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FCC / Universal Service Administrative Company

Lifeline (Phone & Internet Discount)

Lifeline is a federal program that may give households with low income a discount on phone or internet service.

How it's run
Federal program
State guides
0 of 51
Type of help
discount

About Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program that helps make phone and internet service more affordable. It is overseen by the FCC and managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company.

Lifeline gives a discount on phone or internet service. The discount shows up on your bill, so you pay less each month.

Staying connected matters, especially when money is tight. A working phone or internet line can make it easier to:

  • Look for and apply for jobs
  • Talk to doctors and schools
  • Reach family and emergency help
  • Apply for other benefits

Whether you qualify depends on your household income or on whether you take part in certain other assistance programs. You can check the rules and see if you may qualify on the official Lifeline website.

To get the discount, you use a phone or internet company that offers Lifeline. Be careful to use the official Lifeline website or a company that takes part in the program when you sign up. Only the program can decide if you qualify.

Learn more about Lifeline

Lifeline income limits

Lifeline income limits
Household sizeCalculated monthly threshold
1 person$1,796
2 people$2,435
3 people$3,074
4 people$3,713
5 people$4,352
6 people$4,991
7 people$5,630
8 people$6,269

Calculated using 2026 poverty guidelines, rounded up to a whole dollar. Check the program's official table and income-counting rules. · Source: USAC Lifeline: Do I qualify?

Lifeline guides

Related programs

LIHEAPState-run · HHS Administration for Children and FamiliesLIHEAP helps households with low income pay heating and cooling bills, and may help in an energy crisis such as a shut-off notice.Section 8Local · US Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHousing Choice Vouchers, often called Section 8, help families with low income pay rent for a home they find in the private market.WeatherizationState-run · US Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy-saving home improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, for households with low income.

Official sources

  1. FCC / Universal Service Administrative Company: Lifeline
  2. USAC Lifeline: Do I qualify?

Last reviewed Sep 19, 2026. Found an error? Tell us.