Lifeline — What It Is and Who It Helps in 2026
Lifeline is a federal program managed by the FCC that provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on phone or broadband internet service for qualifying low-income households. On Tribal lands, the benefit increases to $34.25 per month. For most eligible households, the discount covers the full cost of a basic cell phone plan with talk, text, and data — effectively making phone service free.
To qualify, your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty level, or you must participate in a qualifying federal assistance program such as SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, or federal public housing assistance. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household — not per person — and you must recertify annually to keep your benefit.
Since the ACP ended in 2024, Lifeline is now the primary federal program for reducing phone and internet costs. If you enrolled in ACP and lost that benefit, Lifeline is the most direct replacement, though the discount amount is smaller. Some states — including California, New York, and Texas — have state-level broadband programs that may stack with or supplement Lifeline.
| Qualifying Pathway | Details | Benefit Amount |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP / Food Stamps | Automatic program-based qualification | $9.25/mo |
| Medicaid | Automatic program-based qualification | $9.25/mo |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | Automatic program-based qualification | $9.25/mo |
| Federal Public Housing Assistance | Section 8 or public housing recipients | $9.25/mo |
| Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefits | VA pension program participants | $9.25/mo |
| Income at or below 135% FPL | Approx. $1,736/mo for a 1-person household | $9.25/mo |
| Tribal land residents (enhanced benefit) | Must also meet income or program requirement | $34.25/mo |