Lifeline: Understand and Access Phone and Internet Support

Lifeline is a long-running program designed to help eligible households lower the cost of phone and internet service, so staying connected doesn’t have to compete with essentials like rent, food, or medicine. Here you’ll find clear explanations of who qualifies, how benefits work, and what to expect from participating providers, along with answers to common questions that can otherwise slow you down.

These Lifeline articles break down complex rules into plain-language steps so you can compare options, avoid common mistakes, and feel confident about your choices. Whether you’re applying for the first time, renewing your benefit, or trying to combine Lifeline with other programs, the goal is to help you take the next practical step toward reliable, affordable connectivity.

Lifeline

Lifeline Assistance Program

The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal benefit that lowers the cost of phone or internet service for qualifying low‑income households, usually through a monthly discount on your bill and sometimes a free or low-cost plan from approved providers. It does not pay cash to you; it reduces what you owe to a participating phone or internet company.

Lifeline

Lifeline Assistance Program - FAQs

The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal benefit that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. It is overseen nationally by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered day to day through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and participating phone/internet providers.

Lifeline

Lifeline Assistance Program - Locations

Lifeline is the federal program that helps low-income households lower their phone or internet bill, but you do not go to a Social Security office or welfare office to get it.
Lifeline is run nationally by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), and in real life you usually apply either online through the Lifeline portal or directly with a participating phone/internet company, not at a general benefits office.

Lifeline

Lifeline Assistance Providers

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households, but you do not apply directly to the federal government for the service discount itself. You must pick a Lifeline Assistance provider (usually a phone or internet company approved for the program) and complete their enrollment process after you’re found eligible in the national system.

Lifeline

Lifeline Internet Program

The federal Lifeline program can lower your monthly internet or phone bill by about $5–$9.25 per month (sometimes more on Tribal lands) if you qualify based on income or participation in certain benefit programs. You do not apply through your internet provider alone; you typically have to go through the Lifeline National Verifier system and then choose a participating phone or internet company.