Lifeline Program, How to Get a Discount on Phone or Internet
Lifeline, an FCC program run by USAC, takes up to $9.25 a month off one phone, internet or bundled service per household, and up to $34.25 on Tribal lands. You qualify through a program such as SNAP or Medicaid, or with income at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines (figures as published by USAC and the FCC, October 2026).
1. What Lifeline is
The Federal Communications Commission describes Lifeline as an FCC program that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. It provides a monthly discount on qualifying phone, internet, or bundled service from participating providers.
Key facts from the FCC:
- The discount is up to $9.25 a month for eligible subscribers.
- It is up to $34.25 a month for eligible subscribers living on Tribal lands.
- Only one Lifeline benefit per household, applied to either a wireline or a wireless service.
- It is available in every state, commonwealth, and territory, and on Tribal lands.
- The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
2. What the discount is worth
At $9.25 a month, Lifeline is worth up to $111 a year. On Tribal lands, at $34.25 a month, it is worth up to $411 a year.
On Tribal lands, the FCC breaks the enhanced benefit down as the standard benefit of up to $9.25 for qualifying broadband or bundled service, or up to $5.25 for phone-only service, plus up to $25 in additional support. The FCC also describes a Tribal Link Up benefit that can cover up to $100 of the charge to start voice-only service at a primary residence, offered only by carriers building out service on Tribal lands.
3. Who qualifies
There are two main routes in, according to the FCC and USAC.
3.1. Route 1: you take part in a qualifying program
You can get Lifeline if you, or someone in your household, participates in:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance, including Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Project-based Rental Assistance, and public housing
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
USAC adds that you can also qualify if your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program, and it lists additional Tribal programs for people living on qualifying Tribal lands.
3.2. Route 2: your income is low enough
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. USAC publishes the 2026 limits:
| Household size | 48 states, D.C., and territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| Each additional person | add $7,668 | add $9,585 | add $8,816 |
So a household of three in most states qualifies with income of $36,882 or less. A household of five would add $7,668 to the four-person figure, for a limit of $52,218.
3.3. Survivors
USAC says survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes may qualify under extended criteria, including household income at or below 200% of the poverty guidelines, and can receive up to six months of emergency Lifeline support.
4. What "household" means
The one-per-household rule trips people up when several adults share an address. The FCC defines a household as one or more people who live together at the same address as one economic unit, meaning adults who contribute to and share in the household's income and expenses.
Roommates who keep their finances separate can be separate households. The FCC also notes that people in group living facilities can receive Lifeline as separate households. You may be asked to complete a one-per-household worksheet to show this.
5. How to apply
The FCC lists three ways:
- Online, through the National Verifier, the system run by USAC to check eligibility.
- By mail, using a paper form. For help or a mailed form, the FCC lists 1-800-234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org.
- Through a participating phone or internet company, which can help you submit the application.
The FCC notes that Texas and Oregon use their own state application processes.
Have your documents ready. USAC says you may be asked for proof of program participation, such as a benefit letter, or proof of income, such as a tax return or three consecutive months of pay stubs. The FCC says documents must be dated within the past 12 months.
6. Rules that keep the discount
Once enrolled, a few rules matter, per the FCC:
- Recertify every year, or you will be removed. In some cases recertification happens automatically.
- Use the service at least once every 30 days if your provider does not charge you a monthly fee for your Lifeline service.
- Keep only one Lifeline service per household. If you have more than one, choose one and de-enroll from the others.
7. Is it worth the paperwork?
For a household that already receives SNAP or Medicaid, proof is usually a single benefit letter, and $111 a year is real money for a few minutes of effort. Pair it with a lower-cost plan and the savings add up: the discount applies every month, as long as you remain eligible and recertify.
8. Key takeaways
- Lifeline gives eligible households up to $9.25 a month off phone, internet, or bundled service, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands.
- You qualify through SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, federal housing assistance, or the Veterans Pension, or with income at or below 135% of poverty guidelines.
- For 2026, that income limit is $36,882 for a household of three in most states.
- Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, defined as one economic unit.
- Apply through the National Verifier, by mail, or through a participating provider, and recertify every year.