For someone living in fear, a phone can become much more than a device. It can be a connection to safety, emergency services, loved ones, shelters, healthcare providers, schools, employers, or simply someone who will listen and help.
Every day, countless women, children, and vulnerable individuals suffer from domestic violence, abuse, human trafficking, and controlling relationships. Many survivors are isolated from family and friends, monitored, threatened, or financially controlled. Some are unable to safely communicate at all.
Help for domestic violence survivors is available through the Safe Connections Act. A government program created to help protect survivors by providing safer access to communication services and emergency Lifeline support during times of crisis.
What Is the Safe Connections Act?
The Safe Connections Act (sometimes referred to as the Connections Act or Safe Connections law) helps survivors of domestic violence and related abuse separate from a shared wireless account without losing access to their mobile phone line.
Under the Safe Connections Act, eligible survivors may submit a line separation request to their wireless provider. This line separation allows a survivor to separate their phone line from a shared plan connected to an abuser or controlling primary account holder.
A line separation request may help survivors:
Maintain access to their phone number
Protect their privacy and security
Continue communication with family, employers, schools, and emergency services
Receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months
Wireless providers are generally required to process a legitimate line separation request within two business days, although technical issues or missing documentation could affect the timeline.
Why Safe Communication Matters
For survivors of domestic abuse, maintaining communication access can be critically important.
Reliable service may help survivors:
Contact 911 or emergency responders
Reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline
Connect with a victim services provider
Access shelters, counseling, or legal assistance
Stay in contact with children, family, or trusted friends
Apply for housing, employment, or financial assistance
Attend school or work remotely
Maintain greater independence and control
A safe phone connection may become one of the first steps toward rebuilding stability and security.
Emergency Lifeline Support Through the Lifeline Program
The Lifeline program helps eligible low-income households access affordable phone and qualifying internet service.
Under the Safe Connections Act, eligible survivors may receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months while transitioning away from an unsafe situation. After that period, eligible individuals may continue receiving the standard Lifeline benefit if they still qualify.
Emergency Lifeline support may help cover:
Phone service
Qualifying internet access
Bundled services offered by a provider
Who May Qualify?
Survivors may qualify for Lifeline support through household income guidelines or participation in qualifying assistance programs such as:
SNAP benefits
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
Additional Safe Connections Act rules and eligibility requirements may apply.
Understanding the Line Separation Process
The line separation process begins when a survivor submits a separation request to their wireless provider.
During the process, the provider may ask the user to provide documentation or supporting documentation showing that the request qualifies under the covered act.
Acceptable documents may include:
A police report
Court documents
Charging documents
Restraining orders
A signed affidavit
Statements provided by a licensed social worker
Statements provided by a licensed medical professional
Other official record documentation
A text message, email, or mail confirmation related to the account or separation request
Some providers may require required documentation through an electronic application or paper application process.
Because every situation is different, survivors should contact their wireless provider or the Lifeline Survivor Benefit page for complete information regarding documentation requirements and eligibility rules.
Understanding “Survivors Benefits” and Lifeline
Many people recognize “Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefits” as a Lifeline qualifier. Because these benefits are often grouped together, many understandably assume the word “survivors” refers only to surviving family members of veterans.
However, survivors of domestic violence and related abuse may also qualify for protections and emergency Lifeline support under the Safe Connections Act.
Unfortunately, many survivors may never realize these protections exist simply because the information is not widely discussed or clearly explained.
EASY Wireless is committed to increasing awareness about safe connections, line separation rights, and the Lifeline support created to help vulnerable individuals seek help more safely.
Compassion, Privacy, and Respect Matter
Seeking help is not easy. Survivors often face emotional trauma, fear, financial hardship, and concerns about privacy or retaliation.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence or abuse, please know this:
You deserve to feel safe.
You deserve communication without fear or control.
You deserve support, dignity, and protection.
You Are Not Alone
Confidential help is available 24 hours a day through the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233.
To learn more about Lifeline service, the Safe Connections Act protections, or eligibility requirements, visit EASY Wireless or contact the Lifeline Survivor Benefits page for additional information.
