Originally established in 1985, Lifeline is a long-standing FCC benefit program that reduces the monthly cost of phone and broadband services for qualifying low-income households.
Official FCC Lifeline Directory ↗The Lifeline benefit provides monthly discounts on communications services. Eligible subscribers can apply these credits directly to voice-only plans, broadband-only plans, or bundled phone-internet packages. By partnering with approved carriers, these credits allow subscribers to receive free cellular service and devices.
Qualified households across the United States receive a standard discount of up to $9.25 per month on their cell phone or broadband service. Licensed Lifeline carriers bundle this subsidy with special public plans to deliver fully free unlimited service packages.
Subscribers residing on officially recognized Tribal lands receive an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month. This additional funding helps bridge the digital divide in rural and native communities, offering higher-tier devices and data plans.
To qualify for the Lifeline Program based on income, a household's total annual income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Alternatively, you qualify if you participate in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Benefits.
Refer to our Eligibility Guide to see a full breakdown of documents needed to verify your application.
Get specific answers regarding FCC rules and monthly communication subsidies.
You can apply your monthly Lifeline credit to cellular plans (voice, texting, and mobile data), home landlines, or home broadband internet. Most eligible consumers choose cellular plans because carriers bundle the discount to provide a free monthly plan along with a free smartphone.
Lifeline is a permanent FCC program established in 1985 that uses a 135% poverty line threshold or specific program rules. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a newer, separate benefit with a higher 200% poverty line threshold that concluded in mid-2024. While ACP is paused, Lifeline remains fully active and funded.
If you no longer qualify for Lifeline (due to an increase in household income or termination of your assistance benefits), you are required by law to notify your service provider within 30 days. You will be de-enrolled from the program, and your account will transition to a standard, non-subsidized retail billing rate if you choose to keep the service.