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Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of eligible phone or internet service for qualifying U.S. consumers. In 2026, you may qualify through household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participation in certain assistance programs. The standard benefit is up to $9.25 a month; eligible residents of qualifying Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25. It is a service discount—not a promise of a free phone or other device.
Who qualifies for Lifeline?
You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you—or a child or dependent in your household—participate in a qualifying program. Eligibility is generally determined for the household, not separately for each person at an address.
Income limits for 2026
The following annual income ceilings are 135% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The figures are listed by household size and location by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).
| Household size | Contiguous states, D.C. and territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $21,546 | $26,933 | $24,786 |
| 2 | $29,214 | $36,518 | $33,602 |
| 3 | $36,882 | $46,103 | $42,417 |
| 4 | $44,550 | $55,688 | $51,233 |
| Each additional person | Add $7,668 | Add $9,585 | Add $8,816 |
Qualifying assistance programs
USAC lists these programs as eligibility routes:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
For people living on qualifying Tribal lands, additional qualifying programs include Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), Tribal Head Start (subject to an income-qualification condition), and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Check USAC’s eligibility guidance for the applicable conditions.
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How Lifeline defines a household
A household is people who live at the same address and share income and household expenses. Lifeline generally allows one benefit per household, not one benefit for every eligible person. If multiple adults at one address apply, the Lifeline Household Worksheet may be required; the documents and forms guidance explains what to provide.
How much does Lifeline provide?
The standard maximum discount is up to $9.25 per month toward eligible phone or internet service. Eligible consumers living on qualifying Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 per month. These are maximum support amounts, not cash payments: the discount is applied through a participating provider, and you still need to choose and enroll in an eligible service plan. See USAC’s Get Started guidance.
Voice-only service update
USAC reports that the FCC Wireline Competition Bureau paused the voice-only support phase-out on July 1, 2026. Under that update, basic voice-only support of $5.25 remains available through November 30, 2027. The same standards page lists $9.25 for broadband-only or broadband-qualified bundled service. Because the voice-only rule is time-sensitive, check the current Lifeline standards before making a service decision.
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What services can Lifeline cover?
Lifeline support may apply to eligible mobile phone, home phone, broadband, or bundled service, subject to program restrictions. The application describes limits on combinations such as mobile and home phone service or mobile and home internet or bundled service. You cannot stack multiple Lifeline benefits by signing up with more than one provider; review the official application (FCC Form 5629) for the restrictions.
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1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsAfter you qualify, compare participating plans based on service availability at your address, the bill after the discount, coverage, data limits and features, and provider support. USAC does not rank providers or identify one plan that is best for everyone. Lifeline eligibility does not itself enroll you in service or entitle you to hardware.
How to apply for Lifeline
The consumer site lists online, provider-assisted, and mail application routes. Oregon and Texas applicants are directed to their state application sites rather than the standard federal route. USAC says consumers must apply and then sign up with a participating phone or internet company; its Get Started page lays out the process.
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- Apply online: Start through the Lifeline consumer site. The February 2026 approval edition of FCC Form 5629 describes online application as the fastest route, but it does not guarantee a decision or set a processing time.
- Get help from a provider: Ask a participating phone or internet company about applying and enrolling in its service.
- Apply by mail: Print and complete the application, then mail it to Lifeline Support Center, PO Box 1000, Horseheads, NY 14845.
- Use your state route if applicable: Oregon and Texas consumers should follow the state application links on the Lifeline consumer site.
- Choose and enroll with a participating provider: Once your eligibility is confirmed, select an eligible plan and complete sign-up with the provider.
What documents might you need?
Some applications can be verified electronically; not every applicant will need to upload documents. If the program cannot confirm your information online, follow the specific request you receive. The USAC document guidance and FCC Form 5629 describe possible proof requirements.
Proof of income
Income documentation should show the applicant’s or dependent’s name, annual income, and an issue date within the last 12 months. Examples include a prior-year state, federal, or Tribal tax return.
Proof of program participation
A benefit letter or other official record may show participation in a qualifying assistance program. Submit the type of proof requested for your application rather than sending unrelated personal records.
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Identity documents
If online validation cannot confirm identity, the application may request documentation. Follow the notice from the program for what it accepts and how to submit it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Do you have to renew Lifeline?
Yes. Lifeline consumers must recertify annually and keep their information current. If your income, household circumstances, or program participation changes, update your information as required. USAC’s consumer guidance explains the ongoing responsibilities.
Is there Lifeline support for survivors?
The Safe Connections Act of 2022 established a specific route for survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes seeking line separation. USAC says survivors who meet the program’s conditions and are experiencing financial hardship may receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months, with a discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet, or bundled service. This is not automatic for every survivor. For eligibility and application instructions, use USAC’s survivor-benefit guidance or contact the Lifeline Support Center.
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Who can help with a Lifeline application or service problem?
The Lifeline Support Center can help with application status, eligibility documents, finding companies in your area, renewal, the one-per-household worksheet, and consumer portal account resets. The current contact details listed by USAC are:
- Phone: (800) 234-9473; press 1 for English or 2 for Spanish
- Email: [email protected]
- Hours: Seven days a week, 9 a.m.–9 p.m. Eastern Time
For a question about a specific phone, device, service, or bill, contact your provider. For application support and program questions, start with the Lifeline Support Center.
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