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Lifeline Qualifications

Federal Guidelines

Lifeline discounts are available to qualifying consumers throughout the USA. Recently, the FCC reformed the Lifeline program, setting a baseline of qualifying programs for each state to follow. However, a state may elect to provide additional qualifying programs. The qualifying programs according to Federal guidelines are:

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Ass't Program (SNAP, formerly known as Food Stamps)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA, Section 8)
  • Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension Benefit
  • Tribal Programs (and live on federally recognized Tribal lands)

You will be required to provide proof of participation in one of the above programs if you are qualifying for the benefit based on program eligibility.


For those not in one of the above programs, you may also qualify by your total household income. To qualify based on income, your total household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level.

You will be required to provide proof of income if you are qualifying for support based on income eligibility.


Use the chart below to find the qualification level based on how many people are in your household.


135% of the 2021 Federal Poverty Guidelines

# People In your Family Lower 48 / DC
1 $17,388
2 $23,517
3 $29,646
4 $35,775
5 $41,904
6 $48,033
7 $54,162
8 $60,291
Each Add't Person $6,129

Check your state's individual qualifications

Guidelines

Low income Family

On February 6, 2012 the FCC released its Lifeline Reform Order (FCC 12-11), making significant changes to the program. Beginning April 2, 2012, Link Up support is no longer available to Lifeline qualifying customers on non-Tribal land. Link Up was the benefit that provided half of the connection costs associated with a new phone line, up to $30.


How Much Can I Save with Lifeline?

Lifeline will discount your phone service $9.25 per month in most states. This amount replaces the 3 tier amounts and is affective as of April 2, 2012. There are a few states that offer additional funds that can be applied to your discount.


How do I get Lifeline Service?

If you already have phone service, call your provider and ask them for the Lifeline discount. If they don't provide it or, if you don't have service and would like to get service, we can provide that for you. Just follow one of the links below

Lifeline home phone service

Lifeline cell phone service

Your provider of government assisted phones for low income families