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What Lifeline provides
- Up to $9.25/month off broadband or bundled service (or up to $5.25 off voice-only service)
- Up to $34.25/month on qualifying Tribal lands (enhanced Tribal support), plus possible Link Up help with connection charges
- Applies to one phone or internet service per household, from a participating provider
Who qualifies
By program participation (someone in the household receives):
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8, public housing, and more)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
- On Tribal lands: also Tribal TANF, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, or Tribal Head Start (income-qualified)
By income: household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How to apply
- Apply through the National Verifier (LifelineSupport.org or USAC’s site) or directly with a participating provider.
- Provide proof of program participation or income if the system can’t confirm it automatically.
- Choose a participating phone or internet company.
- Recertify every year.
Other low-cost options
- Provider low-income plans: many internet companies offer discounted plans (often around $10–$30/month) for households on SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, or school lunch programs.
- Public housing connections: some housing authorities offer free or low-cost Wi-Fi.
- Libraries: free Wi-Fi, computers, and hotspot lending.
- Schools: device and hotspot programs for students.
- State digital equity programs and nonprofit refurbished computer programs.
Avoid scams
Never pay someone to “unlock” a government benefit, and never give bank logins or Social Security numbers to unsolicited callers. Apply only through the official Lifeline site or a provider you contact directly.
Lifeline household rules
Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household. A household is everyone who lives together and shares income and expenses. People living at the same address who don’t share income and expenses (for example, unrelated roommates) can each qualify as separate households by completing a household worksheet.
What documents you may need
If the National Verifier can’t confirm eligibility automatically:
- Program-based: a current benefit letter or card (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, housing assistance, Veterans Pension)
- Income-based: tax return, pay stubs for three consecutive months, Social Security statement, or other official income documents
- Identity and address: ID and proof of address if requested
Choosing a provider
- Compare plans: data amount, speed, hotspot use, and whether a free phone is included.
- Some wireless providers offer Lifeline plans with a free smartphone; check the device and coverage in your area.
- For home internet, ask whether Lifeline can be applied to a wired broadband plan.
Recertification and usage
- Recertify each year when notified, or you’ll lose the benefit.
- For free (no-cost) plans, you must use the service at least once every 30 days or it may be de-enrolled after notice.
- Report moves and changes as required.
Low-cost internet beyond Lifeline
After the Affordable Connectivity Program ended, many providers kept low-income plans for households receiving SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, school lunch, or housing assistance. Ask your local provider, your public library, and your school district about options. Public housing residents should ask their housing authority about building Wi-Fi.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program still available?
No. ACP stopped accepting new enrollments in February 2024 and ended after funding ran out in mid-2024. Be cautious of pages or callers presenting ACP as currently open. Lifeline is a separate, ongoing program.
Can two people at the same address get Lifeline?
Only if they are separate households that don’t share income and expenses. Lifeline is limited to one benefit per household, not per person. Shelters and group living arrangements have a special process.
Does Section 8 count for Lifeline?
Yes. Federal Public Housing Assistance—including Housing Choice Vouchers, public housing, project-based Section 8, and some other HUD programs—qualifies a household for Lifeline.
Do I have to recertify?
Yes. Lifeline requires annual recertification, and the program may verify eligibility through databases. Respond to recertification notices to keep your benefit.
Sources and verification
Use these sources to check program rules. Funding, openings, and local procedures must be confirmed with the agency handling your application.
- Lifeline consumer eligibilityUniversal Service Administrative Company
- Lifeline support for affordable communicationsFederal Communications Commission
- Enhanced Tribal benefitUniversal Service Administrative Company
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