Kentucky Residents Can Use Lifeline and ACP Benefits to Get Free Government Phone Service
Are you a Kentucky resident looking to cut down on monthly expenses without sacrificing essential services? We’ve got you covered.
In an age where staying connected is more important than ever, the Lifeline Program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provide a safety net for low-income households nationwide.
Eligible Americans who qualify for these government programs, and sign up with a leading Lifeline and ACP service provider such as Q Link Wireless, can get FREE UNLIMITED* cell phone service every month!
Whether you’re a senior living on a fixed income, a low-income family trying to save money, or a student looking to reduce monthly expenses. These programs are designed to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to essential communication services.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates that approximately 712,023 Kentucky residents lived in poverty during 20211; further research shows there are nearly 846,290 ACP-eligible households2 in the Bluegrass State.
That’s a lot of people who could benefit from FREE monthly cell phone service!
Not sure where to start? No problem. We’ll walk you through the eligibility criteria for these government benefit programs, the best way to apply, and what to expect so that you can make the most of this incredible opportunity.
Follow along and discover how Q Link Wireless can help you stay connected with no monthly phone bills through the Lifeline and ACP program.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a federal assistance program that makes telecommunications services more affordable for low-income individuals and families. It was established in 1984 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and provides eligible American households with monthly phone or internet service discounts.
The discounts provided by the Lifeline Program are as follows:
- A service discount of up to $9.25 per month.
- A service discount of up to $34.25 per month for consumers living on Tribal lands3.
How Do Kentucky Residents Get FREE Phone Service with Lifeline?
If you want to get the most use out of your Lifeline benefit, we suggest signing up with Q Link Wireless and applying your discount toward your mobile phone service. Most Lifeline consumers choose to do it this way and for good reason.
Applying your Lifeline benefit to your mobile service lets you get FREE monthly cell phone service! Lifeline and ACP phone companies, like Q Link Wireless, use the same networks as the major carriers, so you can enjoy reliable coverage with UNLIMITED* Talk & Text on one of America’s largest 4G LTE/5G networks for $0 a month!
Keep in mind, the FCC prohibits consumers from having more than one Lifeline service per household (not per person), and you cannot give your benefit to another person even if they qualify.
How Can You Qualify for Lifeline in Kentucky?
Kentuckians can qualify for the Lifeline Program through annual household income or through participation in a government program. Lifeline and the ACP use a secure, centralized application system known as the National Verifier (NV) to determine the eligibility of applicants.
Lifeline Income Qualifications for Kentucky Residents
To be eligible for the Lifeline Program, your annual household income must be 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines4. Keep in mind income thresholds vary per size of household, and Lifeline Benefits are provided on a per-household basis, not per person.
2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size5 | All 48 States, D.C., and Territories |
| 1 | $19,683 |
| 2 | $26,622 |
| 3 | $33,561 |
| 4 | $40,500 |
| 5 | $47,439 |
| 6 | $54,378 |
| 7 | $61,317 |
| 8 | $68,256 |
| For each extra person, add this amount: | $6,939 |
What Is a Household?
We’ve used the term “household” a lot, but what does that actually mean?
Well, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a nonprofit organization that administers the ACP and Lifeline programs in accordance with the FCC’s directives, defines a “household” as a group of people who live together and share money regardless of their relationship.
- If you live together and share money, you are one household.
- If you live together and don’t share money, you are 2+ households.
In short, multiple people living at the same address, such as roommates or seniors at an assisted-living home, can each receive a Lifeline benefit and be considered their own household as long as they do not share income with each other.
Qualifying for Lifeline Through a Government Program
Your household may be eligible to receive a Lifeline Benefit if you or a member of your household already participates in one of the following government assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
- FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP)
- Tribal Specific Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (only households that meet the income qualifying standard)
Get FREE Government Phone Service in Kentucky with Lifeline
Kentucky residents who qualify for Lifeline can get FREE monthly cell phone service on one of America’s largest 4G LTE/5G networks by signing up with Q Link Wireless.
For more than 10 years, Q Link Wireless has been an official government benefits service provider and is ranked as the #1 Online Lifeline Provider in the U.S.
Sign up today to receive FREE monthly cell phone service in Kentucky!
Kentucky Residents Save More With ACP Discounts
On December 31, 2021, the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) replaced the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), an FCC program that aimed to help low-income families and households afford internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Today, roughly 21.2 million households are enrolled in the ACP2 and benefit from a monthly internet service discount. The ACP also provides consumers with a one-time discount on a qualifying internet-connected device.
ACP Benefits for Kentucky Residents
- A monthly discount of up to $30 toward internet service.
- A monthly discount of up to $75 for households on qualifying Tribal lands3.
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for an internet device such as a computer, laptop, or tablet from a participating provider (requires a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50).
Use Your ACP Discounts for FREE UNLIMITED Phone Service in Kentucky
Get the most out of your ACP benefits by signing up with Q Link Wireless. When you apply your ACP internet discount toward your mobile service, you unlock FREE UNLIMITED* monthly cell phone service on one of the nation’s largest 4G LTE/5G networks!
Qualifying Kentucky residents enjoy UNLIMITED* Data, Talk & Text for $0 a month with no monthly bills, hidden fees, or contracts. With ACP’s $100 internet device discount, you can even upgrade your mobile experience and connectivity with a New Tablet^ for a one-time co-payment of $10.01.
The Q Link Tablet^ has the best of what a touchscreen tablet has to offer, plus it’s easy to use and lightweight for entertainment on the go.
Its no wonder ACP-eligible Kentuckians choose to use their benefits this way! Afterall, Lifeline and ACP phone companies like Q Link Wireless use the same cell networks as the major carriers, so you’ll still enjoy reliable nationwide coverage.
ACP Eligibility Rules for Kentucky Residents
It’s important to note that Lifeline and the ACP are two separate FCC programs. If your household qualifies for both, you can apply for and receive both benefits. However, you are only allowed one ACP benefit per household, not per person, and you cannot transfer your ACP benefit to another person, even if they would qualify.
How Do Kentucky Residents Qualify for the ACP?
Low-income households in Kentucky may qualify for the ACP through income or through certain government programs. If you already receive a Lifeline benefit, you automatically qualify for the ACP and can apply both program discounts to the same or different services.
ACP Income Qualifications for Kentucky Residents
To qualify for the ACP, your annual household income must be 200% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines6. The table below shows income limits per household size.
2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
| Household Size5 | All 48 States, D.C., and Territories |
| 1 | $29,160 |
| 2 | $39,440 |
| 3 | $49,720 |
| 4 | $60,000 |
| 5 | $70,280 |
| 6 | $80,560 |
| 7 | $90,840 |
| 8 | $101,120 |
| For each extra person, add this amount: | $10,280 |
Qualifying for the ACP Through a Government Program
Your household can qualify for the ACP if you, your dependent, or someone in your household currently participates in one of the following government programs:
- Lifeline Program
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or Food Stamps)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-Based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/Section 202/Section 811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit Programs
- Federal Pell Grant for the current award year
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program, or enrollment in a Community Eligibility Provision School
- Tribal Specific Programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (must meet the income qualifying standard)
Promoting ACP and Lifeline Awareness in Kentucky
If you’re someone who wouldn’t qualify for Lifeline or the ACP, we ask that you still keep what you’ve learned thus far in mind because you may know someone who could benefit from this information.
In 2021, the U.S. Census Bureau determined that approximately 37.9 million people lived in poverty7 in the U.S., with the state of Kentucky having roughly 712,023 people in poverty1.
By promoting programs like the ACP and Lifeline we can help spread awareness so that low-income Americans can stay informed about the federal benefit programs available. Doing so will also help keep these essential resources funded for as long as people continue to need them.
Get FREE Government Cell Phone Service in Kentucky
Kentucky residents who are eligible for Lifeline and the ACP can qualify for FREE UNLIMITED* cell phone service with Q Link Wireless.
Imagine having nationwide coverage with UNLIMITED* Data, Talk & Text on Q Link Wireless’ newly upgraded 4G LTE/5G network. Plus, a New Tablet^ for a one-time co-payment of $10.01, so you can elevate your viewing experience on a larger screen.
There are NO monthly bills, contracts, hidden fees, or credit checks – just savings! You can even keep your number and bring your phone with you. That way, the only thing you’ll change is having one less monthly bill to pay.
Looking to upgrade your phone instead? No problem! Q Link Wireless has a wide selection of brand-name phones at affordable prices and with optional financing opportunities.
Check out Q Link Wireless’ phones and deals!
You’ll even get 2 months of Amazon Prime FREE† as a bonus when you join! Make the smart decision and stop paying for expensive cell phone bills.
The application process is fast and easy and will save you hundreds of dollars on phone service. Get started now and sign up today to see if you qualify for FREE government phone service in Kentucky!
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Disclaimers
*UNLIMITED Data & Talk is an offer funded by the ACP. See Terms & Conditions. Must qualify.
^ACP discounted device offer is subject to product availability. Customers will be notified of device shipment and must contribute a co-payment of $10.01. Tablet offer varies by state. ACP Terms & Conditions apply.
†Offer subject to change. Cancel anytime by visiting ‘Manage Prime Membership’ in ‘Your Account’ on Amazon.com and adjusting your membership settings. Amazon.com, Inc. and its affiliates are not sponsors of this promotion. Amazon Prime Access is $6.99/month after the 2-month promotional period if you opt-in for autorenewal. You are eligible for Prime Access (a discounted Amazon Prime membership) if you are an EBT cardholder or qualify for select government assistance or discounts. Amazon, Amazon Prime, and all related logos are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Offer requires a Q Link Wireless account showing active usage at least once a month.
References:
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture Economic Research Service; “U.S. Poverty” – https://data.ers.usda.gov/reports.aspx?ID=17826
2. EducationSuperHighway; “ACP Enrollment Dashboard” – https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/no-home-left-offline/acp-data/
3. Eligible Tribal Lands for Lifeline and the ACP – https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/fcc_tribal_lands_map.pdf
4. 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Lifeline – https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/
5. What is a Household? – https://www.lifelinesupport.org/what-is-a-household/
6. 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines for ACP – https://www.usac.org/about/affordable-connectivity-program/application-and-eligibility-resources/how-to-prove-income/
7. U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Official Poverty Rate: https://www.census.gov/newsroom/stories/poverty-awareness-month.html#:~:text=The%20official%20poverty%20rate%20in,and%20Table%20A%2D1
