About Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service. Qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 off the cost of their phone, internet, or bundled services. Consumers living on qualifying Tribal lands can get up to $34.25 per month.
One Discount Per Household Only one discount is allowed per household. A “household” is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses.
Keep Your Company Up to Date If you change your address, no longer qualify for Lifeline, or more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, tell your phone or internet company within 30 days.
Use It or Lose It If you don’t pay out-of-pocket for your Lifeline service every month, you must use it at least once every 30 days to keep your service. If you don’t, you will get a 15-day notice to use it or it will be turned off.
Recertify Every Year Who is Involved in the Lifeline Program?
- FCC – The Federal Communications Commission establishes policies and regulations for Lifeline and provides guidance to USAC.
- USAC – The Universal Service Administrative Company administers the Lifeline program and helps you apply for the program, understand eligibility requirements, and keep your benefit current through the annual recertification process.
- Phone or internet company – Enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and answers questions about your service, phone, device, or bill.
- Consumers – Apply for Lifeline, sign up with a participating phone or internet company, keep their information up to date, and may have to recertify annually.
