- Lifeline — Discounts on phone and broadband service for qualifying low-income consumers.
What it is
Lifeline is a program offered by the Federal Communications Commission for low-income consumers. Qualifying individuals receive discounts on phones, broadband internet, or bundled voice-broadband packages from participating carriers. The Lifeline discount is available in every state, territory, and commonwealth, plus tribal lands.
Type
Government / Federal
Website
Programs
- Lifeline
- Program Description: Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service.
- Eligibility: Here are the ways you can qualify for Lifeline:
- Based on your income
- You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below).
- Based on if you use SNAP, Medicaid, or other programs
- You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Your Medicaid eligibility may be up for renewal. Learn more about how to renew (Spanish language information).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Based on if you are a survivor
- The Safe Connections Act (SCA) provides discounted phone, internet, or bundled services to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes. The SCA requires mobile providers to separate phone lines from family plans when a survivor requests line separation. Survivors can participate in Lifeline by providing proof of a line separation request and demonstrating financial hardship through existing program requirements or one of the SCA-specific methods below:
- If your 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
- Application: If you have a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, please contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.
- Phone or Internet Company
- Ask your selected phone or internet company for assistance submitting your application. You may be able to apply though the company’s website, if they make that option available.
- Online:
- Website:
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive months of pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for Lifeline.
If you qualify for Lifeline, your privacy will be protected, and you can receive up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support. For more information, visit the Survivor Benefit page.
Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845