Choose the new provider
Confirm that the new provider can serve the customer and supports the transfer path.
Learn more →resource
How to Transfer Your Lifeline Benefit
Learn how a Lifeline benefit transfer works, why subscriber consent is required, how it differs from porting a phone number and what to prepare for the new provider.
Existing Lifeline subscriber
How to transfer a Lifeline benefit to a new provider
A Lifeline benefit transfer moves the federal benefit from one service provider to another at the subscriber’s request. The new provider initiates the transaction and must obtain the required customer consent. This is separate from porting the telephone number.
What happens during a Lifeline provider transfer
Request the transfer
The subscriber asks the new provider to move the Lifeline benefit.
Provide required consent
The provider must obtain affirmative transfer consent and required acknowledgements.
Complete provider setup
After the benefit transfer, finish the new plan, device, fulfillment and activation steps.
Learn more →Benefit transfer
Moves the Lifeline program benefit from one provider to another. It affects which company applies the benefit to service.
Number port
Moves an existing telephone number. Porting uses carrier account and transfer information and is not the same transaction.
Practical next step
Plan the benefit transfer and number port as separate tasks
If you also want to keep the current phone number, prepare the old carrier account information and keep the existing line active until porting finishes.
Lifeline transfer questions
Can I move my Lifeline benefit to another company?+
Yes. Lifeline Support currently says subscribers can transfer their benefit to another company, and the new service provider initiates the transfer after the required customer request and consent.
How often can I transfer Lifeline?+
Lifeline Support currently states that a consumer may transfer the benefit once a month. Always follow the current official guidance and the actual provider process.
Will I lose the benefit with my old company?+
A transfer moves the Lifeline benefit to the new provider, so the old provider no longer receives the benefit for that subscriber after the transfer is complete.
Is a Lifeline transfer the same as keeping my phone number?+
No. Benefit transfer and number porting are separate transactions with different information and consent requirements.
Gov iPhone next step
Continue with the right Gov iPhone step
Use the provider application, eligibility tool, phone catalog or support page that matches your situation.
Program information from primary sources
Federal program claims on Gov iPhone are supported with USAC and Lifeline Support references so customers can distinguish official Lifeline rules from provider-specific free phone and service offers.