Affordable Connectivity for All
Helping low-income consumers access essential services.
Your Eligibility For Lifeline If You Receive
About THE Lifeline Program
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is an essential FCC program designed to make communication services more affordable for low-income individuals. By providing discounts on monthly telephone and broadband services, it ensures everyone stays connected in today's digital world.
About Lifeline and ACP Program
F & Q
What is the current benefit under the Lifeline program?
The Lifeline discount for eligible subscribers is up to $9.25 per month for qualifying monthly broadband or bundled services that meet the broadband minimum service standards. The discount for eligible subscribers is up to $5.25 for monthly service that only qualifies for the voice minimum service standards. The discount may be applied to either wireline or wireless services.
What is the enhanced benefit amount for Tribal Lands?
Up to $25 in enhanced support, in addition to the standard benefit, is available to eligible low-income subscribers living on Tribal lands.
How can I determine if I am eligible?
You can see if you are eligible for Lifeline service by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org.
How do I apply?
There are several options available to apply for Lifeline. You may apply directly through the Lifeline program's National Verifier online portal (lifelinesupport.org), or by mailing a paper application form (available at the National Verifier online portal after entering your state).
You may also apply for the program by working with a Lifeline service provider either in-person at a store location or online via the service provider's website, if they support that option. To locate a Lifeline provider in your state, go to https://cnm.universalservice.org/.
For any questions regarding the Lifeline application process, call USAC's toll-free number for the Lifeline Support Center at 1 (800) 234-9473, or email LifelineSupport@usac.org.
What documentation do I need to provide when I apply for Lifeline service?
Consumers may need to provide documentation if the National Verifier cannot automatically confirm their eligibility by checking a program eligibility database (for example, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.). Acceptable documentation to verify eligibility based on participation in a qualifying program includes the following, which must be dated within the past 12 months: statement of benefits from a qualifying program; notice letter of participation in qualifying program; program participation documents (or copy); or another official document of a qualifying program. More detailed information regarding acceptable documentation can be found at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed/.
Acceptable documentation for income eligibility verification includes: the prior year's state, federal or Tribal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; Veterans Administration statement of benefits; retirement or pension statement of benefits; Unemployment or Workers' Compensation statement of benefits; federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; or divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information. The subscriber must present the same type of documentation covering 3 consecutive months within the previous 12 months, if the documentation does not cover a full year of income. More detailed information regarding acceptable documentation can be found at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed/.
If your eligibility cannot be confirmed automatically or through any documentation you provide you will be unable to enroll or may be de-enrolled from the Lifeline program.
Can I get more than one discounted Lifeline service?
No. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. An eligible subscriber may receive a discount on either a wireline or wireless voice service (but not both), or on broadband or bundled service. If you, or any person in your household, are currently receiving more than one monthly Lifeline service, you must select one provider to provide your Lifeline service and be de-enrolled from Lifeline service from the other provider. You may also contact USAC's Lifeline Support Center for assistance at 1-800-234-9473 or lifelinesupport@usac.org. Please do not share any sensitive personal information via email. Subscribers found to be violating the one-discount-per-household rule may also be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.
How is "household" defined for purposes of the Lifeline program?
"Household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. An "economic unit" is defined as "all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household." However, Lifeline support is available to eligible low-income subscribers living in group living facilities. Lifeline applicants may be asked to complete a one-per-household worksheet, which asks questions about your household to determine if there is more than one household at your address.