Direct answer: Lifeline is a federal program that cuts up to $9.25 a month off phone, internet or bundled service, or up to $34.25 on qualifying Tribal lands. You qualify if household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines ($21,546 for one person in 2026) or someone gets SNAP, Medicaid or SSI.
By the numbers: Qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25; consumers on qualifying Tribal lands can get up to $34.25 per month. Source: USAC, About Lifeline (read Oct. 22, 2026)
“Only one discount is allowed per household.” — USAC, About Lifeline
Updated 2026-10-22
Up to $9.25 a month off phone, internet or bundled service (47 CFR 54.403). On qualifying Tribal lands it is up to $34.25 a month, because federal rules add up to $25 more. Tribal residents may also get Link Up: up to $100 off the set-up fee for home phone service.
135% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines: $21,546 a year for 1 person, $29,214 for 2, $36,882 for 3, $44,550 for 4 and $75,222 for 8 in the 48 states, D.C. and territories, plus $7,668 for each extra person. Alaska starts at $26,933 and Hawaii at $24,786. Income means the gross income of everyone in the household.
Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8 vouchers) and the Veterans and Survivors Pension. It counts if you, your child or dependent, or someone in your household gets one. On Tribal lands, BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (income-qualified) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations also count.
No. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, meaning a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. If more than one person in your household gets it, tell your phone or internet company within 30 days.
Yes. Each year USAC (or Oregon or Texas, if you live there) checks whether you still qualify. If it can't confirm it, you get a notice and must recertify within 60 days or lose the benefit. You can recertify online, by mail, or by phone if no documents are needed.
Apply online through USAC's National Verifier, through a participating phone or internet company, or by mail to the Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845. In Oregon and Texas you apply through the state. After approval, sign up with a company that offers Lifeline. Help: (800) 234-9473.
As of Oct. 22, 2026
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for people with low income. It is run by USAC with oversight from the FCC. This page explains who qualifies in 2026, how much it saves and how to apply, from the federal rule and USAC's own pages.
Sources: 47 CFR 54 · USAC: About Lifeline · USAC: How to Qualify.
Uses USAC's 2026 income table. It runs in your browser; nothing is sent or saved. It's a rough screen, not USAC's decision.
EXAMPLE Made-up household, not a real case: 3 people in Tennessee with $35,000 a year and no qualifying program. The 2026 limit for 3 is $36,882, so income qualifies; the discount would be up to $9.25 a month. Sources: USAC: How to Qualify · 47 CFR 54.
Income means the gross income of everyone in your household (before taxes), as defined by federal tax law.
| Household size | 48 states, D.C., territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| 5 | $52,218 | $65,273 | $60,048 |
| 6 | $59,886 | $74,858 | $68,864 |
| 7 | $67,554 | $84,443 | $77,679 |
| 8 | $75,222 | $94,028 | $86,495 |
| Each additional person | +$7,668 | +$9,585 | +$8,816 |
Figures are USAC's 2026 table; each equals the 2026 HHS poverty guideline times 1.35, rounded to the dollar. See our 2026 poverty level chart. Sources: USAC: How to Qualify · HHS 2026 guidelines · 47 CFR 54.
It counts if you, your child or dependent, or anyone in your household gets one of these. You may be asked for proof, like a benefit letter.
On qualifying Tribal lands, these also count: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (only households that meet its income standard) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Residents may also get Link Up: up to $100 off the set-up fee for home phone service, or a no-interest payment plan for up to $200 over a year, once per address. USAC has a Tribal Lands Verification Tool to check an address.
Sources: 47 CFR 54 · USAC: How to Qualify · USAC: Tribal benefit.
Sources: USAC: About Lifeline · USAC: Recertify.
Survivors can get up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support with extra privacy protections if they asked for a phone-line separation and face financial hardship. Besides the usual rules, they can qualify with household income up to 200% of the poverty guidelines, or through WIC, free or reduced-price school meals, or a Pell Grant in the current award year.
Sources: USAC: How to Qualify · 47 CFR 54.
Related: Benefits hub · Federal poverty level 2026 · SNAP income limits · Medicaid income limits · Scam check.
Facts, not legal advice. We summarize the federal rule and USAC's pages, with dates. The quick check is arithmetic on numbers you type, not a decision; USAC or your state decides. We don't link to or get paid by any phone company.
Up to $9.25 a month off phone, internet or bundled service (47 CFR 54.403). On qualifying Tribal lands it is up to $34.25 a month, because federal rules add up to $25 more. Tribal residents may also get Link Up: up to $100 off the set-up fee for home phone service.
135% of the 2026 HHS poverty guidelines: $21,546 a year for 1 person, $29,214 for 2, $36,882 for 3, $44,550 for 4 and $75,222 for 8 in the 48 states, D.C. and territories, plus $7,668 for each extra person. Alaska starts at $26,933 and Hawaii at $24,786. Income means the gross income of everyone in the household.
Medicaid, SNAP, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8 vouchers) and the Veterans and Survivors Pension. It counts if you, your child or dependent, or someone in your household gets one. On Tribal lands, BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, Head Start (income-qualified) and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations also count.
No. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, meaning a group of people who live together and share income and expenses. If more than one person in your household gets it, tell your phone or internet company within 30 days.
Yes. Each year USAC (or Oregon or Texas, if you live there) checks whether you still qualify. If it can't confirm it, you get a notice and must recertify within 60 days or lose the benefit. You can recertify online, by mail, or by phone if no documents are needed.
Apply online through USAC's National Verifier, through a participating phone or internet company, or by mail to the Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845. In Oregon and Texas you apply through the state. After approval, sign up with a company that offers Lifeline. Help: (800) 234-9473.
Estimates, not financial advice. Taxes, insurance, PMI and fees vary by lender, county and city; confirm with your lender, dealer and state agency before acting.