Getting started.
Who this helps
You may qualify if your gross household income is at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or someone in your household, including a child or dependent, participates in a qualifying program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits. Some survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes may qualify under special rules.
How to get started
USAC checks each year whether you still qualify. If it cannot confirm your eligibility, you may receive a notice asking you to recertify.
Check if you qualify.
Use the How to Qualify page at LifelineSupport.org to check income, program participation, or survivor eligibility.
Apply online.
Go to GetInternet.gov, or open LifelineSupport.org and choose Consumers.
Send proof if asked.
Use the Supporting Documents guide at LifelineSupport.org to check which benefit letter or income records are accepted, then follow the instructions in your request.
Choose a service company.
After approval, contact a participating phone or internet company to enroll.
How they can help.
The FCC sets Lifeline policy, and USAC administers the program. Use the benefit with a participating service company. A household may receive only one Lifeline benefit.
- Monthly discount on phone service
- Monthly discount on internet service
- Monthly discount on bundled service
- Help with applications, eligibility questions, and yearly recertification through USAC
A few questions before you go.
If asked, have a benefit letter or other official proof of program participation ready. For income proof, have a tax return or pay stubs covering three consecutive months.
- Can I qualify through my income or a program?
- Can a child or dependent in my household help me qualify?
- What proof might I need?
- What happens after I apply?