Internet & Phone Discounts
Low-cost and free internet and phone service programs for public assistance recipients in Colorado. These programs can be stacked for even deeper savings.
Federal Lifeline Program
A federal program providing a monthly discount on phone or internet service.
- Discount: Up to $9.25/month off qualifying phone or internet service
- Tribal lands: Up to $34.25/month
- Qualifies: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Veterans Pension, Federal Public Housing, or income at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines
- Limit: One Lifeline benefit per household
- How to apply: Apply through a participating provider or at the National Verifier
- Proof needed: SNAP card, Medicaid card, benefit letter, or pay stubs
- Link: FCC — Lifeline Program
Participating Providers in Colorado — Plan Details
These providers offer completely free phone plans (including a free smartphone) to qualifying Colorado residents through the Lifeline program:
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Talk | Text | Data | Free Phone? | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TruConnect | Free | Unlimited | Unlimited | 4.5 GB 4G/LTE | Yes (free SIM; phone options vary) | truconnect.com/states/colorado |
| AirTalk Wireless | Free | Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited high-speed | Yes (Samsung or iPhone options) | airtalkwireless.com/my-state/colorado |
| Cliq Mobile | Free | Unlimited | Unlimited | Varies by plan | Yes | gocliqmobile.com/states/colorado |
| Life Wireless | Free | Unlimited | Unlimited | Varies by plan | Yes | lifewireless.com/plans/colorado |
| TAG Mobile | Free | Unlimited | Unlimited | Varies by plan | Yes | tagmobile.com/my-state/colorado |
Bonus features: TruConnect and AirTalk both include free international calling to over 200 countries and territories.
These plans are completely free — not just discounted. The $9.25 Lifeline subsidy covers the full cost. You get a free phone and free monthly service with no bill. Over 8 million Americans are currently enrolled nationwide, and the program is not ending.
Comcast/Xfinity Internet Essentials
Low-cost home internet specifically for low-income households.
- Cost: $14.95/month (can be reduced to ~$5.70/month if stacked with Lifeline)
- Speed: 75–100 Mbps
- Includes: Free equipment (modem/router), no cancellation fees, no credit check
- Qualifies: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing, Veterans Pension, or income at or below 135% of federal poverty level
- Bonus: Option to purchase an internet-ready computer for under $150; free digital literacy training
- How to apply: Online at internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376
- Link: Xfinity Support — Internet Essentials
Fair Benefits (Lifeline Enrollment Assistance)
SNAP recipients can get help enrolling in the federal Lifeline program through Fair Benefits.
- Discount: $9.25/month off phone/cellular service; many plans are completely free
- Qualifies: SNAP recipients
- Link: fairbenefits.org
DriveSafe Driving Schools — Free Driver's Ed
While not internet/phone, this is listed under EBT Services on the CDHS site and is a valuable free resource.
- Benefit: Free CO DMV-certified online self-paced teen driver's education course
- Qualifies: SNAP recipients
- Note: Start driver's education as early as 14.5 years old
- Link: drivesafecolorado.com — SNAP Online Program
Tips for Maximizing Savings
- Stack Lifeline + Internet Essentials: Apply for both programs. The $9.25 Lifeline discount can be applied to the $14.95 Internet Essentials bill, bringing your monthly cost to approximately $5.70.
- Free phone options: Many Lifeline providers (TruConnect, AirTalk, TAG Mobile) offer completely free smartphones and monthly plans to qualifying Colorado residents.
- One per household: Lifeline allows only one benefit per household. Choose the service (phone or internet) that helps you most, or find a bundled plan.
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