Question: How to apply for Lifeline Program?
Answer: To apply for a Lifeline Telephone discount, you must contact your local telephone company directly. Follow the 4 steps to enroll in the Lifeline Telephone Program:
Question: How to Keep Lifeline Telephone Program?
Answer: If you receive a Lifeline Program discount, you must certify each year that
Each year, you will receive a notice that reminds you to re-certify your eligibility for the Lifeline Telephone Program and gives you instructions on how to do it. You must complete this recertification process by the deadline given to you by your telephone company or you will lose your Lifeline Program discount.
Question: Can I get more than one Lifeline Program Discount?
Answer: No. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income subscribers from receiving more than ONE Lifeline discount per household. An eligible subscriber may receive a discount on either a wireline or wireless service, but not both. Lifeline Subscribers found to be violating this rule may also be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties.
Question: How Do I Qualify for Lifeline Program?
Answer: The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income subscribers in every state. To qualify for the Lifeline program, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following government assistance programs:
Lifeline Federal Poverty Guideline
In order to qualify for Lifeline Program, your income must be under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
| PERSONS IN FAMILY/HOUSEHOLD | POVERTY GUIDELINE |
|---|---|
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $4,780 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $13,550 |
| 2 | $18,330 |
| 3 | $23,110 |
| 4 | $27,890 |
| 5 | $32,670 |
| 6 | $37,450 |
| 7 | $42,230 |
| 8 | $47,010 |
Question: What is Lifeline Program?
Answer: Lifeline Program is a government benefit program that provides a discount on monthly telephone service for eligible low-income subscribers to help ensure they can connect to the nation’s communications networks.
Lifeline is funded by Federal Universal Service Fund (USF) you see on Telephone and Wireless billing statements.