Lifeline Program

 

About the Lifeline Program

The Lifeline Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.

The benefit provides a discount of up to $9.25 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $34.25 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households on Tribal lands can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to assist with installation cost.

The Lifeline Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.

Who Is Eligible for the Lifeline Program?

A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:

  • Has an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
  • Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, Veteran’s Pension and Survivor’s Benefit;
  • Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
  • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.

Two Steps to Enroll

  1. Go to Getinternet.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application.
  2. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill.

Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete.

Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan.

Get More Consumer Information

Check out the Lifeline Program Get Started page for more information.

Need Help With Lifeline?

If you have a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, call the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.