The government program Lifeline aims to lower the cost of phone and internet service for low-income households. Since 1985, the Lifeline program has offered a discount on both to give qualifying low-income consumers access to inexpensive internet and phone service so they can connect to emergency services, family, and employment. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is in charge of running the Lifeline assistance program.
The FCC’s Lifeline program helps lower-income users purchase communications services. Subscribers who purchase qualifying monthly phone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages from qualified wireline or cellular carriers are eligible for a discount through Lifeline. Low-income consumers may now afford 21st-century connectivity services and the access they offer to resources for education, healthcare, and employment thanks to the discount.
Eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and tribal lands can access Lifeline. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is in charge of running the Lifeline program. Through an annual recertification procedure, USAC assists customers in applying for the program, comprehending eligibility rules, and maintaining their benefits such as being eligible to get free smartphones from the government.. Additional details on Lifeline, including program requirements, can be found on USAC’s website.
Customers must be enrolled in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs, or have a household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines in order to be eligible for the Lifeline program. You can check your eligibility at lifelinesupport.org.
Benefits of the Lifeline program
Lifeline offers qualified low-income subscribers a monthly service discount of up to $9.25, and eligible users on Tribal territories a monthly service discount of up to $34.25. Subscribers can get a Lifeline discount on either a landline or a wireless service, but not both at the same time. Additionally, Lifeline offers broadband voice and broadband Internet service.
Additionally, many suppliers offer free phones and other beneficial perks as part of this program.
READ MORE: How To Qualify for Lifeline Program Free Tablet
Who offers benefit services for the Lifeline program?
USAC administers the Federal Communication Commission’s Lifeline Program. The government funds the program, and some wireless providers—like CinTex Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, Easy Wireless, NewPhone Wireless, enTouch Wireless, etc.—distribute the benefits.
I explain how to find a Lifeline service provider in this part.
How to locate a Lifeline provider
Using the USAC’s “Companies Near Me” Tool, you can locate a wireless service provider in your State that offers Lifeline benefits (Url: www.lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me).
You can search using either your ZIP code or your city and State. To get the complete list, please select “See the list of companies in your state” from the search results.
Remember that not all businesses in your area may be found by the search. Even if it is not on the list, a business in your area may provide Lifeline.
Who is eligible for the Lifeline program
There are two ways to qualify for the Lifeline Program. You may qualify based on your yearly income or by participating in a specific government assistance program.
Here, I go into detail about eligibility based on program participation as well as eligibility based on income.
Eligibility Based on Income
If your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you are eligible for Lifeline. The recommendation depends on your State and household size.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | $7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
Eligibility depending on participation
You can also be deemed eligible for the program if you participate in federal assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc. Details are provided here:
If you (or a family member) take part in one of these programs, you can get Lifeline:
- Formerly known as Food Stamps, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) under Medicaid
- Assistance for Federal Public Housing (FPHA)
- Survivors Benefit and Veterans Pension
READ MORE: 15 Best Free Lifeline Phone Service Providers Now
Programs for Tribal Assistance
Living on Tribal territories, earning at least 135% of the Federal poverty level, or participating in the following Tribal programs could also make you eligible for the Lifeline program.
- Any of the aforementioned federal assistance programs
- Indian Affairs Bureau General Support
- Only homes that fulfill the income qualifying level are eligible for Head Start.
- Tribal TANF, or Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Program for Food Distribution on Indian Reservations
According to “If You Are a Survivor”
Survivors of human trafficking, domestic abuse, and related crimes can receive subsidized phone, internet, or bundled services through the Safe Connections Act (SCA). The SCA mandates that cell operators separate phone lines associated with family plans if the abuser is on the account in the event that a survivor requests line separation.
If you are a survivor and can prove that you are in financial distress and that you have requested a line separation, you are eligible to take part in the Lifeline program. Survivors who are struggling financially may be eligible by meeting the standards of the Lifeline program as stated above or by using one of the SCA-specific procedures listed below:
Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Income Tax Credit if your household’s income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Participation in Women, Infants, and Children’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program (WIC)
- Enrollment in a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, as well as participation in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program
- During the current award year, a Federal Pell Grant was awarded.
- You can get up to six months of emergency Lifeline support if you are eligible, and your anonymity will be safeguarded. Go to the Survivor Benefit page to learn more.
Get Qualified Through Your Dependent or Child
If your dependant or kid participates in the programs above, you can be eligible for the lifeline program.
Documents needed for the Lifeline Pogram
If you qualify for the Lifeline Program, you must provide documentation proving your eligibility. You must also provide proof of low income or enrolment in programs such as Head Start, Medicaid, SSI, or SNAP.
Here, I provide every document required to prove your income or eligibility for the program.
Proof of program participation documentation
Provide a letter or official document as verification that you are enrolled in one of the qualifying programs.
Documentation has to contain:
- Your name or the name of your dependent
- The name of the program, like SNAP
The government or tribal organization’s name that issued the document
An expiration date in the future or an issue date within the previous 12 months
Examples of Documents
- Letter of benefit award
- Letter of approval
- Benefits statement
- Letter of benefit verification
Proof of household income documents
You must submit a document proving your yearly income if your income qualifies you.
Documentation has to contain:
- Your first and last name or the name of a dependent
- Your yearly salary
Current pay stubs and other income documentation that does not span an entire year must cover three consecutive months within the last 12 months toto be accepted.
Examples of Documents:
- State, federal, or tribal tax return from the previous year
- A pay stub or your employer’s most recent revenue statement
- Statement of Benefits from the Veterans Administration
- Benefits statement for workers’ compensation or unemployment insurance
- Tribal or federal notification Participation letter for General Assistance
- Child support orders, divorce decrees, or other government documents, including income details
Evidence of your age
You must be a citizen of the United States and at least eighteen years old to qualify for the Lifeline program. Therefore, you must provide documentation attesting to your age.
Documentation has to contain:
- Your first and last name
- Your birthdate
Examples of Documents:
- Tribal, State, military, or government identification birth certificate
- A driver’s license
- Document for a government support program
- U.S. Citizenship or Naturalisation Certificate
- Green Card or Permanent Resident Card
Your Tribal ID and Social Security numbers must be included in your submitted document.
Documentation has to contain:
- Your first and last name
- The final four digits of your entire tribal ID or social security number
- Examples of Documents:
- Card for Social Security
- latest tax return or W-2
- Tribal, State, military, or government identification
- Document for a government support program
- Documentation of military discharge
- Benefits for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance
Evidence of your address
You must provide evidence of address. To do so, send in a document with the following:
- Your first and last name
- displays your physical address.
Examples and Advice for Documents
If you are utilizing the online application to fix this issue, you will assist USAC in locating your address by using the mapping function.
If you are mailing information to USAC to resolve this mistake, you can include a map that clearly displays your actual address or position, including latitude and longitude coordinates (coordinates are necessary if you are on Tribal territory).
Other choices include:
- Bill for utilities
- Statement of a mortgage or lease
- latest tax return or W-2
- Driver’s license or any legitimate form of state, federal, or tribal identification with a duplicate address
If you live with another adult who receives Lifeline, you must answer questions to determine whether your family is eligible for multiple benefits.
Requirements for Documents: If someone else receives a Lifeline at your address, fill out a Lifeline Household Worksheet.
Examples of Documents and Advice: The worksheet will show up in the online application for you to finish if you use it to fix this mistake. You must fill out the paper form and mail it to the Lifeline Support Centre if you send information to USAC to resolve this problem.
If you are under 18, you must prove you are an Emancipated Minor.
You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for Lifeline. Only emancipated minors under 18 can qualify for Lifeline.
Documentation must include:
- Your first and last name
- Confirmation of emancipated minor status
Document Examples:
- Court document
- Certificate.
How to apply for the Lifeline program
You can apply online on the official Lifeline Program website or through a Lifeline service provider. You can also apply by mail. You can use it as is most convenient and appropriate for you.
Use a Wireless Service Provider to Apply
You can choose a lifeline service provider and submit an online application through them. Each provider may have a slightly different procedure, but this is a standard process.
- Visit your supplier’s official website first.
- You may find the Apply Now menu on the home page. Press it.
- After entering your email address and/or zip code, click “Apply.”
- Choose a phone and a plan now.
- Now, Put in your details.
- Upload the required files.
- Send in your application.
- Await approval.
Internet-Based Application
To enroll in the Lifeline Program through the official Lifeline website, go to www.lifelinesupport.org.
On the Home Page, Select “Apply Now.” The following URL will be displayed: “getinternet.gov/apply.”
Click “Get Started” after selecting your State on that page.
You are now displayed on the main application page. Please enter your personal details and any other required information in this application form.
Use the Mail to Apply
You must first download and print the application form if you would like to apply by mail instead. After that, complete the form and send it in with the required paperwork. Visit www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/forms/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf to get the paper application.
Lifeline Support Centre, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845, is the address where you should send your correspondence.
How to change the provider of vital services
You can switch your Lifeline Benefits from your present provider to a different one whenever you’d like.
Contact the new Lifeline provider and request that they transfer the benefits. You may need to reapply before the transfer.
You must supply the following details:
- When transferring between Lifeline providers, please provide the following details: your full name, birthdate, home address, phone number, the last four digits of your Tribal ID number or Social Security number, and your verbal or written agreement.
- You agree, understanding that you will no longer receive the benefits from the prior employer after the transfer is finalized.
- Additionally, you must recognize that your new business has clarified that customers might only receive one Lifeline benefit per family.
Rules for the Lifeline Program
When you sign up, you acknowledge and agree to the Lifeline Program’s rules and regulations. Here are the guidelines for your consideration:
Show that you are eligible: You have to demonstrate your eligibility as a Lifeline subscriber. You must provide evidence of your income or enrolment in a specific qualifying program when you apply for the Lifeline program.
Recertify annually: USAC will verify your eligibility for the Lifeline program each year. You will receive reminders via mail, email, or pre-recorded phone messages if you fail to promptly recertify your eligibility for Lifeline. You will forfeit your Lifeline benefit if you are required to recertify, and you have sixty days to comply.
Maintain an updated Lifeline Status: Notify your employer within 30 days if you move, lose your eligibility, or if more than one household member is receiving Lifeline.
One household discount: Each household is only eligible for one discount. A “household” is a collection of individuals who share expenses and income and reside together.
Please make use of it or lose it: To keep your service, you must use your Lifeline benefits at least once every 30 days. If you don’t, your benefit will be terminated, or you will be given a 15-day notice to use it.
Be truthful when filling out forms and applications: Lying on any Lifeline-related form or questionnaire is illegal.
How to Cancel the Lifeline Initiative
You could not qualify for the lifeline program if your financial situation improves. Then, how can the program be terminated? The steps are as follows:
- Contact customer service at your provider to terminate your Lifeline benefits.
- Inform them of your desire to terminate the lifeline service. To help them verify your identification, provide them with your account information, including your name, phone number, and any other details that may be required.
- To terminate your membership, do as instructed by the customer support agent. Additionally, you might be required to return every piece of equipment that the service provider gave you.
FAQs About the Lifeline Assistance Program
Can I get both a phone and internet discount?
No, Lifeline benefits can only be used for one service per household—either phone or internet, but not both.
Can more than one person in a household get Lifeline?
No, Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household. However, exceptions apply if multiple families live in the same address (e.g., roommates or homeless shelters).
Do I need to recertify my Lifeline benefits?
Yes, Lifeline recipients must recertify annually to confirm continued eligibility. You’ll receive a notification from USAC or your provider when it’s time to recertify.
What happens if I no longer qualify?
If you no longer meet the eligibility criteria, you must notify your provider within 30 days and cancel your Lifeline service to avoid penalties.
Can I transfer my Lifeline benefit to a different provider?
Yes, you can switch Lifeline providers once every 30 days (or once every 12 months for bundled services). Contact your new provider to transfer your benefits.
What should I do if my Lifeline application is denied?
If your application is denied, review the denial reason and ensure all submitted documents are correct. You can reapply with updated information or file an appeal with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
