Indiana guidance. Status unknown, call to confirm.

No phone or internet in Indiana

A cell phone can still call 911. Lifeline is a federal discount for phone or internet service. Ask a phone company that takes part, and keep using the service so you do not lose it.

1. Step 1: You can still call 911

   Federal rules say wireless companies must send every 911 call to emergency dispatch, without first checking your account. Keep a charged phone with you if you can.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 9.10, 911 service (10-1-24 edition) says: “CMRS providers subject to this section must transmit all wireless 911 calls without respect to their call validation process to a Public Safety Answering Point” (checked 2026-10-15)

2. Step 2: Know what Lifeline is

   Lifeline is a federal program. It now focuses on internet service, with a smaller discount for phone service.

   • Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Lifeline Telephone Assistance says: “Since 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has transitioned the program toward broadband while offering reduced discounts for telephone service.” (checked 2026-10-15)

3. Step 3: See if your household can get Lifeline

   Your household can get Lifeline if its income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or if someone gets Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans and Survivors Pension.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.409, Consumer qualification for Lifeline (10-1-24 edition) says: “must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for a household of that size” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.409, Consumer qualification for Lifeline (10-1-24 edition) says: “from one of the following federal assistance programs: Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Supplemental Security Income;” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.409, Consumer qualification for Lifeline (10-1-24 edition) says: “Federal Public Housing Assistance; or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.” (checked 2026-10-15)

4. Step 4: Apply through a phone company

   Ask the phone company you want whether it takes part in Lifeline. Some take applications by phone; others give you a paper form.

   • Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Are you a utility customer? says: “To apply, contact the telephone carrier of your choice and ask if the carrier participates in the Lifeline program.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Are you a utility customer? says: “Some carriers may take an application over the phone while others may provide a paper application” (checked 2026-10-15)

5. Step 5: Only one Lifeline per household

   Only one person in a household can have Lifeline. If someone you live with already has it, ask before you apply.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.409, Consumer qualification for Lifeline (10-1-24 edition) says: “there must not be anyone else in the subscriber's household subscribed to a Lifeline service” (checked 2026-10-15)

6. Step 6: Use it so you keep it

   If you do not use a Lifeline service with no monthly fee for 30 days in a row, the company can end it after giving you 15 days of notice. You must also certify each year.

   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.405, Lifeline carrier obligations (10-1-24 edition) says: “if a Lifeline subscriber fails to use, as “usage” is defined in § 54.407(c)(2), for 30 consecutive days a Lifeline service” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.405, Lifeline carrier obligations (10-1-24 edition) says: “to assess and collect a monthly fee from its subscribers” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • U.S. Government Publishing Office: 47 CFR 54.405, Lifeline carrier obligations (10-1-24 edition) says: “must provide the subscriber 15 days' notice” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Lifeline Telephone Assistance says: “All Lifeline subscribers are required to certify eligibility each year.” (checked 2026-10-15)

7. Step 7: Find a public library near you

   The Indiana State Library lists public libraries by county. Ask your library about computer and internet use. For help finding one, call the State Library at (317) 232-3675.

   • Indiana State Library: Public Library Directory says: “Libraries indexed by county” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana State Library: Public Library Directory says: “please email isl@askisl.libanswers.com or call (317) 232-3675.” (checked 2026-10-15)

8. Step 8: Phones for people who are deaf or hard of hearing

   Relay Indiana (InTRAC) is a free relay service. It also has devices at no charge, such as CapTel phones and cell phones, for Indiana residents who are deaf or hard of hearing.

   • Indiana FSSA DDARS: Telecommunication Relay says: “is a free service that provides full telecommunications accessibility to people who are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech impaired.” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA DDARS: Accessible Technology says: “INTRAC Relay Services – devices at no charge for deaf and hard of hearing Indiana residents” (checked 2026-10-15)
   • Indiana FSSA DDARS: Accessible Technology says: “INTRAC: equipment at no charge for Deaf/HoH, *iPads, *cell phones, Cap-Tel phones” (checked 2026-10-15)

Status unknown, call to confirm. Phone companies set their own Lifeline offers. Ask what is free and what costs money before you sign up.

• Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission: Are you a utility customer? says: “To apply, contact the telephone carrier of your choice and ask if the carrier participates in the Lifeline program.” (checked 2026-10-15)
• Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor: Lifeline Telephone Assistance says: “Since 2016, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has transitioned the program toward broadband while offering reduced discounts for telephone service.” (checked 2026-10-15)

Not legal advice. The agency or program decides what applies to your situation.