Lifeline provides a discount on monthly service for eligible low-income subscribers. Subscribers may receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service, but may not receive a discount on both services at the same time. Lifeline also supports broadband and broadband-voice bundles. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household.
Lifeline is available to eligible low-income subscribers in every state.
To participate in the program, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain assistance programs. You can see if you are eligible with the Lifeline Eligibility Pre-Screening Tool on the Universal Service Administrative website at www.lifelinesupport.org.
Following is a list of assistance programs that qualify a participant for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Lifeline Program:
- Medicaid (MA)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Disabilities Pension
- Veterans Surviving Spouse Pension
For the NYS Lifeline Program, applicants must certify that they do not qualify for the FCC Lifeline Program, but do receive benefits from one of the following programs:
- Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch Program’s free lunch program
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families/Safety Net