Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
Lifeline is an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable
for low-income consumers.
Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service,
broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from
participating wireline or wireless providers.
The discount helps ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st century
connectivity services and the access they provide to jobs, healthcare, and educational
resources.
What’s New?
Under the Safe Connections Act (SCA), survivors of domestic violence, human
trafficking, and related crimes who are experiencing financial hardship will be able to
qualify and receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months beginning
September 4, 2024.
Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet, or bundled
services. After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to
$9.25 for qualifying internet or bundled services or $5.25 per month for voice-only
service.
Survivors can participate in the Lifeline program if they pursue a line separation request
and are experiencing financial hardship. Survivors can confirm their financial hardship
by participating in the existing Lifeline program requirements or through the following
methods:
• If their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants,
and Children (WIC)
• Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program,
including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school
district
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
How Lifeline Works
Lifeline provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income
subscribers and up to $34.25 per month for eligible subscribers on Tribal lands.
Subscribers may receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service,
but they may not receive a discount on both services at the same time.
supports broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles. FCC rules prohibit
more than one Lifeline service per household.
Lifeline is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, commonwealth,
territory, and on Tribal lands. The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal
Service Administrative Company (USAC). USAC is responsible for helping consumers
apply for the program, understand eligibility requirements, and keep their benefit current
through an annual recertification process. North American Locals website provides additional information regarding the program, including program requirements.
To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at
or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate 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. You can see if you
are eligible by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org.
National Verifier for Lifeline Eligibility
To apply for Lifeline, a consumer can use https://lifelinesignup.northamericanlocal.com/
Program Rules
Key rules include the following:
▪ Lifeline is available only to subscribers whose eligibility can be verified by
checking a program eligibility database or by submitting documentation
demonstrating their eligibility.
▪ Only one Lifeline benefit is permitted per household. Federal rules prohibit
subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline service. If a subscriber or his
or her household currently has more than one Lifeline-discounted service, they
must de-enroll from other Lifeline services immediately or be subject to penalties.
▪ Subscribers must recertify their eligibility every year and should respond to any
requests from the National Verifier’s or state’s Lifeline administrator to recertify
eligibility. Subscribers who fail to recertify their eligibility will be de-enrolled from
the Lifeline program.
▪ Subscribers receiving free service from their service provider must actually use
their service to continue to be enrolled in the Lifeline program.
Enhanced Lifeline Benefits for Tribal lands
What benefits are available through the Lifeline program’s support for Tribal
lands?
For low-income consumers living on Tribal lands, Lifeline provides a monthly discount of
up to $34.25 off the cost of qualifying services (either wireline or wireless). This discount
consists of up to $9.25 for qualifying broadband or bundled services or up to $5.25 for
phone service (which is available to all eligible low-income subscribers across the
United States) plus up to an additional $25 in enhanced support (which is available only
to eligible low-income subscribers living on Tribal lands). Some states offer additional
monthly discounts through their own Lifeline programs.
Federal rules prohibit qualifying low-income consumers from receiving more than one
Lifeline service at the same time. For instance, low-income subscribers who qualify may
receive a Lifeline discount on either a home telephone or a wireless telephone service,
but they may not receive a Lifeline discount on both services at the same time.
Additionally, only one Lifeline service may be obtained per household. “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.”
Lifeline support is available to eligible low-income subscribers living in group living
facilities. Lifeline applicants may demonstrate when initially enrolling in the program that
any other Lifeline recipients residing at their residential address are part of a separate
household. Similarly, federal rules prohibit qualifying low-income consumers from
receiving more than one Tribal Link Up discount at a primary residence.
Frequently Asked Questions
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?
https://lifelinesignup.northamericanlocal.com/How do I apply?
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.
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 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.
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.
How often do I need to verify my eligibility?
Once when you first enroll, and once every year that you have Lifeline-supported
service.
You may become ineligible for Lifeline if your income has increased, you no longer
participate in a qualifying federal benefit program, or someone else in your household
gets Lifeline service. If you become ineligible, you must contact your provider
immediately to de-enroll from the program.
What if I have free Lifeline?
If you receive Lifeline service for free, the Lifeline program rules require you to use your
service every 30 days to keep your benefit, in addition to complying with all other rules
for the Lifeline program.
Who can I contact if I have an issue with a mobile phone or other hardware
provided by my Lifeline service provider?
The FCC does not subsidize any hardware associated with the Lifeline program, which
includes mobile phones provided by a service provider to a Lifeline customer. If you are
having issues with your mobile phone or other hardware associated with your Lifeline
service, please contact your service provider directly.