What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is a federal government program that provides qualified low-income consumers assistance on communications services. Eligible subscribers can receive a monthly reduction of $7.25 per month on phone service (changing to $5.25 effective December 1, 2020) and $9.25 per month broadband internet. You are allowed one Lifeline discount (phone or internet, but not both) per household. In addition, Federal Universal Service Charge and Access Recovery Charge are not accessed to consumers participating in Lifeline.  Lifeline provides subscriber a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages from participating provider.

What is Link Up?

Link Up provides a one-time discount for the connection or activation charge for a new telephone service plans and is limited to one line per household. Both the Lifeline and Link Up programs have income-based eligibility requirements.

What benefits are available through the Lifeline program’s support for Tribal lands?

Individuals who reside on Tribal lands and meet the eligibility criteria may qualify for Lifeline programs.

Tribal Lifeline provides an additional up to $25 off monthly bill, for a total Lifeline discount up to $34.25 off per month.

Support to qualifying residents off Tribal Lands applies to the main service listed in the name of the eligible telephone or internet company subscriber. Limit one per household.

Tribal Link-Up provides a one-time discount for the connection or activation charge for a new telephone service at the applicant’s primary residence.  You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands by going online to https://www.lifelinesupport.org/additional-support-for-tribal-lands

How do I know if I eligible to participate?

To participate, the criteria based on income defined as at or below 135% of the 2020 Federal Poverty Guidelines -or- participate in certain federal assistance programs see each of these two tables below.