Many wireless and internet service providers participate in the Lifeline program. The participating carriers include major national wireless and broadband providers and regional or discount carriers.
You can find Lifeline-supported providers using the USAC search tool or contact your provider directly.
Eligibility
The Lifeline program is available to consumers who meet income requirements or participate in specific government assistance programs. The program includes discounted phone and broadband service plans offered by several internet providers, including such as Assist Wireless. Most of these service providers also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program, which gives low-income households an internet discount of up to $30 per month (or $75 for anyone living on qualified tribal territory).
Eligible customers may receive one phone or broadband service discount per household, and the benefit is not transferable between Lifeline subscribers. This rule is regulated by federal law. It is against the rules to use false information on these forms, and any consumer found to be violating this rule may have their service deactivated. Subscribers must recertify annually that they remain eligible for the service by submitting proof of eligibility to their provider.
To determine if you qualify for Lifeline, visit your state website or contact your local phone or internet service company to find out how to apply. To complete the application, you must supply your full name, birthdate, tribe identity or social security number’s last four digits, and home address. In most states, your information will be verified by the national verifier, an independent company operated by the FCC. In some states where the National Verifier is not used, you must verify your eligibility by providing your home phone or internet service provider with documentation of your participation in a government assistance program.
Enrollment
You will be given a monthly support voucher after your application is accepted to assist with the cost of your phone and internet services. State-specific rates range from $15 to $30 for home landline, cellular service, and broadband. Your provider receives the voucher payment directly, which lowers your cost. You can use it for one or both services and switch providers as frequently as you choose.
When you apply for Lifeline, you should present evidence of your eligibility, such as three pay stubs in a row or a copy of your tax return. You may also have to show your participation in a program such as SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, SSI, the Veterans, Survivors Pension Benefit, or a qualified Tribal benefit.
In addition, you must recertify your eligibility each year. You can do this online or by responding to a prerecorded message or letter from your phone or internet provider. If you do not recertify, your Lifeline benefits will be discontinued.
The FCC requires USAC to make aggregate Lifeline subscriber data available to the public, including information on county and service type levels. You can access this data through the Lifeline Funding Disbursement Open Data tool.
Requirements
A household must satisfy the state’s income standards to be qualified for the ACP. New York homes are considered low-income if their monthly income is 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or below. The guidelines are updated annually. A household can also qualify if one or more members participate in a government assistance program. These programs include Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits, or specific Tribal Programs.
A qualifying telecommunications operator must logically promote Lifeline service to reach those who could be qualified. The company must disclose on all materials describing the service that Lifeline is a government assistance program, that the discount is non-transferable, and that only one Lifeline discount per household may be used for phone or Internet service.
Eligible telecommunications carriers must determine prospective subscribers’ eligibility for Lifeline using national and state databases that contain income information. They must review documentation of program participation or other official documents, such as a statement of benefits from a qualifying assistance program, a letter from a government agency indicating that a person or family is participating in a qualifying assistance program, or an identification card from a qualifying assistance program.
An eligible telecommunications carrier must inform each prospective subscriber that it will provide their information to the National Lifeline Accountability Database or National Verifier and obtain consent before transmitting that information. The company must explain clearly and easily understood that the data is necessary to administer the Lifeline program and verify the subscriber’s identity.
FAQ
As the name suggests, Lifeline is a program for low-income consumers. It offers monthly discounts on phone or broadband services or a discount on bundled voice/broadband service. The program is available to income-eligible customers in the following states:
Lifeline participants must recertify annually that they remain eligible for the program. The process involves submitting proof of current eligibility, such as a valid state or federal benefits card or verification of income. Customers who need to recertify may be de-enrolled from the program.
The National Lifeline. The eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) is a computerized and manual system that facilitates the determination of customer eligibility for the Lifeline program under commission directives. It also has associated functions, processes, policies, and procedures. Enrollment representatives are staff members, independent contractors, or subcontractors of an approved telecommunications provider or a third-party organization who, on behalf of the enrolling page, provide data to the Universal Service Administrative Company or a state agency managing the Lifeline program for eligibility verification, enrollment, and other related activities.
Entities enrolling subscribers in the Lifeline program must disclose on all materials describing the service, in easily understood language, that the Lifeline service is a government assistance program, that it is non-transferable, and that the program is limited to one discount per household. The disclosure requirement only applies to entities that operate solely in a state approved by the commission to administer the Lifeline program without reliance on the Universal Service Administrative Company’s systems.
