Verizon Wireless low-income discount 2025

The US government regularly runs specific social assistance programs in several areas, including food, health, and communication products and services, due to many Americans living in poverty or with some form of handicap. Verizon Wireless low-income discount program is one of the best solutions to relieve this issue; let’s learn more at the end of the article.

Since the 1980s, Lifeline has been one of these social initiatives through which many telecom firms provide goods and services for free or with major discounts to impoverished people. With more than 80 million consumers and coverage over 90% of the nation, Verizon Wireless is now the biggest telecommunications provider in the United States.

Verizon is also part of the Lifeline program, providing phones and plans with notable savings in those areas of the nation most in need of them. Apart from giving great goods and services, the corporation considers the most needy people.

This guide will help you find which states are involved in the Verizon Wireless Lifeline Program, the criteria, and how to qualify for and choose a cheap Verizon Wireless Lifeline phone, among other advantages.

Verizon Wireless Lifeline Program

Since the 1980s, the United States government has been trying to give those living in poverty access to telecommunication goods and services by running generally the Lifeline social assistance program. The program once only gave access to landline services, but it changed to accommodate the trend as more people moved to mobile lines.

Though each member provider is free to offer other extra perks, the primary advantage of the Lifeline program is a $9.25 savings on the subscriber’s government-funded monthly payment.

Verizon Wireless provides numerous choices for purchasing touch-screen phones, as well as plans with messages, calls, and data with significant discounts and payment facilities. These products are often unavailable for individuals with low incomes due to their high costs.

READ MORE: Get a Verizon Free Upgrade Phones | Apply Now

Qualification of Lifeline Verizon Wireless low-income discount

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) considers several factors to determine if someone qualifies for the Lifeline program, among which we have:

Participate program based eligibility:

You immediately qualify for the Lifeline program if you already take advantage of any of the social assistance programs below:

• Program for Supplementary Nutrition Assistance (SNAP)
• Veteran’s and Survivor’s Pension Benefit
• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Support (FPHA)
• SSI, or supplemental security income

Alternatively, in the case you live on tribal territory, the following programs are applicable:

• General Assistance Program of Bureau of Indian Affairs
• TANF is administered tribally; Head Start is exclusively for individuals whose income level meets its requirements.
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Income-based eligibility

In this situation, you must show that your per-household income falls less than 135% of the poverty limit set by the federal government. For this, you must submit particular financial data as asked.

The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.

Have some form of handicap.

As long as they can show that their handicap limits or prevents them from making income, those with some physical disability are also qualified to make use of the Lifeline program.

READ MORE: Verizon Wireless Phone Replacement Process

List of Documents Required to Participate in Verizon Lifeline Program

The following is a list of the documents usually approved throughout the application process for the Verizon Wireless Lifeline program.

Should you be involved in one of the public assistance programs described above, you must send a copy of evidence proving your involvement—a Statement of Benefits or a Notice Letter of Participation.

One or more of the following records are allowed in case you wish to apply based on low income:

• State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return Retirement/Pension Benefit Statements from Previous Year
• Statement of Social Security Benefits
• Children Support Documents or Divorce Decree
• Statement of Benefits from Veterans Administration
• Statements of Unemployment and Workers’ Compensation Benefits
• Statements of Current Income from Payroll Stubs or Employer Stubs
• Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Application Guidelines for the Verizon Lifeline Assistance Program

Though some variances may be based on your place of residency, the Verizon Lifeline application procedure is basic.

First, you can phone the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473 or visit the official Lifeline National Verifier website to finish the application process and confirm your eligibility for the program.

If you are actually qualified, you can choose the items and services you like by calling Verizon directly at 800. 417.3849.

Areas Qualifying for the Verizon Wireless Lifeline Program

Four states in the nation provide the Verizon Wireless Lifeline Program:

• Iowa
• Manhattan New York
• Dakota North-east
• Wisconsin

Note, however, that while the most underprivileged sections of these states are given top priority, not all of their areas qualify for the Verizon Wireless Lifeline Program.

The list of qualified counties by state follows. This list is periodically updated, so you may also call the toll-free number 800. 417.3849 to ask about eligibility for your place of residence.

Iowa counties

• Adair
• Audubon
• Cass
• Crawford
• Guthrie
• Harrison
• Madison
• Monona and Shelby

New York counties

• Clinton
• Essex
• Franklin
• Fulton
• Hamilton
• Jefferson
• Lewis and St. Lawrence

North Dakota counties – all except

• Burleigh
• Cass
• Grand Forks
• Morton

Wisconsin counties

• Barron
• Burnett
• Polk
• Washburn

Here’s a List of Benefits You’ll Get If You Qualify for a Verizon Lifeline Discount Phone

As noted, the main advantage of the Verizon Wireless Lifeline program is a savings of at least $9.25 on your monthly payment. Furthermore, up to 100% of the one-time customary activation charge paid by Tribal Lands members is included.

Apart from these fundamental advantages, Verizon provides particular plans with reductions for Lifeline recipient members.

First, a $9.25 discount on the $25.00 Lifeline Plan reduces the price to merely $15.75 monthly.

This $9.25 reduction also applies to the $19.99 Home Phone Connect Plan, bringing the monthly charge to just $10.74.

The two schemes have advantages in some services, including:

• Either a specific or infinite count of text messages.
• Unlimited minutes on long-distance calls and/or mobile-to-mobile local calls.
• Extra reductions on calling minutes.
• Discount on the One-Time Activation Fee for Tribal Lands citizens; Lifeline application restrictions

Apart from the fact that the benefit cannot apply to two services concurrently, such as home and wireless telephony, the main limitation of the Lifeline program is that only one recipient per household is authorized.

What are the monthly rate plan options for Lifeline?

Verizon Cellular is delighted to offer two Lifeline monthly rate plans:

• The $19.99 Home Phone Connect Plan requires a Home Phone Connect device, and the $25.00 Lifeline Plan requires a compatible cellular handset. For further details, please call 1.800.417.3849.
• Calls from inside your local coverage area to any US or Puerto Rico location are domestic long-distance calls.
• Unlimited text messaging and unlimited nights and weekends are included with the $25.00 Lifeline Plan.
• The Lifeline service does not include other services like data service, phone insurance, or roadside assistance.
• DSL or dial-up Internet service, DVR, Dish Network, DirecTV, credit card machines, PBX or Centrex systems, medical dependencies, fax machines, and some home security systems are all prohibited under the Home Phone Connect if you choose the $19.99 Lifeline Plan.

Other Approach to Getting Verizon Free Phones

The great range of choices Verizon offers on phones and other gadgets, plans, and other connected services makes it one of the better mobile phone companies. Apart from promotions, one of the reasons Verizon Wireless is so well-liked is that you have options for all preferences and purposes.

Verizon continuously offers cheap touch-screen phones as advertising. In exchange, you must choose one of their paid plans.

Free phones are offered when switching to Verizon.

• Switching with a limited trade-in and an Unlimited plan will bring you a fantastic iPhone 12 or Galaxy S20 FE 5G UW free.
• Purchasing one of the top 5G phones entitles you to get one for free plus an extra $500.00 upon switching two lines under Unlimited plans.
• Alternatively, when you transfer or add a new line, you can obtain a brand-new phone free and avoid any trade-in.

Verizon’s promotional campaigns and other strategies

• Verizon also offers paid phones with amazing payment options, so you can pay $15/month or less for up to 24 months.
• Verizon is one of the reasons it leads in the industry since these deals are frequent.
• Conversely, if you know where to look on the Internet, you can also find several free phone giveaways.
• Actually, many websites offer free phones in contests or giveaways as a means of advertising; the qualifications to take part are really low.

Verizon Wireless Phone Return and Replacement Policy

Verizon Cellular provides a clear return and exchange guarantee policy for new cellular devices and accessories.

Suppose you have purchased a Verizon Wireless Lifeline phone and wish to return or exchange it for a manufacturing flaw or because the gadget did not meet your expectations. In that case, you can do so within 14 days of purchase.  

Still, consider the following points:

• Any device can be returned or exchanged for a restocking fee of $50.00. Shipping charges apply to every item you have ordered. If an item is missing, other extra expenses could also apply.
• You can only make one exchange, and all the items, the phone, accessories, etc., must be in their original packaging. The goods must also be in good condition and accompanied by the original receipt.
• You must bring your phone back within the designated return period; otherwise, you will not be refunded, and your gadget will not be returned to you.
• If you get a phone via a “Buy One, Get One Free” or similar offer, you have to return both goods to be refunded. Now, all you have to do if you want an exchange for the identical phone model is return the one you wish to exchange.

Should you wish to stop your service, you must phone Customer Service.

One very crucial point you should also pay attention to is that the warranty above only covers situations where the gadget is in perfect condition or “like new.” It is only valid within 14 days following phone acquisition.

Another rule now covers situations where the acquired gadget has been lost, stolen, or otherwise damaged. Under these circumstances, additional options exist to replace the gadget.

First of all, you should be aware that Verizon offers many insurance choices for smartphones, among which we have the following:

• Verizon Multi-Device Protection/Verizon Protection
• Comprehensive Mobile Protection
• Complete Mobile Coverage multi-device
• Coverage for Total Equipment
• Wireless Phone Guarding

When you get your Verizon Wireless Lifeline discount phone, it’s a good idea to consider replacement alternatives depending on whether the customer is registered with any of these insurances.

If your gadget suffers physical damage, like a cracked screen, and you registered for one of the above device protection choices, the best course of action is to submit a claim on Asurion’s website.

This option also holds should your gadget be stolen or misplaced.

Should you not be registered in any of the previously listed protection choices, your sole choices will be:

• Purchase a replacement certified pre-owned (CPO) device.
• Purchase a new item at retail price.
• Turn on yet another gadget you already own.

Should manufacturing flaws or other mechanical or electrical malfunctions arise without external force, your replacement choices will depend on “how long it’s been since you purchased the device and if you have device protection.”

For instance, should you return your device within 14 days or less from purchase, it will be replaced for free.

If you send your device after a 14-day grace period, it will be replaced with a “Certified Like-New Replacement,” albeit perhaps with another brand and model.

The best thing is that if you register with one of the device protection solutions we have discussed, you will discover that your gadget has any manufacturing flaw over one year after purchase.

Under such circumstances, you can get a Certified Like-New Replacement for free instead of using your device! In any case, you should confirm your eligibility by calling a Verizon agent, visiting the Verizon shop, or calling the official Verizon website. As you can see, this kind of warranty for its consumers is only available from outstanding companies like Verizon Wireless.

Are there any restrictions?

Yes, each family is only eligible for one Lifeline discount. A household is prohibited from Receiving Lifeline benefits from more than one provider (for instance, if you obtain a Lifeline discount on your cellular service, you would not be eligible to receive the discount on your home phone service).

The subscriber will be removed from the program if they break the one-per-household restriction. Because Lifeline is a non-transferable benefit, the subscriber is not permitted to give their benefit to another individual. Under pain of perjury, you must attest that you will adhere to this obligation.

Applicants for Lifeline must certify under pain of perjury that they are enrolled in a qualified program and present two forms of identification. Customers who knowingly fabricate information receive benefit-risk fines, jail time, or exclusion from the program.

The residence address of a Lifeline subscriber must be in a region where Verizon Wireless has been authorized to provide Lifeline service. Lifeline assistance has not been used in the past.

Customer facilities or equipment, including the price of your phone, are not eligible for the Tribal Link-Up aid. Link assistance has not been used in the past.

Verizon Wireless Low-Income Discount: FAQs

1. What is Verizon’s low-income discount?

Verizon offers a special discount for low-income families through Assurance Wireless. This program helps people who qualify by giving them affordable phone service.

2. Who can get this discount?

You may qualify if you are part of a government assistance program like:

• SNAP (Food Stamps)
• Medicaid
• SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
• Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension Benefit

You may also qualify if your income is 135% or less of the federal poverty level.

3. How do I apply?

Follow these steps:

1. Go to the Assurance Wireless website.
2. Fill out the application with your details.
3. Submit proof of eligibility (like an income statement or program ID).
4. Wait for approval from Verizon.

4. What documents do I need?

You may need:

• A government-issued ID (like a driver’s license).
• Proof of income (pay stubs or tax forms).
• Proof of program participation (Medicaid card, SNAP letter, etc.).

Check Verizon’s website for more details.

5. What discounts do I get?

You can get:

• A free or discounted phone
• Low-cost monthly plans (as low as $10/month)
• Affordable data plans

6. Can I keep my Verizon number?

Yes! You can keep your current number if the new plan supports it.

7. Is this discount available everywhere?

It is available in most areas, but coverage may vary. Check online to see if it’s offered in your location.

8. How do I keep my discount?

To stay eligible, you must:

• Renew your application every year.
• Tell Verizon if your income or benefits change.

If you no longer qualify, you’ll need to switch to a regular plan.

9. Can I use this discount with other Verizon deals?

Usually, no. This program already gives big savings, so it can’t be combined with other discounts.

10. How can I get help?

If you need support, you can:

• Visit the Assurance Wireless website.
• Call 1-888-321-5880 for help.
• Go to a Verizon store for in-person assistance.