Lifeline

The Lifeline program, managed by the FCC, reduces communication costs for low-income individuals.

Approved providers offer discounts on phone, internet, or bundled voice and internet services to eligible users.

Low-income individuals gain better access to jobs, medical services, and education through affordable connectivity.

Safe Connections Act: Lifeline Assistance for Survivors

The Safe Connections Act (SCA) provides emergency Lifeline support for up to six months to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and similar crimes facing financial difficulties.

Those who qualify can receive up to $9.25 per month in discounts on phone, internet, or bundled services.

After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit, which offers $9.25 per month for internet or bundled plans and $5.25 per month for voice-only service.

To enroll in the Lifeline program, survivors must request a line separation and prove financial hardship.

They can verify hardship through existing Lifeline eligibility programs or the following criteria:

• Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

• Participation in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program, including schools or districts under the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP)

• Receiving a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

The FCC runs the Lifeline program to lower communication costs for low-income individuals.

Subscribers receive discounts on approved monthly phone plans, broadband internet, or bundled voice and internet services from participating providers.

Low-income households gain affordable access to jobs, healthcare, and education through Lifeline support.

Eligible users can get up to $9.25 off their monthly service, while those on Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 monthly.

The program applies to either wireless or wireline services, but not both at the same time.

Lifeline also covers broadband and voice-broadband bundles. FCC rules allow only one Lifeline benefit per household.

Lifeline operates in all states, territories, commonwealths, and Tribal lands. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) oversees applications, verifies eligibility, and manages annual renewals.

The USAC website provides complete details on program rules and requirements.

Households qualify by meeting income limits at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participating in specific federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, Veterans and Survivors Pension, or specific Tribal programs. Check eligibility at lifelinesupport.org.

Lifeline Eligibility and the National Verifier

Consumers must apply for Lifeline through the National Verifier. They can do this via USAC or a phone or internet provider that supports Lifeline.

The FCC developed this system, and USAC operates it. It confirms applicant eligibility and conducts yearly recertifications.

Those needing assistance can use the “Companies Near Me” tool to find a Lifeline provider nearby.

Applicants must follow the state's Lifeline application process in California (except for broadband-only users), Texas, and Oregon.

However, broadband-only users in California must apply through the National Verifier, which will verify eligibility.

To start the application in these states, visit the National Verifier, select the state from the drop-down list, and click “Get Started.”

For help or to request a paper application, contact Lifeline at (800) 234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org.