The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has ended.
ACP stopped taking applications on February 7, 2024 and ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline is the federal phone and internet discount that is still available. What ACP users should do now →
What Lifeline covers in Wisconsin
Lifeline is a federal benefit funded by the Universal Service Fund and administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under FCC rules. It doesn't pay you directly. Instead, a participating company takes the discount off your monthly bill, and for many wireless plans that brings the price to $0.
- Internet or phone-and-internet bundles: up to $9.25 off per month, as long as the plan meets the FCC's minimum broadband standards.
- Phone-only (voice) service: up to $5.25 off per month.
- Tribal lands: up to an extra $25, for a total of up to $34.25 per month.
- Home or wireless: you can put the benefit on a landline, home internet or a cell phone plan, but only one service per household.
Who qualifies for Lifeline in Wisconsin
Your household qualifies in either of two ways. You need to meet only one.
1. You take part in a qualifying program
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), including Section 8 vouchers
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
2. Your income is low enough
Total household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. That's $21,546 a year for one person, or $44,550 for a family of four.
If you live on federally recognized Tribal lands, you can also qualify through Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) and Tribal Head Start (income-qualifying households only).
A "household" means everyone who lives at your address and shares income and expenses. Roommates who keep separate finances are separate households and can each get Lifeline.
2026 Lifeline income limits for Wisconsin
Count income from everyone in your household before taxes, including wages, Social Security, unemployment, child support and retirement income.
| Household size | Max yearly income (135%) | Per month |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 | $1,795 |
| 2 people | $29,214 | $2,434 |
| 3 people | $36,882 | $3,073 |
| 4 people | $44,550 | $3,712 |
| 5 people | $52,218 | $4,351 |
| 6 people | $59,886 | $4,990 |
| 7 people | $67,554 | $5,629 |
| 8 people | $75,222 | $6,268 |
Add $7,668 for each additional person. Calculated from the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines; USAC phases in new guidelines each year, so confirm the current limit at LifelineSupport.org.
How to apply for Lifeline in Wisconsin
- 1Gather your documents. A photo ID and proof of eligibility: a SNAP, Medicaid or SSI benefits letter dated within the last 12 months, or proof of income such as last year's tax return or three consecutive months of pay stubs. See the full list.
- 2Apply with the National Verifier. Go to LifelineSupport.org, create an account and submit the application online, or print a mail-in form. If you receive SNAP or Medicaid, the system can often confirm you automatically.
- 3Choose a provider in Wisconsin. Once approved, you have 90 days to sign up with a participating company. Compare the 16 wireless carriers below if you want a free cell phone plan, or a local company for home phone or internet.
- 4Start service and keep it active. The discount appears on your bill (or your free plan activates). Use free service at least once every 30 days and recertify every year.
Need help? Call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473. People with disabilities can ask for application help at the same number.
Lifeline providers in Wisconsin
83 companies are listed as Lifeline providers in Wisconsin. Wireless carriers are listed first: Access Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, American Broadband & Telecommunications, Amerimex and 12 more. Select a provider for contact details and how to apply.
Enhanced Tribal benefits & Link Up
Phone service rates on Tribal lands are among the lowest in the country, so Lifeline adds up to $25 a month in enhanced support for eligible residents, for up to $34.25 off in total. Wisconsin has significant Tribal lands, so check whether your address qualifies.
Tribal Link Up also takes up to $100 off the one-time installation or activation fee at your primary home with participating carriers that are building networks on Tribal lands. Check Tribal eligibility.
Rules to keep your Lifeline benefit
- One benefit per household. Getting two Lifeline services at once can lead to removal from the program and penalties.
- Recertify every year. USAC or your state administrator will contact you. If you don't respond, you'll be de-enrolled.
- Use free service. If you pay nothing, make a call, send a text or use data at least once every 30 days.
- Report changes. If your income rises above the limit or you leave a qualifying program, tell your provider within 30 days.
- Phones are the carrier's. The FCC doesn't pay for handsets, so contact your carrier directly about any problem with a phone it gave you.
Lifeline vs. the former ACP
If you used the Affordable Connectivity Program, here's how Lifeline compares.
| Lifeline | ACP (ended) | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | Active | Ended June 1, 2024 |
| Monthly discount | Up to $9.25 ($34.25 Tribal) | Up to $30 ($75 Tribal) |
| Income limit | 135% of poverty guidelines | 200% of poverty guidelines |
| Device discount | None (carriers may include a phone) | One-time $100 |
| Extra qualifying programs | — | Pell Grant, WIC, school meals |
Frequently asked questions
How much does Lifeline save in Wisconsin?
Lifeline takes up to $9.25 a month off qualifying internet or bundled phone-and-internet service, or up to $5.25 off voice-only phone service. Households on Tribal lands can get up to $34.25 a month. Many wireless carriers in Wisconsin offer plans the discount covers completely, so the service costs $0.
Who qualifies for Lifeline in Wisconsin?
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines (about $21,546 a year for one person or $44,550 for a household of four under the 2026 guidelines), or if anyone in your household receives SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Residents of Tribal lands can also qualify through certain Tribal programs.
How do I apply for Lifeline in Wisconsin?
Apply online at LifelineSupport.org through the FCC's National Verifier, by mail, or by contacting one of the 83 participating providers in Wisconsin listed on this page, who can submit the application with you. Most applicants who receive SNAP or Medicaid are confirmed automatically.
Which companies offer free Lifeline phone service in Wisconsin?
Wireless Lifeline carriers listed for Wisconsin include Access Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, American Broadband & Telecommunications, Amerimex, Assurance Wireless, Boomerang Wireless and 10 more. Another 67 local telephone and internet companies offer the discount on home service. Coverage varies by address, so confirm with the carrier before applying.
Can I get Lifeline if I lost my job or receive unemployment?
Unemployment insurance is not a qualifying program on its own, but if your household's income has dropped to 135% of the poverty guidelines or less you qualify on income. An unemployment benefits statement is accepted as proof of income.
Is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) still available in Wisconsin?
No. The ACP stopped accepting new enrollments on February 7, 2024 and ended on June 1, 2024 when its funding ran out. Lifeline is the federal internet and phone discount that is still available.
How often do I have to renew Lifeline?
You must recertify your eligibility once a year. If your Lifeline service is free, you also need to use it (make a call, send a text or use data) at least once every 30 days or it can be cancelled.
Lifeline guides for 20 Wisconsin cities
Pick your city for local provider details and links to free phone, tablet and unemployment guides for that area.
More help in Wisconsin
Official sources & contacts
- LifelineSupport.org – apply, check status, recertify (USAC)
- Do I qualify? – official eligibility rules
- Documents needed – acceptable proof
- Companies Near Me – providers by address
- Tribal benefit – enhanced support on Tribal lands
- HHS poverty guidelines – basis for income limits
- Lifeline Support Center: 1-800-234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org