The Lifeline Program

The Lifeline program is a federal assistance program that has been helping low-income Americans access affordable communication services since 1985. Administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline provides a monthly discount on telephone or broadband internet services to qualifying households.

Program Benefits

The Lifeline program provides:

• Monthly service discount: Up to $9.25 per month off telephone or broadband service
• Enhanced Tribal benefits: Up to $34.25 per month for eligible households on Tribal lands
• Service flexibility: Can be applied to landline phone, wireless phone, or broadband internet service
• One benefit per household: Only one Lifeline discount per household

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for the Lifeline program, your household must meet one of the following criteria:

Income-Based Eligibility

Household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guidelines are updated annually and vary by household size and state (with higher thresholds for Alaska and Hawaii).

Program-Based Eligibility

Automatic qualification if anyone in your household participates in:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children)
• Various Tribal assistance programs

Additional Requirements

• Must be at least 18 years old (or an emancipated minor)
• Must be a U.S. resident in a participating state or territory
• Must not already receive a Lifeline benefit

How the Program Works

The Lifeline discount is applied directly to your monthly service bill through a participating provider. The process involves:

1. Verification: Prove eligibility through the National Verifier system or directly with a provider
2. Provider selection: Choose a participating Lifeline provider in your area
3. Service activation: Activate service with your chosen provider
4. Discount application: The $9.25 discount is automatically applied to your bill
5. Annual recertification: Recertify your eligibility each year to continue receiving benefits

Device Availability

While Lifeline primarily provides service discounts, some providers may offer free or discounted devices to Lifeline participants. Device availability varies by provider and is not guaranteed. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provides more comprehensive device assistance (up to $100 toward device purchase).

Combining with ACP

Eligible households can receive both Lifeline and ACP benefits simultaneously:

• Lifeline provides up to $9.25/month service discount
• ACP provides up to $30/month service discount (up to $75 on Tribal lands)
• Combined discounts can significantly reduce or eliminate monthly service costs
• ACP also provides up to $100 toward device purchase

Service Options

Lifeline benefits can be applied to:

Participating Providers

Lifeline service is provided by participating telecommunications companies in each state. Providers vary by location, and each provider offers different service plans and options. To find providers in your area:

• Visit the National Verifier website
• Enter your state and ZIP code
• Review available providers and their service offerings
• Contact providers directly to learn about available plans and devices

Application Process

To apply for Lifeline benefits:

1. Verify eligibility using our eligibility checker or the National Verifier
2. Gather required documents (proof of identity, address, and eligibility)
3. Choose a participating provider in your area
4. Apply through the National Verifier or directly with your chosen provider
5. Wait for verification (typically 7-14 business days)
6. Activate service once approved

Maintaining Benefits

To continue receiving Lifeline benefits, you must:

• Recertify annually: Complete the recertification process each year
• Keep information updated: Notify your provider of address or other changes
• Use the service: Some providers require regular usage to maintain active service
• Follow program rules: Only one benefit per household