Oregon Lifeline
A discount on phone & internet
What it pays or provides
Oregon Lifeline discounts your phone or internet bill, not both at once. You can get up to $20.25 off your phone bill each month (or free wireless voice minutes and data through some providers), or up to $24.25 off a high-speed internet bill. Tribal residents can get an extra $25 a month, plus up to $100 off a one-time activation fee through Tribal Link Up, with an interest-free payment plan available for the rest.
Who qualifies
You must be at least 18, and you or someone in your household must receive one of several benefits. SNAP or Medicaid (the Oregon Health Plan) qualify you with no extra paperwork. Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, a Veterans or Survivors Pension, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Food Distribution on Indian Reservations, or Tribal Head Start also qualify you, but need documentation. Without any of those, you can qualify if your total household income is at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines.
Income limits by household size
This income limit is based on federal poverty guidelines, not Oregon's median income. If you're on SNAP or the Oregon Health Plan, you skip the income test — enrollment in those programs qualifies you automatically.
| People in your household | Monthly income limit (about) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,800 |
| 2 | $2,430 |
| 3 | $3,070 |
| 4 | $3,710 |
| 5 | $4,350 |
| 6 | $4,990 |
| 7 | $5,630 |
| 8 | $6,270 |
Limits shown are approximately 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, rounded — the program’s own table is the final word.
Where you have to live
Federal and state rules limit Lifeline to one discount per household, for either phone or internet service, not both, and only through a participating provider in your area.
How other benefits affect it
Being on SNAP or the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) is the fastest path to Oregon Lifeline — no separate income documents needed.
How to apply
Apply for free service or discounted service through the Oregon PUC's Lifeline pages — the discounted-service application is at oregon.gov/puc/Pages/Discounted-Service.aspx and the free-service application is at oregon.gov/puc/Pages/Free-Service.aspx. Both offer an online application or a printable paper application, available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Somali. You can also call 800-848-4442, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Go to the official page →or call 800-848-4442
How long approval usually takes
Expect up to 60 days from when you submit your application before the discount shows up on your phone or internet bill.
Keeping it (renewal)
You may be required to recertify your eligibility for Oregon Lifeline every year.
Programs that combine with it
- SNAP (food benefits) — monthly money for food
- Oregon Health Plan (Medicaid) — free or low-cost health coverage
Sources
- Oregon Lifeline discounted service application
- Official rule text “Total household income is at or below 135 percent of federal poverty guidelines” (checked July 4, 2026)
- Official rule text “You may qualify for Oregon Lifeline if you are at least 18 years old and you, or a member of your household, receives one of the following benefits” (checked July 19, 2026)