Utility discount · federal
Lifeline phone and internet benefit
Federal Communications Commission
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for households with low income. It provides up to $9.25 a month toward a qualifying broadband or bundled service, and up to $34.25 a month for households on Tribal lands. The discount is applied through a participating phone or internet company, one benefit per household. Households qualify either by income or by enrollment in a qualifying federal program.
Who qualifies
Gross household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, about $1,796 a month for one person in 2026. A household also qualifies automatically if a member is enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or a Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension. The benefit is limited to one per household.
What it covers
Up to $9.25 a month off a qualifying phone or internet service, or up to $34.25 a month on Tribal lands. Applied as a discount through a participating provider.
Cost
Free to apply and free to receive. The benefit lowers the monthly bill, it does not cost anything.
How to apply
Apply online through the National Verifier at the Lifeline support site, or ask a participating phone or internet company to help you enroll. You will need proof of income or proof of program enrollment.