How To Enroll In Low Income Subsidy (LIS)
How to Enroll in Low Income Subsidy (LIS) / Extra Help
The Low Income Subsidy (LIS), also known as Extra Help, helps reduce Medicare prescription drug costs.
Enrollment is handled by the Social Security Administration (SSA).
Apply Online (Fastest Option)
Official Website:
https://www.ssa.gov/extrahelp
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Website
Step 1: Open the Page
• Go to
Step 2: Click Apply
• Click "Apply online"
Step 3: Complete the SSA-1020 Application
You will be asked to enter:
• Social Security number
• Full name and address
• Contact information
Step 4: Enter Income & Resources
You will report:
• Gross monthly income (before taxes)
• Countable assets such as:
– Bank accounts
– Savings
– Stocks or CDs
(Items like your primary home and vehicle are generally not counted.)
Step 5: Submit the Application
• Review your answers carefully
• Click Submit
• Save your confirmation number for your records
Step 6: Wait for the Decision
• Social Security will review your application
• A decision letter is usually mailed within 30–45 days
Apply by Phone (Help With Application)
Social Security Administration
• 1-800-772-1213
• TTY: 1-800-325-0778
Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Important Information & Disclosure
Anthony's Healthcare provides Medicare education and guidance only. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), or any state Medicaid agency, or any insurance carrier.
Medicare consists of multiple parts (Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D), each with its own rules, costs, and coverage limitations. Medicare Advantage (Part C), Prescription Drug Plans (Part D), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies, and Special Needs Plans (D-SNP, C-SNP) are offered by private insurance companies that are approved and regulated by Medicare.
Coverage, premiums, deductibles, copayments, coinsurance, provider networks, formularies, service areas, and extra benefits may vary by plan, carrier, county, and contract year and are subject to change. Extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, transportation, over-the-counter allowances, food or grocery benefits, meals, and in-home services are not guaranteed and may have limitations or eligibility requirements.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all your options.
Information provided is for educational purposes only and does not guarantee eligibility, coverage, or enrollment.
The Low Income Subsidy (Extra Help) program is administered by the Social Security Administration and Medicare. Eligibility, income limits, resource limits, approval decisions, and timelines are determined solely by the Social Security Administration or Medicare based on federal guidelines, and applicants should rely on official SSA notices for final decisions.