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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 sizeMonthly income limitYearly
1 person$1,795$21,540
2 people$2,434$29,208
3 people$3,073$36,876
4 people$3,712$44,544
5 people$4,351$52,212
6 people$4,990$59,880
7 people$5,629$67,548
8 people$6,268$75,216

Based on the 2026 federal poverty guidelines · Source: USAC Lifeline: Do I qualify? · Verified 2026-09-19

Lifeline guides

Offers that can help

Services from our partners. You never need a paid service to apply for benefits.

Advertiser disclosure
We may earn a commission when you use partner links. Partners never affect which programs we show, how we rank them, or our editorial content. How we make money

ClearLine Wireless

4.3out of 5 stars,(5,310 reviews)
Phone plansSponsored

Free unlimited talk and text with Lifeline

Qualify through SNAP, Medicaid or SSI and get a free smartphone plan.

Check Lifeline plans

On ClearLine Wireless's secure site

Cost
$0/month
Best for
SNAP or Medicaid households
Setup
Free SIM, keep your number
Pros and details

Pros

  • Unlimited talk and text
  • 4.5 GB data included
  • No contract or credit check

Good to know

Lifeline is limited to one discount per household.

EverWatt Energy

4.1out of 5 stars,(2,210 reviews)
Energy plansSponsored

Lock in a lower electricity rate

Compare fixed-rate energy plans in deregulated states and cut your monthly bill.

Compare energy plans

On EverWatt Energy's secure site

Deposit
$0 on most plans
Best for
Renters in TX, PA, OH, IL
Rate lock
12–24 months
Pros and details

Pros

  • Fixed rates
  • Switch online in 5 minutes
  • Keeps your LIHEAP credit

Good to know

Only available in deregulated energy markets. Early cancellation fees may apply.

Related programs

LIHEAPHHS 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 8US 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.WeatherizationUS Department of EnergyThe Weatherization Assistance Program makes free energy-saving home improvements, like insulation and heating repairs, for households with low income.

Sources

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

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