Get Affordable Phone & Internet Through the Lifeline Program
7 min read
Staying connected isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity. For low-income households, though, the cost of phone or internet service can make it difficult to stay online or even keep a reliable phone line. The Lifeline program helps bridge that gap by lowering the cost of service each month for eligible families.
Lifeline ensures that households can access critical connections to school, work, healthcare, and emergency services. Many carriers across the country participate, which means you can often apply for Lifeline with a provider you already use.
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What is the Lifeline program?
Lifeline is a federal benefit program created in 1985 to make communication services more affordable for low-income households. It is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
Access to communication is a critical part of daily life. Without reliable phone or internet service, families may struggle to apply for jobs, access telehealth, keep up with school, or stay safe in emergencies.
The Lifeline program helps close the digital divide and ensures that cost isn’t the reason families go without.
The program provides a monthly discount of:
Up to $9.25 for eligible households
Up to $34.25 for households living on Tribal lands
This discount can be applied to either phone service (landline or wireless) or broadband internet. In some cases, it can be used on bundled packages that include both. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, regardless of how many people live there.
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
You may qualify for Lifeline in two ways: income and participation in certain other programs.
Income Restrictions
Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. This amount changes by household size and is updated each year.
Participation in Another Program
If you or someone in your household receives benefits from one of the following, you may automatically qualify:
On Tribal lands, additional programs may also qualify, including:
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribal TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)
Remember, only one Lifeline benefit per household is allowed. If multiple people qualify, the household must choose whether to apply the discount to a phone line or internet service.
What does Lifeline cover?
Lifeline provides a monthly discount that can be applied to one type of service per household. In 2025, the program covers:
Home or mobile phone service: Lifeline-supported voice plans must include at least 1,000 minutes per month, ensuring you have a reliable way to make calls and send texts.
Broadband internet service: Lifeline broadband plans must meet FCC minimum service standards:
Fixed broadband: at least 25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload with 1,280 GB of data per month (effectively an unlimited plan for most households).
Mobile broadband: at least 4.5 GB of data per month (often paired with unlimited talk and text on wireless plans).
Bundled services: Many providers allow the Lifeline discount to be applied to a package that combines phone and broadband, as long as the plan meets the minimum service standards.
Some carriers may also offer additional perks, such as free or low-cost smartphones, rollover data, or no-cost activation fees. Because these extras can vary widely, it’s a good idea to compare Lifeline providers in your area before enrolling.
How do you apply for the Lifeline program?
You can apply for Lifeline by applying online through the National Verifier. Here's what you do:
Visit the National Verifier portal and create an account.
Upload documents showing proof of income (such as tax returns or pay stubs) or proof of participation in a qualifying program.
Once approved, choose a participating provider to activate your discounted service.
You can also apply directly through a provider:
Contact a participating phone or internet company in your area.
Many providers let you apply through their website, over the phone, or in person.
The provider will work with the National Verifier to confirm your eligibility and activate your service.
What happens after you apply?
If your application is approved, your Lifeline discount will be applied to your monthly bill by your provider. You don’t receive funds directly, your bill simply becomes lower.
Most applications are processed quickly online, but if additional documentation is needed, it may take a few weeks.
Do you need to recertify for the program?
Lifeline is not a one-time benefit. Each year, you’ll need to recertify that you still qualify. USAC will notify you when it’s time, and you’ll have 60 days to respond.
You can recertify online, by mail, or through your provider. If you don’t complete the process by the deadline, your Lifeline benefit may be discontinued.
Choosing the right provider
Because Lifeline is offered through many different carriers, you have choices. Some providers offer more than just the basic discount. (For example, free smartphones, extra data, or bundled services.)
When comparing providers, consider:
Whether you need phone or internet service (or both)
Coverage in your area
Extra perks or services the provider includes
How easy it is to manage your account and recertify each year
The USAC provider search tool can help you find Lifeline companies in your area.