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Get a clear look at Indiana Lifeline Program rules, qualifications, and how you can lower your bill with trusted providers.
Indiana’s Lifeline Program might not get the same headlines as other federal benefits, but for people who count every dollar, it makes a real difference. If you live in Indiana and need help staying connected, whether it’s to call your doctor, help your kids with school, or search for a job, Lifeline offers a steady monthly discount on your phone or internet bill.
The program isn’t hard to qualify for, and providers like us at Cliq Mobile make the process straightforward. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, how to apply, and why this support matters.
Most folks first want to know if they can even get this help. Indiana Lifeline assistance isn’t available to just anyone. The rules are plain:
There’s also a little-known rule for survivors under the Safe Connections Act. If you’re a survivor of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes and you’re facing financial hardship, you can qualify for six months of emergency Lifeline support. That’s not permanent, but it can make a difference in a tough moment.
Most people qualify either by their income or by being part of a government program. If you’re going the income route, here’s how it works. [1]
To qualify for the Indiana Lifeline Program by income, your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Here’s what that means, using 2025 numbers:
These numbers change a little each year, so you’ll want to check the most current guidelines on the Indiana Lifeline application site or with your provider.
You can’t just say you qualify, you’ll need to show proof. Acceptable documents include:
Some providers might ask for more or less. At Cliq Mobile, we try to keep it simple, just enough paperwork to meet the rules, not enough to make you pull your hair out.
Not everyone has a steady job or a clear income. That’s why the Indiana Lifeline Program also lets you qualify if you already get help from certain federal or state programs.
You’re eligible if you, your child, or someone else in your household participates in any of these:
Plus, for people on federally recognized Tribal lands:
You’ll need your current benefits card, a statement of benefits, or an official letter. Again, we try to help you figure out what counts.
If you live on Tribal lands in Indiana, the benefit is bigger, up to $34.25 off your monthly bill. The same qualification rules apply, but with that extra boost, it can cover a big chunk of your phone or internet cost.
A few extra rules sometimes catch people by surprise:
Credits: HealthWatch Wisconsin
Providers like us at Cliq Mobile know that paperwork and government forms can be a pain. We see families get stuck all the time on small details. So, here’s a straightforward look at the process. [2]
You’ll need:
The Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor has all the forms online. You can print them or fill them out digitally. If you don’t have a printer, you can request a mail-in packet by calling their help line.
Getting approved is one thing. Keeping your discount year after year is another. There are rules, and a lot of folks lose their discount simply because they forget to recertify or miss a letter in the mail.
Every year, you need to prove you still qualify. This is called recertification. Usually, you’ll get a letter or email asking you to re-submit documents or confirm your participation in government programs. If you miss the deadline, your discount is cut off until you reapply.
If you’re staying somewhere temporarily, like a shelter or a friend’s couch, or living in a house with multiple families, you need to fill out a form proving you’re truly a separate economic unit. That means you don’t share income or expenses with the others.
Sometimes things go sideways. Maybe your discount isn’t showing up, or you get denied for a reason you don’t understand. Here’s what you can do.
Start with your provider. Cliq Mobile, for example, prides itself on quick response, usually under two minutes and a 95% first-call resolution rate. If you’re not satisfied, you can call the Lifeline Support Center or the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor for help.
This office isn’t just for show. They handle complaints, answer questions, and keep providers honest. If you get the runaround from a company, they’re your backup.
The rules about how the discount works are clear, but people sometimes miss the details.
The Lifeline discount is taken right off your monthly bill. It applies to:
At Cliq Mobile, we apply the discount to our free government phone plan, which includes unlimited talk, text, and a healthy chunk of high-speed data. You can also use the discount with other Indiana Lifeline providers for internet or landline if that’s a better fit.
Only one Lifeline discount per household. If someone else at your address already gets it, you can’t double-dip unless you’re truly a separate household with separate finances. This rule is strictly enforced.
Keeping your benefit is your responsibility, but providers have to follow the rules too.
If you stop qualifying or don’t respond to recertification requests, your discount stops. Some providers will notify you before cutting you off, but others will just end the discount. With Cliq Mobile, we give our customers plenty of notice so you’re not surprised.
You don’t need to be on SNAP or Medicaid to meet Indiana Lifeline eligibility. The Indiana Lifeline Program also covers other qualifying programs like Indiana SSI Lifeline, Indiana Veterans Lifeline, Indiana public housing Lifeline, Indiana TANF Lifeline, or Indiana WIC Lifeline.
You can also qualify based on income. Check the Indiana Lifeline income guidelines, if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, you may still apply for Lifeline Indiana without being part of those major assistance programs.
You can’t stack similar discounts. The Indiana Lifeline Program follows a one per household rule. If you’re already getting support through a federal broadband discount or another Indiana broadband discount, you likely can’t use Indiana Lifeline bundled services.
Lifeline assistance Indiana works with Indiana wireless providers, Indiana internet providers, and Indiana landline providers, but only one service can get the discount per household. You’ll need to pick one and stick with it unless you cancel the other.
Even in shared housing, the Indiana Lifeline single household rule applies. This means that only one person per economic household can get the benefit, even if multiple people live at the same address.
The Indiana Lifeline application includes a worksheet to explain this. Whether it’s group homes, dorms, or shelters, you must prove you’re financially independent from others. Indiana Lifeline documentation like separate income or bills may be required. Indiana Lifeline support center staff can help sort this out.
You could lose your Lifeline support Indiana if you skip Indiana Lifeline annual recertification. Every year, you must confirm that you still meet Indiana Lifeline requirements. Whether you qualify through Indiana SNAP Lifeline, Indiana Medicaid Lifeline, or by income, you’ll need to submit updated Indiana Lifeline verification.
The Indiana Lifeline FCC and Universal Service Administrative Company manage this. Ignoring the Indiana Lifeline renewal process will lead to losing your Indiana Lifeline monthly discount. Don’t wait for the last day to act.
Start by checking if your Indiana Lifeline documentation was complete. Missing Indiana Lifeline proof of income or proof of participation in qualifying programs like Indiana Tribal TANF or Indiana Head Start Lifeline can cause delays. If you were denied, contact Indiana Lifeline customer service or the Indiana Lifeline support center.
You can also file an Indiana Lifeline complaint with the Indiana Lifeline FCC office. If you submitted a paper application, try using the Indiana Lifeline online application next time, it’s often faster.
The Indiana Lifeline Program keeps phone and internet service within reach for low-income households. If you qualify, apply early, gather your documents, and don’t forget your annual recertification. Cliq Mobile can help you through the process, and we actually pick up the phone when you call. Don’t wait until your service gets cut or your bill spikes.
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