How to apply for Affordable Phone Services LifeLine & Assistance Programs

Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month.

• USAC’s Lifeline Support Center helps you apply for the program, understand eligibility requirements, and keep your benefit current through an annual recertification process.
• Lifeline consumers must apply for Lifeline and then sign up with a participating phone or internet company, recertify annually, and keep their information up to date.
• Phone or Internet company enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and answers questions about your service, phone or device, or bill.

Here are the ways you can qualify for Affordable Phone Services Lifeline:

Based on Your Income

You can get Affordable Phone Services 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 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Household Size	48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories	Alaska	Hawaii
1	$20,331	$25,394	$23,369
2	$27,594	$34,479	$31,725
3	$34,857	$43,565	$40,082
4	$42,120	$52,650	$48,438
5	$49,383	$61,736	$56,795
6	$56,646	$70,821	$65,151
7	$63,909	$79,907	$73,508
8	$71,172	$88,992	$81,864
For each additional person, add:	7,263	$9,086	$8,357

Based on If You Use SNAP, Medicaid, or Other Programs

Federal Assistance Programs

You can get Affordable Phone Services Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for Affordable Phone Services Lifeline.

Tribal Assistance Programs

If you live on Tribal lands, you can get Affordable Phone Services Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:

• Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or official document, when you apply for Affordable Phone Services Lifeline.

Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent

You can get Affordable Phone Services Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.

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