Independent publisher · Source: FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
Martha lives on a fixed income. Her phone bill went up again. Her grandson said there is a federal program that can lower it. Martha wanted to know how it works. ☎️
👉 SEE THE SIMPLE STEPSOne step at a time, on the next pageWhat you’ll find here
✔️ What Lifeline is.
✔️ Who can get it.
✔️ How to apply.
✔️ How to keep it.
🧾 What Lifeline is
Lifeline is a program from the FCC. It lowers the monthly price of phone or internet service.
It works with companies that take part in the program. It is in every state.
🤔 Is it a phone giveaway?
No. It is a discount on your monthly service. The FCC does not pay for phones.
So be careful with ads that promise a new phone as a prize.
👀 Who can get it
People with lower income can get it. The limit is 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You may also qualify if you get SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.
👉 SEE EACH STEPThe full list, on the next page🏠 One per home
Only one discount per household. Not on a home phone and a cell phone at the same time.
📝 How to apply
Online, through the National Verifier. Or by mail. Or with a phone company that takes part.
A son, daughter or grandchild can help you with the online form.
In California, Texas and Oregon, people usually apply through the state’s own process. The phone company can tell you which way to use.
🗺️ Extra help in some states
Some states have their own discounts on top of Lifeline. Ask your phone company if there is one where you live.
People who live on Tribal lands can get extra support too.
🔁 Keeping it
Every year, they check again. If you skip it, the discount stops.
If your service has no monthly charge, use it once every 30 days.
📄 Papers you may need
Sometimes they ask for proof. Then you send papers from the last 12 months, like a benefit letter.
Keep these papers in one folder. A family member can help you scan or copy them.
📞 Where to ask
The USAC Lifeline Support Center answers questions at 1-800-234-9473.
Do not share private details with people who call you out of the blue about Lifeline.
On the next page, we go through each step, one by one.
Quick questions
Is this a government website?
No. 50 Pleno is an independent guide.
Can I apply here?
No. You apply through the National Verifier, by mail or with a participating provider.
Does it cover internet?
Yes. It can lower the price of phone, internet or both together.
Do I need to renew it?
Yes. They check every year. If you skip it, the discount stops.
👉 READ THE FULL GUIDEStep by step50 Pleno is an independent publisher, not affiliated with the FCC, USAC, any phone or internet company or any government agency or any government agency. We don’t sign anyone up and we never ask for personal details. Independent guide. Not affiliated with any government agency.