About Lifeline
Understanding the Importance of Reliable Service for Low-income Families
Understanding the importance of reliable phone service for low-income families and households, the federal government created the Lifeline Assistance Program in 1985. Households that qualify can obtain discounted or free wireless service through this program. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund and is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.
You qualify for Lifeline Service in your area if you already participate in one of the following assistance programs:
- Qualifying in your state
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veteran’s Pension and Survivors Pension Program
- Eligibility Programs for Residents of Federally-Recognized Tribal Lands: Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA), Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TATNF), Headstart (meeting income qualifying standards) (Tribal)
- Your total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). The table below provides the maximum income you can have to be eligible for service. Number Persons in Household Annual Income:
Based on Your Income
You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is based on your household size and state.
The table below reflects 135% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $18,347 | $22,937 | $21,101 |
| 2 | $24,719 | $30,902 | $28,431 |
| 3 | $31,091 | $38,867 | $35,762 |
| 4 | $37,463 | $46,832 | $43,092 |
| 5 | $43,835 | $54,797 | $50,423 |
| 6 | $50,207 | $62,762 | $57,753 |
| 7 | $56,579 | $70,727 | $65,084 |
| 8 | $62,951 | $78,692 | $72,414 |
| For each additional person add | $6,372 | $7,965 | $7,331 |
You may have to show proof of income, like a tax return or three consecutive pays stubs, when you apply for Lifeline.
About the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program ensures that people can afford the broadband they need for employment, school, healthcare, and other purposes.
Each family is only eligible for one monthly service discount and one device discount through the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Who Is Eligible for the ACP?
If a household’s income is at or below 200 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household fits at least one of the following conditions, the household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program:
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- Participates in the National School Lunch Program or the School Breakfast Program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income internet program.
| Persons in family/household | 200% Poverty guideline |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $93,260 |
| For families/household with more than 8 persons, add $9,440 for each additional person. | |