Programs › Utility, Phone & Internet Help
Lifeline Program (Phone and Internet Discount)
Also known as: Lifeline · Lifeline Assistance · FCC Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone, internet, or bundled service for eligible subscribers by up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 per month for those living on qualifying Tribal lands. Only one discount is allowed per household, and it is applied through a participating phone or internet company after eligibility is confirmed.
Administered by Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)
Key figures
| What | Amount | Verified |
|---|---|---|
| Standard monthly benefit | up to 9.25 USD per month | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Tribal lands monthly benefit | up to 34.25 USD per month | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Income eligibility threshold | 135 percent of Federal Poverty Guidelines (household income at or below) | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Income limit, household of 1 (135% of 2026 FPG) (household of 1) | $21,546/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Income limit, household of 2 (135% of 2026 FPG) (household of 2) | $29,214/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Income limit, household of 3 (135% of 2026 FPG) (household of 3) | $36,882/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Income limit, household of 4 (135% of 2026 FPG) (household of 4) | $44,550/year | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
| Discounts allowed per household | 1 discount per household (a household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses) | ✓ 2026-07-20 source |
Who may qualify
- Qualify if household income is at 135% or less of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines; the dollar threshold varies by household size and location (48 contiguous states, Alaska, or Hawaii). ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Qualify through participation in Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA, including Housing Choice Vouchers, Project-Based Rental Assistance, and Public Housing), or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Additional qualifying programs on Tribal lands include Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (income-qualified), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- A consumer can get Lifeline if their child or dependent participates in a qualifying program. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Only one discount is allowed per household; a household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. ✓ 2026-07-20 source
- Applicants may need proof of program participation (such as a benefit letter or official document) or proof of income (such as a tax return or three months of consecutive pay stubs). ✓ 2026-07-20 source
Eligibility rules are set by the administering agency and can change — the linked sources are authoritative, this summary is not a determination.
How to apply — official route
Official application information →
Phone: (800) 234-9473
Applications go through the National Verifier, Lifeline's centralized eligibility system managed by USAC. Apply online via the application at lifelinesupport.org, by mail (Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845), or with help from a participating phone/internet company. After approval, choose a participating company to receive the discount. Oregon and Texas residents apply through their state website instead. Support Center: (800) 234-9473, [email protected], 7 days a week 9 a.m.-9 p.m. ET.
Applying for government benefits is free. No legitimate program charges a fee to apply, and no one can guarantee you'll be approved.
Application toolkit · verified 2026-07-28
Get ready to apply for Lifeline
The National Verifier may confirm eligibility automatically. If it cannot, it will tell you which proof to submit.
Common documents and information
Check off items as you gather them. Do not send original records unless the agency specifically tells you to.
What happens after you apply
- Check the National Verifier result and submit any requested proof by the deadline shown.
- After you qualify, choose a participating phone or internet company and enroll the benefit with that company.
- Keep the approval information and provider confirmation. Contact the Lifeline Support Center if the company cannot find the approval.
- Watch for annual recertification or information requests so the benefit does not stop.
Applying is free. CalculateBenefits does not receive or submit your application.
Local rules: Oregon and Texas use their state application process. Other applicants generally use the National Verifier.
Program update alerts
Email alerts for when this program's amounts or income limits change are coming soon.
Related programs
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
SSI pays monthly payments to people who are age 65 or older, blind, or have a qualifying disability and who have limited income and resource…
Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8)
Pays a monthly rental subsidy directly to private landlords on behalf of eligible low-income families, elderly persons, veterans, and person…