Getting Help to Pay Your Phone Bill: Support Options to Maintain Service

For many Americans, an affordable phone and internet connection are necessities to stay connected to work, school, healthcare and more. However, when budgets get tight, paying the phone or internet bill can feel like an impossible expense. If you are struggling to maintain phone or internet service due to financial hardship, there are resources that can help. This article explores options to get assistance paying your phone bill so you can keep your vital connections.

Understanding the Importance of Phone/Internet Access

When money is tight, it’s easy to cut back on “wants” like streaming services or cable TV. But for many people, having phone and internet service is not just a want; it’s a must. Why it’s so important to keep your phone and internet connected if you can:

• Health – Phones provide a lifeline to emergency services and healthcare providers. Remote appointments with doctors depend on internet access.

• Work – A phone number and email address are requirements for employment. Remote work requires home internet access.

• Education – Virtual school requires at least some internet connectivity for assignments,

• Community – Phones/internet allow people to maintain social ties and access support systems.

• Information – Phones and internet provide vital access to news, health guidance, financial resources and more. Losing service can mean losing access to critical information and assistance programs.

Assistance Programs for Phone/Internet Bills

If you are struggling to pay your phone or internet bill, check if you qualify for one of the assistance programs below:

• Lifeline – This federal program provides a discount on monthly phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households. Some lifeline providers even offer free smartphones. You can check your eligibility and apply through the Lifeline Support Center website.

• As a temporary measure to help families during the COVID-19 pandemic, the federal government is offering a discount of up to $50 per month on broadband service to households that qualify. You can check eligibility and enroll through the EBB website.

• Provider Bill Assistance – Many major phone/internet providers have bill assistance programs for customers facing financial hardship. These programs provide discounted service or a temporary break from payments. Contact your provider directly to check eligibility and apply.

• State Programs – Some states and cities offer additional telecommunication assistance funds that can supplement federal benefits. Use the search tool at USA.gov to check availability in your state.

• Non-Profit Assistance – Organizations like the United Way sometimes have funds to help customers in need pay phone/internet bills. Call 211 to learn about assistance options in your local area.

Steps to Apply for Phone/Internet Bill Assistance

If you determine you are eligible for a federal, state or local program, here are the typical steps to take in order to enroll:

• Choose a Provider – Select an approved Lifeline or EBB provider offering service in your state. Some providers offer discounted or free smartphones.

• Check Eligibility – Confirm you meet income or program-based eligibility requirements for the assistance program.

• Submit Documentation – Be prepared to provide proof of eligibility such as prior year tax returns, pay stubs, or documentation of enrollment in qualifying benefit programs.

• Apply – Complete and submit the assistance program application with your provider.

• Enroll – Once approved, the provider will enroll you in the discounted service program. Ongoing eligibility checks may be required.

Tips for Affording Phone/Internet Without Assistance

If you don’t qualify for low-income assistance programs, here are some tips to lower your phone/internet costs:

• Comparison shop providers and plans to find the best rates. Avoid unnecessary extras like ringtone subscriptions.

• Consider a family plan if you can team up with trusted friends/family to share data.

• See if your employer, student program, or organization offers any telecom discounts you can leverage.

• Try to negotiate – call your provider’s customer loyalty department and explain your situation to request any available discounts.

• Explore non-contract prepaid plans without fancy phones to reduce costs.

• Limit data usage and connect to free WiFi when possible to avoid overages.

Don’t Wait – Get Help Paying Your Bill

Being able to call 911 in an emergency or looking up available food assistance makes phone and internet service a must-have. If you are struggling to maintain this vital access for yourself or your family, help is available. Take the time to explore subsidy programs, provider assistance and community resources so you can keep your phone and internet connected. Your health, employment and education opportunities depend on it.