Get Discounted Phone or Internet Service with Lifeline

March 8, 2022

Access to affordable voice and internet service is vital to stay connected in today’s world. People need these services to connect with healthcare providers, potential employers, educational programs, and loved ones. Affordable service remains a challenge for many low-income consumers. The federal Lifeline program helps close the gap for these consumers by offering a monthly discount of up to $9.25 towards a qualified household’s phone or internet service. A household is a group of people who share income and expenses. Consumers who live with another person already receiving the Lifeline benefit may still be eligible for the discount if they do not share income and expenses with that person.

Households with income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for the Lifeline program. Consumers enrolled in a government assistance program, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing, Veterans Pension or Survivor’s Benefit may qualify for Lifeline as well.

Consumers have several options to apply. They may visit a Lifeline phone or internet company in their area. Consumers also have the option to submit an online application or mail in a paper application to the Lifeline Support Center.

USAC’s Lifeline Support Center serves as a resource for prospective and current Lifeline participants. Consumers may submit questions via email to LifelineSupport@usac.org, or by calling (800) 234-9473.

More information is available on our website www.LifelineSupport.org.

The Lifeline Program is one of four programs administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), under the policy guidance of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).