Lifeline Program
Link
https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
Additional Links
Lifeline Fact Sheet
Tribal Lifeline Fact Sheet
Deadline
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Sponsor
Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC)
Purpose
Offers a monthly federal benefit designed to make phone and internet services more affordable and accessible to low-income households. The discount can be used to help pay for home or mobile phone service or for high-speed broadband connection.
Amount of Funding
Eligible participants may receive up to $9.25 monthly discount for phone or internet service. Individuals living on tribal lands may receive a discount up to $34.25 per month.
Who Can Apply
Individuals may apply if they meet one of the following qualifying factors:
- Their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines
- Anyone in their household participates in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit programs
- Their child or dependent participates in one of the qualifying federal assistance programs
If living on tribal lands, the household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or anyone in the household participates in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs mentioned above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start for only households meeting the income qualifying standard
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
A full list of qualifying factors is available on the program website. Eligible participants may receive one Lifeline benefit per household. Benefits are not granted on a per-person basis. The discount may be used for phone, internet, or bundled voice and internet services.
Geographic Coverage
Nationwide
What This Program Funds
Capacity Building
Application Process
Application instructions and other information about the application process can be found on the program website.
Contact
For general program questions or for help finding
a local service provider:
Lifeline Support Center
800-234-9473
lifelinesupport@usac.org
For service questions or issues contact your local service provider.
Topics This Program Addresses
Social Services • Teleservices and Technology