Lifeline is an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. It provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.
- Organization
- Federal Communications Commission
- Who qualifies
- Consumers with household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or who participate in certain federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, or the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit. Only one Lifeline service per household is allowed, on either wireline or wireless service, not both.
- Income limits
- Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or participation in a qualifying federal assistance program as listed in who_qualifies.
- Documents needed
- If the National Verifier cannot automatically confirm eligibility, documentation dated within the past 12 months such as a statement of benefits, notice letter of participation, program participation documents, or another official document of a qualifying program; for income eligibility, documents such as a prior year's tax return, current income statement or paycheck stub, benefits statements, or other official documents containing income information, as stated on the FCC Lifeline page.
- How to apply
- Apply through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org, by mailing a paper application, or by working with a Lifeline service provider in person or online. For questions or to request a mailed application, contact Lifeline at (800) 234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org, as stated on the FCC page. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
- Cost
- $9.25/month discount on qualifying service; up to $34.25/month for eligible subscribers on Tribal lands
- Last verified
- October 23, 2026
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2709 Art Museum Drive, Jacksonville, FL 32207
