Lifeline Program: 2026 phone or internet discount guide
Lifeline is a federal programme that reduces the monthly cost of eligible phone, internet or bundled service. A household can qualify through income or participation in specified benefits.
Key facts before you decide
- The standard discount is up to $9.25 per month on eligible phone, internet or bundled service.
- Qualifying households on Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 monthly.
- Eligibility can be based on household income at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines or participation in a qualifying programme.
- Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household.
Rules, amounts and dates can change. Confirm your situation through the official links before submitting documents.
What Lifeline reduces
Lifeline is a federal benefit that lowers the monthly charge for eligible phone, broadband internet or bundled service. The benefit is applied through a participating company rather than paid as unrestricted cash to the consumer.
The standard benefit is up to $9.25 a month. Households on qualifying Tribal lands can receive an enhanced benefit of up to $34.25. The actual bill reduction cannot exceed the eligible service charge.
One benefit per household
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. A household consists of people who live together and share income and expenses. Separate economic households can sometimes exist at the same address, but applicants may need to complete a household worksheet.
A household cannot use one benefit for a mobile phone and another for home internet. Applicants should decide which eligible service offers the most practical value.
Qualifying through another programme
A household can qualify when the applicant or a dependent participates in Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Additional Tribal programmes qualify for residents of eligible Tribal lands.
Proof may include a current benefit statement or official notice. A programme card without the participant’s name or current status may not be enough.
Income eligibility in 2026
A household can also qualify when income is at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. For the 48 contiguous states, District of Columbia and territories, the annual limit is $21,546 for one person, $29,214 for two and $36,882 for three. Alaska and Hawaii use higher limits.
Acceptable proof can include a prior-year tax return, current income statement or three consecutive months of pay stubs. The document must identify the person and show the relevant income period.
How to apply
Most applicants use the National Verifier online, apply by mail or receive help from a participating company. Oregon and Texas use state-specific application routes. After eligibility is approved, the consumer must select a company that offers Lifeline and enrol the benefit with that provider.
Approval by the verifier does not automatically start service. The provider must finish enrolment. Keep the application confirmation and check any deadline for choosing a company.
Documents to prepare
- Full legal name, date of birth and last four digits of a Social Security number or Tribal identification.
- Home address and a temporary-address explanation where applicable.
- Proof of qualifying programme participation or income.
- Household worksheet if another Lifeline subscriber uses the address.
- Identity documents when the automated check cannot confirm records.
Upload clear, complete pages. Redacting information required for validation can cause a request for more evidence.
Recertification and continued use
USAC checks eligibility each year. Some subscribers are automatically recertified, while others receive a notice asking them to confirm continued eligibility. Missing the deadline can result in de-enrolment.
The service must also be used according to the programme’s usage rules. A provider may discontinue the benefit after a period of non-use. Report address, household or eligibility changes and respond to notices promptly.
Tribal lands and survivor support
The enhanced Tribal benefit applies only on qualifying Tribal lands and may include Link Up support with certain providers. Separate emergency Lifeline rules can assist survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking or related crimes who meet the programme’s documentation and financial-hardship conditions.
These routes have specific evidence requirements. Use the official survivor or Tribal pages rather than sending sensitive documents to an unverified person.
Avoiding enrolment scams
- Do not pay an agent to obtain approval.
- Confirm that the company participates in Lifeline.
- Do not share verification codes with unsolicited callers.
- Read the plan price after the discount, data limits and equipment charges.
- Remember that the former Affordable Connectivity Program is not the same benefit.
Grantalia does not enrol consumers or recommend a provider.
This guide was checked against the responsible agency’s pages. Use these links to verify the process and any later updates.
Visit the official Lifeline siteCheck how to qualify
Review application options
See acceptable supporting documents