Lifeline Program
LIFELINE PROGRAM
Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Program administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. Eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their bill.
You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. Eligibility information is below.
To get Lifeline, find a company near you.
URL: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/default.aspx
Based on Your Income:
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.
Show proof of income, like three consecutive pay stubs or a tax return, when you apply for Lifeline.
Qualify if You Participate in a Federal Assistance Program:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
Show a card, letter, or official document, as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for Lifeline.
Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent:
You can sign up for Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.
Tribal Lifeline:
Tribal Lifeline takes up to an extra $25 off your monthly bill, for a total Lifeline discount of up to $34.25 per month.
You can get Tribal Lifeline if you live on Tribal lands. Tribal lands include any federally recognized Indian tribe’s reservation, Pueblo, or colony, including former reservations in Oklahoma, Alaska Native regions, Hawaiian Home Lands, or Indian Allotments.
If you live on Tribal lands, you can qualify for Lifeline if you or someone in your householdparticipates in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Show a card, letter, or another document as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for Lifeline, and tell them you’re applying for Tribal Lifeline.