What is Lifeline benefit?
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. But do you know exactly what you can receive if you’re eligible for the Lifeline program and how to make the most out of this offer? Keep reading this post to learn more about the Lifeline benefit.
What is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline is a Federal assistance program that has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers since 1985. With this program, the government ensures that all Americans have phone service opportunities and security, including connecting to jobs, family, and emergency services. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income individuals in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.
Who Qualifies for Lifeline Benefit?
Individuals can get Lifeline benefits if they meet one of the criteria below:
- Participates in any of the following programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8 Housing), Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit, and Tribal Programs.
- Has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
What is the Lifeline Benefit?
Eligible subscribers who qualify for Lifeline can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on service. And those on Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month. The Lifeline discount is available for either wireline or wireless services, but subscribers may not receive it for both at the same time.
Please note that the Lifeline benefit will be transferred to phone or internet service depending on which Lifeline provider they select.
Consumers can choose a qualified Lifeline provider that offers the Lifeline program to apply for the Lifeline benefits. Each provider has its own offers, and you can pick the best Lifeline providers.
Read more: How to apply for Lifeline Benefit
FAQs about the Lifeline Benefit
What Lifeline benefits are available for Tribal lands?
Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $34.25 off the cost of telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled services for low-income consumers living on tribal lands (either wireline or wireless). This offer consists of a $9.25 discount (available to all low-income subscribers in the United States) and an additional $25 in enhanced support (available only to eligible low-income subscribers living on Tribal lands). Some states have their own Lifeline programs that provide additional monthly discounts.
Can I get more than one Lifeline benefit?
No. One Lifeline benefit per household is allowed, and it cannot be combined with any other Lifeline offer. Consumers cannot receive more than one Lifeline service due to federal regulations. For the purposes of the Lifeline program, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
How to Transfer Your Lifeline Benefit
To transfer your Lifeline benefit to another company, contact a company that offers Lifeline and ask them to transfer your Lifeline . You will need to reapply before your company can transfer you.
The Bottom Line
To sum up, the Lifeline benefit is for eligible individuals who have an income at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain Government Assistance Programs. In order to get the most out of the Lifeline program, customers can select the Lifeline provider that offers the most beneficial benefits.