Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of essential phone or internet services. Eligible customers may get up to $9.25 ($34.25 for Tribal consumers) toward their monthly bill, depending on region and eligibility. This program helps ease the burden of monthly phone bills for qualified individuals and their families by subsidizing monthly talk, text, and data.
ACP is a limited-time federal program that lowers the monthly cost of essential phone or internet services for low-income households. Eligible consumers get a discount of up to $30 ($75 for Tribal consumers) toward their monthly bill. Consumers can participate in ACP separately from Lifeline or both discounts can be credited to the same service provider.
Please note that the National Lifeline Association (NaLA) is not a Lifeline service provider. You can view Lifeline service providers here.
If you are currently a recipient of any of the approved government assistance programs listed below you may qualify for Lifeline.
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Note: The Federal Poverty Guidelines are adjusted annually, and the above chart reflects guidelines for 2022.
If your total household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by your state and/or the federal government, you may qualify for Lifeline service. To receive your Lifeline discount based on total household income, you must provide copies of proof documents.
Applying for Lifeline is simple. There are just three easy steps.
You will need to provide proof of identification, proof of address, and proof of eligibility when applying for Lifeline.
Apply online or by mail through the National Verifier.
Contact a Lifeline Service Provider (Find a Lifeline Provider Near You)
Enroll and begin receiving your Lifeline benefit!