FCC Lifeline Program

Federal connectivity benefit providing up to $9.25 per month off phone or internet service ($34.25 per month on Tribal lands) for qualifying low-income households. The primary and currently only federal broadband/phone subsidy after the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 1, 2024. Caregiving households commonly auto-qualify via participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension — or by income at or below 135% FPL. One benefit per household. Administered by USAC. For SMS-based caregiver support programs, keeping the caregiver's phone line affordable is foundational.

Monthly discount on phone or internet service: (1) Up to $9.25/month off — applies to monthly service charge; (2) Up to $34.25/month on Tribal lands (includes additional Tribal benefit); (3) One benefit per household — not per person; (4) FCC waiver (extended through 2026) keeps voice-only service supported and holds the mobile broadband minimum at 4.5 GB/month. ACP note: the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP, formerly EBB) which provided up to $30/month additional broadband subsidy ended June 1, 2024 when its funding was exhausted — do NOT refer caregivers to ACP. Lifeline is the only surviving federal connectivity subsidy. Apply at lifelinesupport.org or through participating carriers. Eligibility verification done through USAC's National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). Participating carriers in each state listed at fcc.gov.

Some details for this program are still being verified. Check the official source for the most current information.

Eligibility

• Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level

Services

Monthly discount on phone or internet service: (1) Up to $9.25/month off — applies to monthly service charge; (2) Up to $34.25/month on Tribal lands (includes additional Tribal benefit); (3) One benefit per household — not per person; (4) FCC waiver (extended through 2026) keeps voice-only service supported and holds the mobile broadband minimum at 4.5 GB/month. ACP note: the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP, formerly EBB) which provided up to $30/month additional broadband subsidy ended June 1, 2024 when its funding was exhausted — do NOT refer caregivers to ACP. Lifeline is the only surviving federal connectivity subsidy. Apply at lifelinesupport.org or through participating carriers. Eligibility verification done through USAC's National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). Participating carriers in each state listed at fcc.gov.

How to apply

Apply online or find more information at the official program page.