Lifeline is a federal program that can reduce the monthly cost of qualifying phone or internet service for eligible households.
Standard Lifeline Benefit
Up to $9.25/month
Eligible households may receive a monthly discount on qualifying internet or bundled service.
Voice-only service may qualify for up to $5.25 per month. Enhanced benefits may apply on qualifying Tribal lands.
Benefit
Monthly service discount
Qualification
Income or eligible program
How You Get It
Participating provider
Review eligibility and application details
Who May Qualify?
Lifeline eligibility can generally be established through household income or participation in certain assistance programs.
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Income: household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
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SNAP — Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
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Medicaid
✓
SSI — Supplemental Security Income
✓
Federal Public Housing Assistance
✓
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Additional qualifying programs may apply for people living on qualifying Tribal lands.
Important Distinction
Lifeline is a discount, not a loan — there’s nothing to repay. The benefit is provided through a participating phone or internet company.
How Does Lifeline Work?
The process can be understood in four steps.
1
Check your eligibility
See whether your income or participation in a qualifying program may meet Lifeline requirements.
2
Apply
Applications may be completed online, by mail, or with help from a participating company.
3
Connect with a participating provider
After approval, choose or contact a phone or internet company that participates in Lifeline.
4
Receive the discount
The Lifeline benefit is applied through the participating company to qualifying service.
See what you may need before applying
What Might You Need?
Some information may be verified automatically. If additional proof is requested, documents may be needed to confirm income or participation in a qualifying program.
Program documentation
An official document showing participation in a qualifying assistance program may be requested.
Income documentation
If income cannot be verified automatically, acceptable proof may be requested during the application process.
One Benefit Per Household
Lifeline generally provides one benefit per household, rather than one benefit for every person living in the home.
Quick Questions
Is Lifeline a loan?
No. Lifeline is a service discount and does not need to be repaid.
Can it be used for internet?
Yes. Lifeline can provide a discount on qualifying internet or bundled service through participating companies.
Can everyone in the household get a benefit?
Generally, no. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, not one per person.
What if I’m not sure I qualify?
Review the eligibility requirements before applying. The next page explains the process in more detail.
Ready to Check the Requirements?
See the eligibility details, what the application may require, and how to continue to the official Lifeline resources.
This page is independently published for informational purposes. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or operated on behalf of the FCC, USAC, or any government agency.