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 working phone is a lifeline. It's how a landlord calls you back, how you hear about a job, and how you reach your people. If yours is shut off or you're down to your last few dollars of data, let's fix that together.
Here is the easy first step: see if you qualify for Lifeline. It lowers your monthly phone or internet bill. If you get SNAP, Medicaid or SSI, you may already qualify.
A few things to know
- You choose. Use what feels right for you and skip anything that doesn't.
- Each place decides who it can serve. We share what each place says it offers and how to reach it. We can't promise a phone, a discount or a spot in any program.
- Offers and prices change. Check with the company before you sign up.
- This guide is for everyone: families, older adults, students, people with disabilities, survivors and people without a home. If something is for one group, we say so.
- In danger right now? Call 911. Thinking about suicide or in crisis? Call or text 988.
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for households that qualify. The FCC says Lifeline gives up to a $9.25 monthly discount, on either a home phone or a cell phone, or on internet.
The FCC says you can qualify if you, or someone in your household, take part in programs like these:
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension Benefits
- Certain Tribal Assistance Programs
You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. People living in group settings, like some shelters, can count as separate households.
- In New York, apply online with the National Verifier, by mail, or through a participating phone or internet company. For help or a mailed form, call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
How to sign up, step by step
- Pick a phone company that offers Lifeline, or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 and ask how to start.
- Gather proof, like a SNAP or Medicaid letter, or proof of income.
- Fill out the application and send in your proof.
- Ask the company which phones or plans come with the discount.
- Write down your application number and the company's name.
- Keep using your service and renew when asked so you don't lose the benefit.
Proof you may be asked for
Lifeline rules to keep your discount
Lifeline for survivors. The FCC says survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may get emergency Lifeline support, and there is help separating your phone line from a plan shared with an abuser. Check the details at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/survivor-benefit/
Report Lifeline fraud to the FCC tip line at 855.455.8477.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
What to say when you call a phone company
"Hi. I'd like to sign up for Lifeline with your company."
"What plans or phones come with the Lifeline discount?"
"Is there any cost to me each month after the discount?"
"What happens if I move or my phone gets lost?"
Need help applying?
Call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 with application questions, or ask the phone company you picked to help you apply. Easy peasy!
How can I get low cost internet at home?
New York has a program just for this, the Affordable Broadband Act plans. It's permanent, unlike the old federal ACP.
- Large internet companies must offer eligible households a plan of at least 25 Mbps for no more than $15 a month, or a plan of at least 200 Mbps for no more than $20 a month.
- Taxes and equipment fees are included, so you don't pay more. You don't have to buy other services with it. Mobile and dial up aren't included.
- You may qualify if someone in your home gets SNAP, Medicaid, SCRIE, DRIE, HEAP or another utility affordability benefit, or no cost or reduced price school lunch. If not, you may still qualify by income. Ask your internet company.
- Call your internet company and ask for the Affordable Broadband Act plan. In New York City, call 311 to learn more.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://access.nyc.gov/programs/affordable-broadband-act/
Say you get SNAP and need a phone
Say you get SNAP and your phone was shut off. The FCC lists SNAP as one of the programs that can qualify you for Lifeline. You could ask a phone company that offers Lifeline to help you apply, or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473, and have your SNAP letter ready.
SNAP also qualifies you for an Affordable Broadband Act home internet plan of $15 or $20 a month.
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.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
Staying connected keeps doors open. You deserve to be reachable, friend.
From the Bunklow team
Where can I get online at no cost?
- Public libraries. Every library in the county list later in this guide has no cost computers and internet. Many also have no cost WiFi you can use with your own phone or laptop.
- Day centers and shelters. Some have phones, computers or charging spots. Ask 211.
- Career Centers. Many have computers for job searching. See Guide 6.
- LinkNYC kiosks. In New York City, Link kiosks on the sidewalk have no cost WiFi, no cost phone calls anywhere in the U.S., USB charging ports and a red 911 button. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.link.nyc/faq.html
How can I stay reachable without a phone plan?
- Use a no cost email account. Check it at the library. Write the address on forms so people can reach you.
- Use WiFi calling and texting apps when you're on no cost WiFi, if your phone can.
- Ask a shelter or day center if you can get messages there.
- Write down your key numbers on paper, in case your phone dies.
Charge up
A small backup battery is a game changer. Libraries and many day centers let you charge your phone. Ask at the front desk. Happy charging!
Watch out for scams
- Lifeline is no cost to apply for. Be careful with anyone who asks you to pay to sign up.
- Only give your Social Security number or benefits letter to the Lifeline National Verifier or a company you chose.
- If something sounds too good to be true, call 211 or the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 to check.
What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
You may still see ads for the ACP. The FCC says the ACP and its monthly internet discount ended on June 1, 2024, because Congress did not add more funding.
- The FCC warns that some websites still advertise the ACP and even collect personal information. If you see one, you can file a complaint at fcc.gov/complaints.
- If you gave your Social Security number, card or bank information to a site offering ACP enrollment, the FCC says to visit IdentityTheft.gov for next steps.
- Today, ask about Lifeline and New York's Affordable Broadband Act plans instead.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/acp
Which internet companies have low cost plans?
Here are two plans described on the companies' own pages. Each company decides who qualifies, and plans are only offered where the company has service.
- Spectrum Internet Assist. Spectrum says eligible customers may get it for $15 a month, and that being in a government program could qualify you. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.spectrum.com/internet/spectrum-internet-assist
- Optimum Advantage Internet. Optimum lists it at $15 a month with no cost installation, for new and existing customers who meet its eligibility rules. Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.optimum.com/internet/advantage-internet
How to sign up for a low cost plan, step by step
- Check which companies serve your address.
- Look at each company's low cost plan page for who qualifies.
- Gather proof, like your EBT card, a Medicaid letter or proof of income.
- Apply online or by phone, and write down your confirmation number.
- Ask about equipment fees, taxes and what happens after any promo period.
- Set a reminder to renew if the company asks you to.
No cost WiFi spots
Public libraries offer no cost computers and WiFi. Ask your branch about hours and time limits. Just ask!
Can I still sign up for the ACP?
No. The FCC says the ACP ended on June 1, 2024. Be careful of websites that still advertise it.
What is the Affordable Broadband Act?
A New York program where large internet companies offer eligible households home internet for $15 a month, or $20 for a faster plan, with taxes and equipment fees included.
How much is the Lifeline discount?
The FCC says Lifeline gives up to $9.25 a month off phone or internet service.
Who do I call about Lifeline?
Call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473, or ask a participating phone company to help you apply.
I get Medicaid. Do I qualify?
The FCC lists Medicaid as one of the programs that can qualify you for Lifeline, and New York lists it for Affordable Broadband Act plans too. You may be asked for proof.
Can more than one person in my home get it?
The FCC says only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Can I call 911 if my phone has no plan?
Yes. 911.gov says all wireless phones, even ones not signed up with a phone company, can call 911. But a phone with no active service does not send your location to the 911 center, and the center cannot call you back if the call drops.
- Say where you are first. The FCC says to tell the operator the location of the emergency right away.
- If the call drops, call back. With no service plan, the operator won't have your number.
- Keep an old phone charged. A charged phone in a bag or glove box can still reach 911 in an emergency.
- Teach kids. 911.gov says old phones with no plan can still connect to 911, so tell children not to play with them, or take the battery out first.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.911.gov/calling-911/frequently-asked-questions and https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/wireless-911-service
Can I text 911 in New York? In New York City, yes. NYC Text to 911 works in all five boroughs, in English and Spanish. The City says: always call 911 if you can, and text only if you can't. Outside the city, the FCC says text to 911 is only available in certain places, so a voice call is still best.
- Use text only when calling is unsafe or not possible, like if someone could hear you, or you are deaf, hard of hearing or can't speak.
- Put the address, cross streets and borough in the first text, plus the kind of help you need.
- If you get a bounce back message saying text isn't available, you must call 911 instead. The FCC says phone companies must send that message.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.nyc.gov/site/text911/index.page and https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/what-you-need-know-about-text-911
How to text 911 if you can't talk
- Open your regular texting app and type 911 in the To line.
- In the first text, say where you are, like the address or the nearest corner.
- Say what help you need: police, fire or an ambulance.
- Use short, plain words, no slang or abbreviations.
- Answer the call taker's questions, and keep texting until they say you can stop.
- If a bounce back message comes, call 911 if you can.
How do I get my phone line away from an abuser?
If you share a family phone plan with someone who has hurt you, there is help. The FCC says survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking or similar crimes can ask their mobile company to move their line off the shared account and keep their same phone number.
- You don't have to be the account holder.
- You can also move the line of someone in your care, like your child.
- Questions about the details? Check the official page below, and decide what's right for you.
- You can ask online, by phone, by email or in person. Say you are asking for a line separation for survivors.
- If you are struggling with money, the FCC says you may get emergency Lifeline support, up to $9.25 a month.
- Need someone to talk to? Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800.799.7233.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-request-phone-line-separation-abusers-account and https://www.lifelinesupport.org/survivor-benefit/
Papers the FCC says you can use for a line separation
What to say to your phone company
"I'm asking for a line separation for survivors."
"Please move my number, and my child's number, to a new account in my name."
"Please send me written proof of my request. I may need it for Lifeline."
Plan for safety first
If someone checks your phone, think about calling from a friend's phone, a library or a shelter. An advocate at the hotline can help you plan. You are not alone.
What if I have a problem with my phone or internet company?
Start by calling the company and asking for a supervisor. Write down the date, the name of the person and what they said.
If that doesn't fix it, where you go depends on the service.
- Landline phone or cable TV. The New York State Department of Public Service (DPS) helps with service and billing problems. Call the DPS Helpline at 800.342.3377, Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4 pm, or file online. If you have a hearing or speech disability, dial 711 for the NYS Relay Service.
- Cell phone or internet. DPS says to contact the New York Attorney General. Call the AG Help Line at 800.771.7755, or 800.788.9898 if you are deaf or hard of hearing.
- Federal complaints. The FCC takes complaints about phone and internet service, billing and robocalls. File at fcc.gov/complaints or call 888.225.5322.
- While DPS looks at your complaint, it says you must pay the part of your bill that you don't dispute.
Source (As of October 22, 2026): https://dps.ny.gov/file-complaint and https://ag.ny.gov/file-complaint/consumer and https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-request-phone-line-separation-abusers-account
What to have ready before you complain
Federal help (works in every state)
Here are some places to start.
Lifeline
What it offers A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. If you qualify, the discount is up to $9.25 a month. You may qualify by income, or if you or your child take part in programs like SNAP or Medicaid. One Lifeline benefit per household, and you recertify every year. Survivors of domestic violence or trafficking get extra privacy safeguards.
How to reach Apply at getinternet.gov/apply or through a participating company. Help: 800.234.9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org, 7 days a week, 9 am to 9 pm ET.
Source https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York State
Here are some places to start.
New York Affordable Broadband Act
What it offers Large internet companies must offer eligible households a home plan for no more than $15 a month, or a faster plan for no more than $20. Taxes and equipment fees are included. Mobile and dial up are not. You may qualify if someone in your home gets certain benefits, or by income.
How to reach Find a provider for your address at mapmybroadband.dps.ny.gov. Call the company and ask for "low cost internet" or the Affordable Broadband Act plan.
Source https://broadband.ny.gov/node/2471
Last checked October 16, 2026
Lifeline: Companies Near Me
What it offers Find phone and internet companies that offer Lifeline where you live, anywhere in New York.
How to reach https://lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me
Source https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
New York City (all five boroughs)
Here are some places to start.
ACCESS NYC: Affordable Broadband Act guide
What it offers A city guide to signing up, in many languages. The city notes these plans do not count as a public charge and do not affect immigration status.
How to reach https://access.nyc.gov/programs/affordable-broadband-act or call 311 and ask about low cost internet.
Source https://access.nyc.gov/programs/affordable-broadband-act/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Phone charging for youth
What it offers NYC Runaway and Homeless Youth Drop In Centers (ages 14 to 24) list phone charging among their services. See Guide 10.
How to reach Call DYCD Community Connect 800.246.4646.
Source https://access.nyc.gov/programs/runaway-and-homeless-youth-drop-in-centers/
Last checked October 16, 2026
LinkNYC kiosks
What it offers No cost WiFi, no cost phone calls anywhere in the U.S., USB charging ports and a red 911 button, at sidewalk kiosks across all five boroughs.
How to reach Find a kiosk near you at https://www.link.nyc/
Source https://www.link.nyc/faq.html
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Monroe County (Rochester)
Here are some places to start.
Central Library of Rochester and Monroe County
What it offers No cost computers and internet at the Central Library and 10 city branches. The library runs at no cost "Wired for Opportunity, Intro to Computers" classes.
How to reach 115 South Avenue, Rochester. Call 585.428.7300.
Source https://roccitylibrary.org/
Last checked October 18, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Onondaga County (Syracuse)
Here are some places to start.
Onondaga County Public Library
What it offers No cost library services and help from librarians, including Ask a Librarian by phone. Ask about computers and WiFi.
How to reach 315.435.1900. https://www.onlib.org/
Source https://www.onlib.org/
Last checked October 16, 2026
Other local groups may also help.
Albany County
Here are some places to start.
Albany Public Library
What it offers No cost library services at branches across Albany. Ask your branch about computers, WiFi and hours.
How to reach 518.427.4300. https://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/
Source https://www.albanypubliclibrary.org/
Last checked October 16, 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. Sources were first checked on October 16, 2026. New sources were added, and every link was checked again on October 18, 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.
Affordable living. Simplified
