Lifeline Phone and Internet Discount: Who Qualifies, How Much and How to Apply
Note: Some future links on this site may be affiliate links. We never claim hands-on testing; guides are researched from the public sources listed in each article.
How we wrote this: A plain-English summary of the FCC's Lifeline consumer page (last updated March 3, 2026), checked October 29, 2026. Program amounts and rules can change, so confirm on the FCC or USAC site before you apply.
Lifeline is an FCC program that gives low-income households a monthly discount on phone, internet or bundled service from participating providers. It's available in every state, commonwealth and territory, and on Tribal lands. The program is run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
How much it's worth
| Where you live | Monthly discount |
|---|---|
| Most of the U.S. | Up to $9.25 |
| Tribal lands | Up to $34.25 |
On Tribal lands, the FCC says that's the standard benefit (up to $9.25 for broadband or bundled service, or up to $5.25 for phone-only service) plus up to $25 in enhanced support. The discount can go on either a wireline or a wireless service, and the FCC doesn't subsidize phones or other hardware.
Who qualifies
Your household qualifies if its income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if someone takes part in:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension benefits
- Certain Tribal assistance programs
Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may get emergency Lifeline support for up to six months under the Safe Connections Act.
How to apply
- Online: use the National Verifier, the FCC system operated by USAC that checks eligibility.
- By mail, or through a participating provider. USAC's "Companies Near Me" tool lists providers.
- Texas and Oregon residents use their state's own process.
- For help or a mailed form, call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473.
Rules to know
- One Lifeline benefit per household. A household is everyone at one address who shares income and expenses.
- Proof must come from a database or from documents dated within the past 12 months.
- Recertify every year, or you'll be de-enrolled (sometimes this happens automatically).
- If your Lifeline service is free, use it at least once every 30 days to keep it.
- If you stop qualifying, tell your provider right away to de-enroll, or you may face penalties.
To report suspected fraud, use the FCC's Lifeline fraud tip line, 1-855-455-8477. Also see FCC broadband labels for comparing plans and phone bill cramming for checking charges.