Lifeline is the FCC’s benefit program to make communications services more affordable for low-income people. Subscribers who purchase qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages from participating wireline or wireless providers receive a Lifeline discount. The discount helps low-income consumers afford 21st-century broadband and the jobs, healthcare, and educational resources that it provides.
The Lifeline program offers eligible low-income subscribers a monthly discount of up to $9.25, and those on tribal lands can save up to $34.25 per month. Subscribers can get a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service, but not both at the same time. Broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles are also supported by Lifeline. The FCC prohibits a household from having more than one Lifeline service.
To join the Lifeline, consumers must either have an income of 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or be enrolled in certain federal assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs, to be eligible for the Lifeline program.
Read more posts in this category to learn more about the Lifeline Benefit Program.
