Key takeaways
- Lifeline is a federal program that can take up to $9.25 a month off qualifying internet or bundled service; the discount for phone-only service is smaller.
- Households on qualifying Tribal lands can get up to $34.25 a month.
- You may qualify with household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or by taking part in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
- Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, and you must recertify each year when asked.
- The larger Affordable Connectivity Program ended in 2024 when its funding ran out.
Internet access has become essential for work, school, health care and staying in touch. The Federal Communications Commission’s Lifeline program helps eligible lower-income households pay for phone or internet service.
How much it saves
According to the FCC:
- Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on qualifying broadband or bundled service.
- On qualifying Tribal lands, households can get up to $34.25 a month, made up of the standard benefit plus up to $25 in enhanced Tribal support.
The discount is applied by a participating phone or internet company, so it shows up on your bill.
Who qualifies
You may qualify if:
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
- You or someone in your household takes part in a qualifying program, including:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal assistance programs, for residents of Tribal lands
How to apply
- Check eligibility through the National Verifier, the system Lifeline uses to confirm who qualifies. You can apply online or by mail, or with the help of a participating company.
- Upload documents if needed. If eligibility can’t be confirmed automatically, you’ll be asked for proof, dated within the past 12 months.
- Choose a participating company that offers Lifeline service in your area and sign up for a qualifying plan.
Watch out: Only apply through the official Lifeline application or a participating phone or internet company. Be wary of anyone who charges a fee to “help” you apply or asks for personal information through unsolicited calls or texts.
Keeping your benefit
- One per household: you can’t get Lifeline from two companies at once.
- Recertify every year: when asked, confirm you’re still eligible within 60 days or you’ll lose the benefit.
- Report changes: tell your provider if you no longer qualify.
What happened to the Affordable Connectivity Program?
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) offered a larger internet discount to millions of households, but it ended in 2024 when its funding ran out. Lifeline is a separate, ongoing program.
Other ways to lower your bill
Compare plans using each provider’s broadband label (our broadband label guide explains how), ask providers about low-income plans of their own, and check whether you’re paying for more speed than you need using our internet speed guide.
FAQ
Can I use Lifeline for home internet and my cell phone?
Lifeline gives one discount per household, which you can apply to a qualifying phone, internet or bundled service, but not to two separate services.
What is a household?
For Lifeline, a household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. Several households can live at the same address.
What documents might I need?
If eligibility can’t be confirmed automatically, you may need to upload proof such as a benefit letter or income documents. Lifeline requires documents to be dated within the past 12 months.
What happens if I don’t recertify?
If you’re asked to recertify and don’t respond within 60 days, you’ll lose your Lifeline benefit.
This guide is general information. Plans, prices and program rules change, so check the details with your provider and official sources such as the FCC and FTC before you decide.