Table of Contents

South Carolina residents who meet Lifeline eligibility rules can apply for help with qualifying monthly phone or internet service. Approval for the service benefit does not guarantee a free smartphone.

Who qualifies?

A household can qualify through income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Use the current USAC income table for your household size.

Residents of qualifying Tribal lands may also qualify through Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Head Start when its income standard is met. The additional Tribal routes apply under the program’s Tribal eligibility rules.

How to apply in South Carolina

Start with USAC’s application instructions. You may be asked for documents verifying identity, address, income, or participation in a qualifying program if the automatic checks do not confirm them.

After approval, choose a participating company serving your address and complete enrollment with it. Companies Near Me can help identify providers. Lifeline generally allows one benefit per household, meaning people who live together and share income and expenses.

Check the phone offer separately

Lifeline is a service discount, not a federal device purchase program. Before enrolling, ask the company to confirm:

  • The actual monthly price after the discount, data limits, and additional charges.
  • Whether a phone is included, its model and condition, and any upfront or shipping cost.
  • Coverage at your address, support options, and the return policy.
  • Compatibility if you want to bring an existing phone.

Use the company’s confirmed order for delivery and activation information. There is no universal device catalog or guaranteed shipment following Lifeline approval.

ACP is closed

The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024. Its former discounts and application instructions cannot be used to claim a new benefit. Lifeline is a separate program with its own eligibility requirements.