Lifeline provides eligible low-income individuals with a free smartphone and free monthly data, free monthly minutes and unlimited texting. The Emergency Broadband Benefit is a temporary
program to help families and households access internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The benefit provides a discount for broadband services.

Eligibility for Lifeline: 

• Participates in NJ SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit or Tribal Programs
• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Eligibility for Emergency Broadband: 

• Participates in NJ SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance,Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit or Tribal Programs
• Has an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Experienced a substantial loss of income due to job loss or furlough since February 29, 2020
• Receives benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, or did so in the 2019-2020 school year
• Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating broadband provider’s existing low-income or COVID-19 program
• Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year

How to Apply for Lifeline: 

• Apply online through the following providers:
  Assurance Wireless or SafeLink Wireless. You can choose your Lifeline provider. If you already have a Lifeline smartphone, contact your provider and ask for the Emergency Broadband
  Benefit.
• If you are a Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare member with Horizon, Amerigroup or WellCare, you may receive extra benefits by applying with SafeLink Wireless: safelinkwireless.com
• If you are a Medicaid/NJ FamilyCare member with Aetna, you may receive extra benefits by applying with Assurance Wireless: assurancewireless.com

How to Apply for Emergency Broadband:

If you already have a Lifeline smartphone, contact your provider and ask for the Emergency
Broadband Benefit.

You can also:

• Apply online at GetEmergencyBroadband.org
• Call 833-511-0311 for a mail-in application.
• Contact a participating broadband provider and ask about their application process.

Age Groups	Adults Seniors
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance COVID-Related Financial Assistance / Referrals

Last Updated: 03/29/23