For many low-income households, Lifeline offers a much-needed hand-up. The program helps eligible subscribers connect to vital telecommunications services.
Subscribers must demonstrate their eligibility for Lifeline by providing documentation explaining participation in an eligible government assistance program or showing income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
How the Program Works
The Federal Communications Commission established the Lifeline program to subsidize phone service for low-income households. The program is financed through the Universal Service Fund (USF), which all telecommunications carriers must contribute to. The USF funds four programs, including the Lifeline program, which subsidizes phone and broadband internet services for eligible individuals.
A common question arises amid discussions about affordable telecommunications: what is lifeline program? This initiative provides discounted phone services to eligible low-income consumers, facilitating access to essential communication resources.
The program is designed to help ensure that low-income consumers have access to the opportunities that 21st-century broadband offers, whether for job searching, connecting with emergency services, or staying in touch with family and friends. Typically, subscribers receive a monthly phone service discount and a discounted device from participating providers. In some states, subscribers may also receive a discount on a bundled voice and internet service plan.
The participation of a consumer or household member in specific government assistance programs determines eligibility for the program. These include SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Participation in these programs is verified using a pay stub, tax return, benefits card, or other document.
One phone line, one bundled internet service, and a phone service discount are allowed per household. Subscribers must certify that they reside in the address listed on their application and may not transfer their phone or internet service to another person. Violation of this rule will result in de-enrollment from the program.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for Lifeline, consumers must prove they meet specific eligibility requirements. Eligible customers must participate in a qualifying program or have a gross household income of 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG) to receive a discount on home telephone, broadband Internet, or bundled voice-broadband services.
Consumers must also provide proof of eligibility when applying for the Lifeline program and recertify their status annually to continue receiving service. They can do this through the online portal that their service provider provides or by responding to a notification sent via email, a pre-recorded message on their telephone, or by letter. Please recertify to avoid the loss of the Lifeline benefit.
A few states, localities, and Tribal lands also administer their version of the program for their residents. If you live in one of these areas, visit the official website for your state to learn more about how the program works.
The Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC, oversees the administration of the Lifeline program for all states, territories, and tribal lands. This includes helping consumers apply for the program, determining eligibility, and providing a free phone or discounted monthly service plan. The USAC website also has additional information for service providers, state and federal partners, and Lifeline subscribers.
Requirements for Providers
The Lifeline program is a subsidy that helps low-income households afford phone and internet service. The program has undergone reform twice — first, to combat allegations of fraud and second, to bring the subsidies it offers in line with emerging technologies. Regardless of the specifics, Lifeline continues to provide significant benefits to many low-income families.
To receive Lifeline, subscribers must have a verifiable need for assistance. Applicants must also verify their income-based eligibility, identity, and address using two forms of identification. They must also certify that they are not receiving a Lifeline benefit from another provider and will use their service at least once every 30 days to keep it active. It is against the law to lie on these applications. In addition, only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household — not for each individual in the home.
Eligible telecommunications carriers must obtain consent from each prospective Lifeline subscriber before transmitting their information to the National Accountability Database (Database). The qualified telecommunications carrier must describe in clear, easily understood language that the information they are sharing is necessary for the administration of Lifeline and that providing this information may result in their denial of Lifeline services.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is the entity responsible for helping consumers apply for Lifeline, understand program requirements, and keep their eligibility current through an annual recertification process. USAC’s website provides additional information for consumers, state and federal partners, and Tribal and other community organizations.
Requirements for Maintaining Eligibility
The federal Lifeline program is designed to help eligible households pay for essential phone and Internet services. It is a vital resource that allows low-income Americans to stay connected to jobs, emergency services, and family members. The FCC has made several reforms to the program in recent years, including focusing Lifeline support on broadband, establishing a new verification system for customers, and making it easier for broadband providers to qualify as eligible telecommunication carriers (ETCs) to participate in the program.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the program, and consumers can visit USAC’s website to learn more about the requirements for proving eligibility. USAC will also continue to allow some flexibility related to the documents that can be used to verify income eligibility. Still, documentation must meet specific criteria for consumers to be approved for Lifeline.
Consumers who willfully make false statements may be punished by de-enrollment or fined, and they could lose their eligibility for the Lifeline Program. The decline in Lifeline participation over time is troubling, and opportunities to further lower costs as a barrier to enrollment can help the program achieve its goals. As a practical matter, rising minimum service standards and audit compliance costs have reduced marketing investments in some states, especially those with strict verifier requirements. Violating the one-per-household rule, which requires that a recipient only receive Lifeline once, can result in de-enrollment.
Arman Ali, respects both business and technology. He enjoys writing about new business and technical developments. He has previously written content for numerous SaaS and IT organizations. He also enjoys reading about emerging technical trends and advances.
