Lifeline & Internet Kokua

• What is Lifeline? What is Lifeline?

  The Lifeline program provides discounts on your local Home Phone service if you meet certain federal and/or state qualifications. Discounts are available on Basic Service and Go Local Plus. For more information on these options, see our Calling Plans. Hawaiian Telcom is required to obtain proof of your eligibility in order for you to receive the monthly Lifeline credit on your bill.
  
  Lifeline discounts for Hawaiian Telcom's High-Speed Internet services are also available to qualifying customers in eligible areas.

• What is the Federal Lifeline discount? What is the Federal Lifeline discount?

  1. Access the Federal Lifeline Application Online and check to see if you are eligible for federal discounts.
  
  

  2. If you are eligible, print and complete the application form. Please print clearly and provide accurate information.

  
  3. Gather copies of all necessary documentation. Qualification for the program must be verified with supporting documentation that is current (shows eligibility within the past 12 months)

  
  4. Mail your completed Federal Lifeline application and supporting documents to the address on the application form. Please do not mail your Federal Lifeline application to Hawaiian Telcom. ALL federal applications are processed by the USAC ONLY.

  
  Note: If you need help, please call the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473.

  
  Lifeline is a government assistance program. The service is non-transferable, only eligible customers may enroll in the program, and the program is limited to one discount per household.

  
  

• What is the State Lifeline Discount? What is the State Lifeline Discount?

  1. Review the State Lifeline application form and check to see if you are eligible for state discounts.
  
  

  2. If you are eligible, print and complete the application form. Please print clearly and provide accurate information.

  
  3. Gather copies of all necessary documentation. Qualification for the program must be verified with supporting documentation that is current (shows eligibility within the past 12 months).

  
  4. Mail your completed State Lifeline application and supporting documents to:

  
  Hawaiian Telcom
  ATTN: SRC – Lifeline Team
  1177 Bishop Street, Suite 3
  Honolulu, HI 96813

  
  Note: If you need help, please call Hawaiian Telcom - Consumer Sales & Support Center at 808-643-3456.

  
  *Lifeline is a government assistance program. The service is non-transferable, only eligible customers may enroll in the program, and the program is limited to one discount per household

• Who is eligible for Lifeline? Who is eligible for Lifeline?

  Customers who participate in certain social service programs or whose annual household income is below a specific threshold are eligible for Lifeline. The qualifying programs and income levels vary by state and eligibility information is available here. In Hawaiian Telcom's service area, the eligibility standards are as follows:

  • Supplement Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Medicaid 
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits Program 
  • Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below reflects 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG).

  Household Size	Annual Income
  1	$24,786.00
  2	$33,602.00
  3	$42,417.00
  4	$51,233.00
  5	$60,048.00
  6	$68,864.00
  7	$77,679.00
  8	$86,495.00
  Each Additional Person	$8,816.00

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

   

• Can I have a Lifeline discount on my Home Phone and Internet at the same time? Can I have a Lifeline discount on my Home Phone and Internet at the same time?

  No, you are only able to apply the Lifeline discount to one of these products. 

• How do I know if I qualify for Lifeline and how do I apply? How do I know if I qualify for Lifeline and how do I apply?

  Eligible customers must verify their eligibility through the National Verifier database. Customers can utilize the consumer portal at www.usac.org to determine eligibility, they may mail their completed application and all supporting documentation to the Lifeline Support Center or they may go to an authorized Hawaiian Telcom retail store where an associate may help them determine eligibility. All applications are subject to verification of the applicant's eligibility for Lifeline through the National Verifier.

  
  

  Hawaiian Telcom may not grant Lifeline benefits to those that do not qualify in the National Verifier. If the customer chooses to mail their documentation to the Lifeline Support Center please mail all paperwork to the address on the application form. Please do not mail your Federal Lifeline application to Hawaiian Telcom. ALL federal applications are processed by the USAC ONLY.

  
  

  Note: An application for Lifeline is not an applications for new telephone or internet service. Consumers wanting to establish new service must contact Hawaiian Telcom to establish service and return the completed Lifeline application.

• Who do I call if I have questions regarding Lifeline? Who do I call if I have questions regarding Lifeline?

  Consumers with questions regarding the Federal Lifeline Discount should contact the Lifeline Support Center at 800-234-9473, or visit www.lifelinesupport.org for questions regarding the application process. 
  
  Consumers with questions regarding the State Lifeline Discount should contact Hawaiian Telcom Consumer Sales & Support Center at 808-643-3456.

• What is the Internet Kokua program? What is the Internet Kokua program?

  The Internet Kokua program provides discounts on Internet service for those who meet certain qualifications. If your service address is copper-served, you may be eligible to receive High-Speed Internet Basic (up to 7 Mbps download) for $9.95/month, which includes the Wireless Gateway Service Fee.
  
  If your service address is fiber-served, you may be eligible to receive Fioptics 100 (up to 100 Mbps download) for $12.95/month, which includes the Wireless Gateway Service Fee.
  
  We require proof of eligibility in order for you to receive the monthly discount on your bill. In addition, if you are currently or have been a Hawaiian Telcom customer within the last year, your service cannot have been suspended for non-payment.

• What is the Internet Kokua discount? What is the Internet Kokua discount?

  To apply for the Internet Kokua program, follow these steps:

  1. Review the Hawaiian Telcom Internet Kokua Program application form and check to see if you are eligible to receive benefits.

  
  

  2. Complete the Internet Kokua Program application form. Please print clearly and provide accurate information.

  
  

  3. Gather copies of all necessary documentation. Qualification for the program must be verified with supporting documentation.

  
  

  4. Mail the completed form and supporting documents to: 

  
  

  Hawaiian Telcom
  ATTN: SRC – Lifeline Team
  1177 Bishop Street, Suite 3
  Honolulu, HI 96813

  
  

  * One-time Internet activation fee of $34.99 and taxes not included. Internet service not available in all areas and speeds may vary by address. Applicable service terms and conditions apply and subject to change.