The Lifeline program is a federal benefit that reduces your monthly phone or internet bill by up to $9.25 per month. Available in all 50 states plus Washington D.C. and U.S. territories, Lifeline is open to households earning at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or to anyone already enrolled in qualifying assistance programs like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. About one in five eligible households currently receives Lifeline, meaning millions of Americans who qualify are missing out.
This guide covers income limits, qualifying programs, benefit amounts, state-specific rules, and how to apply in 2026.
What Is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It launched in 1985 as a phone subsidy and was expanded in 2016 to include broadband internet.
The program provides a discount directly to your phone or internet bill each month through a participating provider. You do not receive a check or prepaid card. The discount is applied automatically once you enroll.
Note on the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP): The ACP was a separate federal internet subsidy program that provided up to $30 per month in additional discounts. Congress did not renew its funding, and the ACP ended on June 1, 2024. No federal replacement has been enacted as of 2026. Lifeline remains the primary federal broadband and phone subsidy program available.
2026 Lifeline Benefit Amounts
| Service Type | Monthly Discount |
|---|
| Broadband or bundled voice/broadband | Up to $9.25 |
| Voice-only service | Up to $5.25 |
| Broadband or bundled (Tribal lands) | Up to $34.25 |
| Voice-only (Tribal lands) | Up to $34.25 |
Households on qualifying Tribal lands receive an enhanced benefit of up to $25 per month on top of the standard discount, bringing the total to up to $34.25 per month. Tribal residents starting new voice service may also qualify for Link Up, a one-time benefit of up to $100 toward service initiation charges.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household regardless of how many people live there or how many devices you have.
Income-Based Eligibility: 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
You qualify for Lifeline based on income if your household's gross annual income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The thresholds below are based on the 2026 FPL figures.
Contiguous 48 States and Washington D.C.
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (135% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $21,546 |
| 2 people | $29,214 |
| 3 people | $36,882 |
| 4 people | $44,550 |
| 5 people | $52,218 |
| 6 people | $59,886 |
| 7 people | $67,554 |
| 8 people | $75,222 |
| Each additional person | Add $7,668 |
Alaska
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (135% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $26,933 |
| 2 people | $36,518 |
| 3 people | $46,103 |
| 4 people | $55,688 |
| 5 people | $65,273 |
| 6 people | $74,858 |
| 7 people | $84,443 |
| 8 people | $94,028 |
| Each additional person | Add $9,585 |
Hawaii
| Household Size | Annual Income Limit (135% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 person | $24,786 |
| 2 people | $33,602 |
| 3 people | $42,417 |
| 4 people | $51,233 |
| 5 people | $60,048 |
| 6 people | $68,864 |
| 7 people | $77,679 |
| 8 people | $86,495 |
| Each additional person | Add $8,816 |
Program-Based Eligibility
Even if your income is above the limits above, you may still qualify if you or a dependent in your household participates in one of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Survivors exception: Survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes may qualify through extended income limits at 200% FPL, or through participation in WIC, the National School Lunch Program, or by receiving a federal Pell Grant.
Additional qualifying programs for Tribal residents:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered TANF
- Tribal Head Start (if meeting income requirements)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Lifeline Eligibility by State
While the core federal Lifeline benefit is the same nationwide, states differ in several ways: some run supplemental state programs that add extra monthly discounts, some have separate application portals, and processing times vary.
States With Supplemental Lifeline Benefits
Some states layer additional subsidies on top of the federal $9.25 discount through state-run programs. These are separate from the federal benefit but often handled through the same provider enrollment.
California (California LifeLine)
California runs one of the most robust supplemental programs in the country. The California LifeLine program, administered by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), provides additional monthly discounts on top of the federal benefit. As of February 2026, California LifeLine and federal Lifeline now require separate enrollment processes. California residents must apply for the federal Lifeline benefit through the National Verifier system, and separately apply for California LifeLine through the CPUC. California uses an income threshold of 150% FPL for its state program, which is higher than the federal 135% limit, meaning some households may qualify for the state program even if they do not meet the federal threshold. Qualifying programs for California LifeLine include Medi-Cal, CalFresh (SNAP), and SSI.
Texas
Texas offers supplemental state benefits and includes additional qualifying programs such as the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Texas manages applications through a state-specific portal and requires annual re-verification for all subscribers.
Michigan
Michigan's state-level program adds modest supplemental support on top of the federal benefit. Applications are managed through a portal administered by the Michigan Public Service Commission.
Other States
Most other states pass through the federal $9.25 benefit without additional state supplements. Eligibility rules remain the same: 135% FPL or participation in a qualifying program.
Application Processing Times by State
Processing times depend on whether your eligibility can be verified automatically through government databases or requires manual document review.
- Fast verification (24 to 48 hours): States with robust database connections, including California and Texas, often verify eligibility within 48 hours when you participate in a qualifying program.
- Standard processing (up to 10 business days): States that rely on manual document review may take up to 10 business days. This is common when you apply based on income rather than program participation.
How to Apply for Lifeline in 2026
Lifeline applications go through the National Verifier system, managed by USAC. You can apply online, by mail, or through a participating provider.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility
Before applying, confirm you meet at least one of the following:
- Household income at or below 135% of FPL (see tables above)
- You or a dependent is enrolled in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, FPHA, or Veterans Pension
You can run a quick check at benefitsusa.org/screener to see which programs you may qualify for based on your household size, income, and state.
Step 2: Gather Your Documents
You will need to provide proof of one of the following depending on how you qualify:
For income-based eligibility:
- Prior year's federal tax return, or
- Three consecutive months of recent pay stubs, or
- A current benefits statement showing income, or
- Social Security benefit letter
For program-based eligibility:
- A current benefit letter or notice from the qualifying program, or
- A screenshot or printout of your current program enrollment
Step 3: Apply Through the National Verifier
Go to lifelinesupport.org and click "Apply for Lifeline." You will create an account, submit your information, and upload or mail your documentation. The system will attempt to verify your eligibility automatically through government databases. If it cannot verify automatically, you will enter a manual review process.
You can also call 1-800-234-9473 or email LifelineSupport@usac.org to request a paper application be mailed to you.
Step 4: Choose a Participating Provider
After the National Verifier approves your application, you will receive a confirmation. You then contact a participating phone or internet provider in your area and ask them to apply your Lifeline benefit to your account. Not all providers participate in Lifeline. You can search for providers at lifelinesupport.org or ask your current provider if they accept Lifeline.
Step 5: Annual Recertification
You must confirm your eligibility every year to keep receiving Lifeline. USAC will send you a recertification notice before your benefit anniversary. Failing to recertify will result in losing the benefit.
2026 Policy Changes and FCC Proposals
The FCC has proposed new eligibility rules for Lifeline in 2026. FCC Chair Brendan Carr announced reforms aimed at reducing fraud and duplicate enrollments. Proposed changes under consideration include:
- Limiting eligibility to U.S. citizens and those with qualified immigration status
- Regular cross-checks of subscriber lists against Social Security death records to remove deceased individuals
- Stronger verification processes for subscribers in states that previously opted out of federal oversight
These proposals are still in the public comment phase and have not been finalized as of May 2026. Critics argue the reforms would reduce access for eligible households, noting that only about 20% of eligible Americans currently receive Lifeline. Stay updated at fcc.gov for any rule changes that take effect later in 2026.
What the End of the ACP Means for Lifeline Recipients
When the Affordable Connectivity Program ended in June 2024, approximately 23 million households lost discounts of up to $30 per month on internet service. Some of those households also received Lifeline. The end of the ACP did not affect Lifeline, so existing Lifeline enrollees kept their $9.25 monthly discount.
However, many households that relied on ACP to cover most or all of their internet bill now face higher monthly costs. Lifeline's $9.25 benefit is not large enough on its own to make broadband free for most households. Some internet service providers stepped in with low-cost plans for low-income customers, but these vary widely by location and provider.
If you were enrolled in ACP and are not yet on Lifeline, applying for Lifeline is the primary federal option available. Check whether your provider participates in Lifeline and whether you meet the income or program-based requirements above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who qualifies for the Lifeline program in 2026?
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or a dependent participates in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit. Survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes may qualify at 200% FPL or through WIC, school lunch programs, or Pell Grants.
How much is the Lifeline discount per month?
The standard discount is up to $9.25 per month for broadband or bundled service, and up to $5.25 per month for voice-only service. Eligible households on Tribal lands receive up to $34.25 per month.
Can I get Lifeline if I receive SNAP?
Yes. SNAP participation is one of the qualifying programs for Lifeline. You do not need to meet the income test if you are enrolled in SNAP. You will need to provide documentation of your SNAP enrollment when you apply.
Is there still an Affordable Connectivity Program?
No. The ACP ended on June 1, 2024, when Congress did not renew its funding. No federal replacement program has been enacted as of 2026. Lifeline remains the primary federal subsidy for phone and internet service.
Can I get both Lifeline and a state supplement?
In some states, yes. California, Texas, and a handful of other states operate supplemental programs that add extra monthly discounts on top of the federal Lifeline benefit. Availability and amounts vary by state and provider.
How do I apply for Lifeline?
Apply online through lifelinesupport.org using the National Verifier, call 1-800-234-9473 to request a paper application, or apply through a participating provider. After approval, contact a participating provider to activate the benefit on your account.
Is Lifeline available in all 50 states?
Yes. Lifeline is a federal program available in all 50 states, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, and other U.S. territories. The core benefit rules are the same nationwide, though some states offer additional supplemental benefits on top of the federal discount.
Does my dependent's program enrollment count for Lifeline?
Yes. If your child or another dependent in your household is enrolled in a qualifying program such as Medicaid or SNAP, your entire household may qualify for Lifeline based on that enrollment.
How often do I need to recertify?
Once per year. USAC will contact you before your benefit anniversary. You confirm that you still meet the income limit or are still enrolled in a qualifying program. If you do not respond, you will lose your Lifeline benefit.
What if I do not know what benefits I qualify for?
Run a free eligibility screening at benefitsusa.org/screener. The screener checks your household against 11+ federal and state programs based on your income, household size, and state, and shows you all the programs you may be eligible for in one place.
