County Department of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Salem County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 147 South Virginia Avenue, Penns Grove. Call 856.299.7200. Monday to Friday, 8 am to 4 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Somerset County Board of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Somerset County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 73 East High, Street Somerville. Call 908.526.8800. Monday to Friday, 8:15 am to 6 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Sussex County Division of Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Sussex County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 83 Spring Street Suite 203, Newton. Call 973.383.3600. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Warren County Division of Temporary Assistance and Social Services
What it offers The county agency for SNAP, Work First New Jersey cash help, Emergency Assistance and other benefits in Warren County. During business hours, it's also the first call if you're homeless or about to lose your home.
How to reach 3 Shotwell Dr., Belvidere. Call 908.475.6301. Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm.
Source https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dfd/counties/
Last checked October 22, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
My connection plan
Fill this in with a pen, or snap a photo and keep it on your phone. You've got this!
My plan
Calls I made
Key numbers to keep
Please let me know if you have any questions
If something in this guide is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Stay connected, friend. Make it a great day!
About this guide
Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up, no paywall, no cost. Please share it with anyone who could use it. Bunklow does not run these programs and cannot speak for them. We list what each place says it offers and how to reach it, and you decide what to use. This is not a full list of every place that can help. Every source was checked on October 22, 2026. If something has changed, please tell us so we can fix it. We are always happy to hear from you!
Please note. This guide shares general information only. It is not legal, financial, tax or professional advice. Laws vary by state and city. For advice about your situation, talk with a licensed professional.
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