What is Lifeline Program?

The Lifeline program started in 1985 by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income consumers in every state, territory, and Tribal land get access to phone and internet services. It’s run by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and is paid for by the U.S. Government.

Ever since it began, the Lifeline program has made phone services cheaper for millions of people who don’t earn a lot. This helps them stay in touch with their jobs, families, friends, doctors, job opportunities, and emergency services like 911.

What Is Lifeline Program?

Individuals may be eligible for the Lifeline benefit if their income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, if they have zero income, or if they are enrolled in any of the following programs:

  • Medicaid
  • SNAP/Food Stamps
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Tribal Head Start
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • The Lifeline benefit is limited to one per household.
  • Only eligible consumers who can prove their eligibility can enroll.
  • The Lifeline benefit is not transferable to another individual.
  • To keep your FREE Lifeline service active, you need to use it at least once every 30 days; otherwise, it will be disconnected.
  • Only qualified consumers can sign up for the Lifeline program.
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What is Lifeline Program

What You Need to Apply for Lifeline

To apply for Lifeline, make sure you have one item from the list below to help ensure a seamless enrollment process:

  • U.S. Passport/U.S. Territory Passport
  • U.S. Military ID cards (active or reserve duty, dependent of a military member, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
  • U.S. Driver License
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • U.S. government, military, state, or Tribal issued-ID, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Foreign Passport
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card
  • Northern Mariana Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Military discharge documents that include your date of birth, Social Security Number, or Tribal ID.
  • Permanent Resident Alien Card
  • Common Access Card (valid only if marked as Active Military, Active Reserve, or Active Selected Reserve).
  • Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit
  • Mexican Consular Card (Matricula Consular – 2006, 2014, 2015, and later versions)

*All forms of ID must be current and not expired.

  • Current Income Statement, Paycheck Stub, or W2
  • Utility Bill
  • Government Issued, State, or Tribal Issued Identity Card (unexpired), or a Driver’s License
  • A Statement of Benefits from a qualifying program that includes your name and address.
  • A recent mortgage or lease statement.
  • Current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal program.
  • Participation notice letter from a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal program.
  • Program participation documents.
  • An alternative official document verifying the consumer’s participation in a qualifying state, federal, or Tribal program.
  • Unemployment documentation, such as a notice of benefit payment or confirmation of a successfully submitted unemployment benefits application.
  • Statement of Social Security benefits
  • Benefits statement from Veterans Administration.
  • Copy of your State or Federal income tax return from last year.
  • Your most recent three consecutive pay stubs.
  • Statement of benefits from Retirement/Pension.
  • Documentation of child support or divorce decree.
  • Statement of benefits for Unemployment or Workers’ Compensation.