The Lifeline program is the primary federal benefit still available in 2026 for discounted phone and internet service after the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended on June 1, 2024. Lifeline provides up to $9.25 per month off phone, internet, or bundled services for eligible low-income households, or up to $34.25 per month for those living on qualifying Tribal lands. You can check your eligibility for Lifeline and other benefits in minutes using our free screener tool.
What Happened to the ACP and Why Does Lifeline Matter Now?
The Affordable Connectivity Program provided up to $30 per month toward internet service for over 23 million American households. When Congress did not approve additional funding, the ACP stopped accepting new applications in February 2024 and ended all benefits on June 1, 2024.
As of early 2026, there is no direct federal replacement for the ACP. The Lifeline program, which has operated since 1985 under the FCC, remains the only nationwide federal program offering monthly discounts on phone and internet service for qualifying low-income consumers.
| Feature | ACP (Ended June 2024) | Lifeline (Active in 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly discount | Up to $30 | Up to $9.25 |
| Tribal lands discount | Up to $75 | Up to $34.25 |
| Device benefit | One-time $100 discount | Free phone from some providers |
| Internet only option | Yes | Yes |
| Phone only option | No | Yes |
| Bundled service option | No | Yes |
| One per household | Yes | Yes |
| Income threshold | 200% FPG | 135% FPG |
Who Qualifies for the Lifeline Program in 2026?
You can qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways: through income or through participation in a qualifying federal assistance program. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Income Eligibility
Your household qualifies if your gross annual income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The table below shows the 2025 income limits currently in effect.
| Household Size | 48 States, DC, and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 | $26,393 | $24,287 |
| 2 people | $28,553 | $35,681 | $32,832 |
| 3 people | $35,978 | $44,969 | $41,378 |
| 4 people | $43,403 | $54,257 | $49,923 |
| 5 people | $50,828 | $63,545 | $58,469 |
| 6 people | $58,253 | $72,833 | $67,014 |
| 7 people | $65,679 | $82,121 | $75,560 |
| 8 people | $73,103 | $91,409 | $84,105 |
| Each additional person add | $7,425 | $9,288 | $8,546 |
These limits are updated annually based on Federal Poverty Guidelines published by the Department of Health and Human Services.
Program-Based Eligibility
You automatically qualify for Lifeline if you or someone in your household participates in any of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Head Start (income qualifying)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
If you already receive any of these benefits, the verification process is often faster because the National Verifier database can confirm your participation automatically.
How to Apply for the Lifeline Program: Step by Step
Follow these steps to apply for Lifeline in 2026:
Step 1: Check your eligibility. Use our free benefits screener to see if you qualify for Lifeline and other programs at the same time. You can also visit LifelineSupport.org for the official eligibility checker.
Step 2: Gather your documents. You will need proof of identity (government ID, passport, or birth certificate) and proof of income or program participation. Acceptable income documents include tax returns, pay stubs, Social Security statements, or benefit award letters.
Step 3: Apply through the National Verifier. Go to nv.fcc.gov/lifeline to submit your application online. You can also apply by mail by downloading and mailing the application form.
Step 4: Choose a Lifeline provider. Once approved, select a participating phone or internet company in your area. Not all carriers participate in Lifeline, so check the Companies Near Me tool on the official Lifeline website.
Step 5: Activate your service. Your provider will apply the $9.25 monthly discount to your bill. Some providers offer plans that are fully covered by the Lifeline benefit, meaning zero out-of-pocket cost.
Step 6: Recertify annually. You must verify your eligibility every 12 months to keep your Lifeline benefit. USAC will send you a notice when it is time to recertify.
What Does the Lifeline Benefit Cover in 2026?
The Lifeline benefit provides a $9.25 monthly discount that can be applied to one of the following service types:
- Wireline or wireless phone service with voice minutes
- Broadband internet service (minimum 25 Mbps download for fixed, 35 Mbps for mobile)
- Bundled phone and internet service
Some Lifeline providers also offer a free smartphone or basic phone as part of their service package at no additional cost. The availability of free devices varies by provider and state.
Households on qualifying Tribal lands receive an enhanced benefit of up to $34.25 per month and may also be eligible for a one-time discount of up to $100 toward the activation fee for new service.
How Does Lifeline Compare to Other Low-Cost Internet Options in 2026?
While Lifeline is the only federal discount program still active, several internet providers offer their own low-cost plans that can be combined with or used instead of Lifeline.
| Provider | Program Name | Monthly Cost | Speed | Lifeline Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comcast | Internet Essentials | $9.95/mo | 50 Mbps | Yes |
| AT&T | Access | $0 to $30/mo | 100 Mbps | Varies by area |
| Spectrum | Spectrum Internet Assist | $17.99/mo | 30 Mbps | Varies by area |
| T-Mobile | Project 10Million (students) | Free | Varies | No (separate program) |
| Various wireless | Lifeline-only plans | $0/mo | Varies | Yes |
You can stack your Lifeline benefit with some provider discount programs to reduce your cost even further. Check with your local provider to confirm whether stacking is allowed.
What Are the Differences Between Lifeline and the ACP?
The biggest difference is the benefit amount. The ACP provided $30 per month while Lifeline provides $9.25 per month. The ACP also had a broader income threshold at 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines compared to Lifeline's 135% threshold. This means many former ACP participants do not qualify for Lifeline.
Additionally, the ACP offered a one-time $100 device discount for laptops, tablets, or desktop computers. Lifeline does not include a comparable device benefit at the federal level, though individual Lifeline providers may offer free phones.
As of February 2026, advocacy groups and some members of Congress continue to push for a new broadband affordability program, but no legislation has been signed into law.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Lifeline Program in 2026
Can I get Lifeline if I had the ACP?
Yes. The ACP and Lifeline are separate programs. Having received the ACP benefit does not disqualify you from Lifeline, but you must meet Lifeline's eligibility requirements independently. Lifeline has a stricter income limit (135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines versus the ACP's 200%).
How many Lifeline benefits can my household receive?
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A household is defined as anyone living at the same address who shares income and expenses, including children and other relatives.
Can I use Lifeline for internet only?
Yes. You can apply your Lifeline discount to internet-only service, phone-only service, or a bundled package. The choice depends on what participating providers offer in your area.
Do I need a Social Security number to apply?
You need the last four digits of your Social Security number or your Tribal identification number. Non-citizens with eligible immigration status can also apply.
What happens if I move to a new address?
You must update your address with your Lifeline provider and through the National Verifier within 30 days of moving. If you move to an area where your current provider does not offer service, you will need to switch to a participating provider in your new location.
Is there a new program replacing the ACP in 2026?
As of February 2026, there is no direct federal replacement for the ACP. Some states have launched or are developing their own broadband affordability programs. California, New York, and several other states offer state-level internet assistance. Check our benefits screener for state-specific programs available to you.
How long does the Lifeline application take?
Most applications submitted through the National Verifier are processed within a few minutes if your eligibility can be verified automatically through government databases. If manual document review is required, approval may take up to a few weeks.
Next Steps: Check Your Eligibility Today
The Lifeline program remains a valuable resource for millions of Americans seeking affordable phone and internet service in 2026. While it does not fully replace the ACP benefit, it can significantly reduce your monthly communications costs.
Use our free benefits screener to check your eligibility for Lifeline along with 10 other federal and state assistance programs in just a few minutes. You may qualify for additional benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, or the Earned Income Tax Credit that can save your household thousands of dollars each year.
