Phones and Internet

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 you get calls about jobs and housing, reach your family, and stay safe. Let's get you connected for less.

Here's the easy first step: if you get Basic Food, Apple Health, SSI or a few other benefits, apply for Lifeline to lower your phone or internet bill.

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 money, a bed or a spot in any program.
• This guide shares general information, not legal or medical advice.
• Hours and details change. Call ahead when you can.

What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for people who qualify. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.lifelinesupport.org/

• You may qualify if you get Basic Food (SNAP), Apple Health (Medicaid), SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, or if your income is low enough.
• Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
• Apply through the National Verifier online, or through a participating phone company. Call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 with questions.

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Recertify on time

Lifeline asks you to recertify every year. Watch for the notice so you don't lose your discount!

What about home internet?

• Many internet companies offer low income plans for households that get benefits like Basic Food, Apple Health or school meals. Call your provider and ask.
• The Washington State Broadband Office shares information about internet access and digital skills programs across the state. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.commerce.wa.gov/wsbo/
• Public housing authorities sometimes partner with internet companies on low cost service. Ask your housing authority.

Where can I get online without paying?

• Public libraries across Washington have computers, printers and Wi-Fi, and many lend hotspots and laptops. You can usually use a computer with a library card or a guest pass. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.sos.wa.gov/library
• Library staff can help you set up email, apply for jobs and fill out forms online.
• Many community centers, WorkSource centers and day centers have computers too.

Staying connected keeps doors open. A phone call can change everything.

From the Bunklow team

Can I call 911 without phone service?

Yes. Any working cell phone can call 911, even without a service plan.

In many parts of Washington you can also text 911 if calling isn't safe. Call if you can, and text if you can't. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911

How do I stay safe from scams?

• Never share your EBT PIN, Social Security number or bank details with someone who contacts you first.
• Real agencies like DSHS, SSA and the IRS won't ask you to pay with gift cards, crypto or wire transfers.
• Hang up on calls that pressure you to act fast.
• Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection

What if I'm a survivor of domestic violence?

The federal Safe Connections Act lets survivors separate their phone line from a shared family plan with an abuser, without fees or penalties. Ask your phone company about a line separation request.

An advocate can help. See Guide 8. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/how-request-phone-line-separation-abusers-account

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Charge up when you can

Libraries, day centers and some transit stations have outlets. Carry your charger so you can top up!

Using your phone to apply for help

Your phone can do a lot of the work for you.

• Apply for Basic Food, cash help and child care help at washingtonconnection.org. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.washingtonconnection.org/
• Apply for Apple Health at wahealthplanfinder.org. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.wahealthplanfinder.org/
• Use your phone camera to take pictures of your ID, benefit letters and other papers, so you have copies.
• Set reminders for appointments and recertification dates.
• Save the phone numbers of your case manager, shelter and doctor.

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Use a safe email

Make an email address just for applications, and write the password down somewhere safe!

Low cost phones and devices

• Lifeline phone companies may offer a phone with service. Ask what's included.
• Some libraries lend laptops and tablets, not just hotspots. Ask at the front desk.
• Refurbished phones can cost much less than new ones. Buy from a store that offers a warranty.
• Prepaid plans let you pay month to month, with no credit check.
• Before you buy, make sure the phone works with the company you want.

Getting online for school and work

• Washington's community and technical colleges have computer labs and Wi-Fi for students. Ask about loaner laptops. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.sbctc.edu/
• WorkSource centers have computers you can use to search and apply for jobs. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.worksourcewa.com/
• Kids' schools may lend laptops or hotspots to students. Ask the school office.
• Libraries offer classes on email, internet basics and staying safe online. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.sos.wa.gov/library

Words to know

How 211 works in Washington

Washington 211 is a statewide line that connects you to local help with housing, food, utilities, health care and more. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://wa211.org/

• Dial 211 from most phones. You can also search the resource database at wa211.org.
• Tell the specialist your county or ZIP code and what you need most today.
• Ask for interpreters if you need one.
• In many counties, 211 is also the front door to Coordinated Entry, the system that matches people to shelter and housing programs.
• Write down every name, number and program they give you, so you can call back.

Staying safe while you get help

Your safety comes first, always.

• If you're in danger right now, call 911. You can text 911 in many parts of Washington if calling isn't safe. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://mil.wa.gov/911
• If you're thinking about suicide or you're in crisis, call or text 988 any time. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://988lifeline.org/
• Never give your Social Security number, EBT PIN or bank details to someone who contacts you first.
• Real programs won't ask you to pay with gift cards, wire transfers or crypto. Report scams to the Washington Attorney General at 800.551.4636. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.atg.wa.gov/consumer-protection
• Meet new people in public places, and tell someone you trust where you're going.

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Trust your gut

If something feels off, it's okay to walk away and ask someone you trust before you sign or pay anything!

Your rights when you ask for help

• You can ask for an interpreter when you apply for state benefits. Ask for one in your language.
• You can ask for reasonable accommodations if you have a disability.
• Washington law bans discrimination in housing, jobs and public places. If you were treated unfairly, contact the Washington State Human Rights Commission at 800.233.3247. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.hum.wa.gov/
• If DSHS denies or cuts your benefits, you can ask for a hearing. Read your letter for the deadline. Source (As of October 21, 2026): https://www.dshs.wa.gov/office-locations
• There's no shame in asking. Asking for help is a smart, brave step.

Questions people ask a lot

Who can I call in my county?

The places below are grouped from statewide help down to county help. Washington has 39 counties, and we list some of the largest.

If your county isn't here, dial 211, and they'll connect you to help where you live.

Federal help that works in every state

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Washington

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

King County (Seattle)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Pierce County (Tacoma)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Snohomish County (Everett)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Spokane County (Spokane)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Clark County (Vancouver)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Thurston County (Olympia)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Kitsap County (Bremerton)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Yakima County (Yakima)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Whatcom County (Bellingham)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Benton and Franklin Counties (Tri-Cities)

Here are some places to start.

Other local groups may also help.

Other Washington counties

Here are some places to start.

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 appointments and notes

Keep track of where you need to be and what people told you. Bring this page to every appointment.

Key numbers to keep

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Please let me know if you have any questions

If something here is out of date, tell us and we'll fix it. Make it a great day, friend!

About this guide

Made by the Bunklow team. No sign up. Please share it with anyone who could use it. We don't run these programs. We don't manage properties. 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 21, 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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Last updated October 21, 2026