In today’s hyperconnected world, telephones and internet service truly are lifelines.

They also can be expensive—running hundreds of dollars a month. If your budget is stretched, these essentials can seem like luxuries.

That’s where a federal program called Lifeline comes in.

What is the Lifeline benefits program?

Lifeline offers a monthly discount on phone or internet service for people with limited income. As of March 2026, around 8.2 million Americans participate in it.¹ That may sound like a lot—but it’s less than a quarter of people who actually are eligible.

Lifeline was established in 1985 as a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program. It is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

“Access to telephone and internet services is vital for everyone, and especially older adults,” said Jen Teague, NCOA’s Associate Director for Health Coverage and Benefits. “It keeps us engaged with friends and family and lets us access services, information, and entertainment.

Lifeline assistance can help keep this connection strong for older adults living on limited resources,” Teague said.

Lifeline At A Glance

• Helps pay for cell, internet, or bundled telecommunications services
• Offers a standard monthly discount of $9.25 for eligible applicants
• Provides monthly discounts up to $34.25 for people living on Tribal lands
• Automatically applies to your bill for companies that offer it

What is the monthly fee for Lifeline?

You don’t pay a set fee for Lifeline. Instead, the program offers a standard monthly discount of up to $9.25 on one service per qualifying household. If you live on Tribal lands and qualify for Lifeline, you can get a discount of up to $34.25 per month. Telephone and internet service providers apply the discount to your monthly bill.

Am I eligible for Lifeline assistance?

You are eligible for Lifeline assistance if you participate in one of these programs:

• Medicaid
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

You also qualify for the Lifeline discount if your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Find out what that amount is for your household: 2026 Poverty Guidelines.

If you live on Tribal lands, you are eligible for the Lifeline discount if you meet one of these criteria:

• Your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines 
• You receive benefits from one of the federal programs listed above
• You participate in a Tribal assistance program

What other requirements does Lifeline have?

There are several program rules. Here are some key points to remember:

• Understand household eligibility: Only one person in a household can receive the Lifeline assistance program. “A household is a group of people who live together and share money (even if they are not related to each other),” the USAC explains. Learn more about these rules in What Is a Household? 
• Watch for recertification: “Every year, USAC will check to confirm you still qualify. If we cannot confirm you qualify, you will receive a letter in the mail and may also receive reminders by mail or pre-recorded messages on your phone,” the USAC writes on its website. “If you are asked to recertify, you must do so within 60 days, or you lose your Lifeline benefit.”
• Keep your provider in the loop: “If you change your address, no longer qualify for Lifeline, or more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, notify your company within 30 days,” the USAC says.
• Be accurate: “Be honest on your application and forms. It is against the law to lie on any Lifeline-related forms or questionnaires,” the USAC cautions.

How do I apply for the Lifeline assistance program?

In one of three ways: 

1. Use the online Lifeline National Verifier. The USAC says this is usually the fastest option.
2. Print and complete the Lifeline application and mail it to the address on the form. 
   
   Mail to:
   USAC, Lifeline Support Center
   P.O. Box 9100
   Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773
3. Contact a telephone company or internet service provider that offers the Lifeline benefit. To find a participating provider, use Lifeline’s phone or internet company search tool. If you already have a service provider, you can call and ask if they participate in the Lifeline program.

What information will I need to provide when I apply?

You can review a list of documents to help you prepare for completing your Lifeline application. You can also view and print the Lifeline application form online.

Who should I contact if I need help with my Lifeline application?

If you have questions about Lifeline, you can call the Lifeline Support Center from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET seven days a week. The Lifeline customer service phone number is (800) 234-9473. 

You can also email questions to LifelineSupport@usac.org. Make sure to include your first and last name, application number, and the reason for your email.

How can I find out if I qualify for other money-saving benefits?

Use BenefitsCheckUp®, NCOA’s free, confidential online tool. Here, you can enter your ZIP code and browse for programs that help you pay for food, housing, utilities, health care, and more. We also show you where and how to apply.

“BenefitsCheckUp® helps millions of older adults and people with disabilities find vital services that can enhance quality of life and well-being,” Teague said. “You don’t want to miss out on benefits you may be eligible to receive.”

Source

1. The Universal Service Fun’s Lifeline Program and High Cost Program: Current Regulatory Activity. EveryCRSReport.com. August 6, 2026. Found on the internet at https://www.everycrsreport.com/reports/IF13283.html