Government Assistance Program
What Is Lifeline?
The Lifeline program was established in 1985 by the Federal Communications Commission and was created to help eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands have access to telecommunication services.
The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), operated by Federal Communications Commission (FCC) & is funded by the U.S. Government.
Since its establishment, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone services to millions of qualifying low-income consumers, giving Americans the opportunity and security to stay connected to work, family, friends, healthcare, job opportunities, & 911 emergency services.
Lifeline Eligible Programs
A Consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, has no income, or if they participate in:
- SNAP /Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Lifeline Rules:
- You must use your FREE Lifeline service at least once every 30 days or it will be terminated.
- The Lifeline benefit is non-transferable to another person.
- Only eligible consumers may enroll in the Lifeline program.
- Only low-income consumers with proof of eligibility are qualified to enroll.
- Only one Lifeline benefit is permitted per household.
Proof of Identification
Driver’s License or Passport (unexpired)
Proof of Address
Proof of Government Benefit Participation
