The Free Phone Lifeline Program is a federal government assistance program that lowers the cost of phone service for eligible consumers. Learn more about eligibility, coverage, and how to apply.
Lifeline is available to qualifying low-income households in every state, territory, commonwealth, and Tribal land. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) runs the program. USAC is responsible for data collection, maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement.
Service Areas
Lifeline is a federal program that supports low-income consumers with discounted phone service. The Universal Service Administrative Company oversees its administration.
To qualify for Lifeline, you must have a total household income below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You also must be enrolled in one of the following assistance programs: Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, Section 8, HEAP or TANF.
You must live in a qualifying service area to be eligible for Lifeline. You can find a list of lifeline cell phone providers to help you qualify for the program.
The Universal Service Fund was established in 1985 to provide telecommunications services to low-income Americans. The Lifeline program helps people get access to the things they need to make their lives better, including the ability to connect with jobs, family and emergencies.
A new law is allowing telecom providers to expand their service area. This new rule provides for extending a cellular carrier’s service territory to more than 100 square miles if a population density is less than ten times the national average.
Telecom providers must request a permit from the Federal Communications Commission to expand their service area. They must show that the site is eligible for Lifeline support and will benefit from expanded telecommunications services. The FCC requires permits to ensure all people can access affordable telecommunications services.
How to Apply
The Free Phone Lifeline Program is a government assistance program that provides a discount on telephone service to qualified low-income households. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) runs the program, accessible in all states, territories, commonwealths, and tribal lands.
You must meet income and program requirements to qualify for the Free Phone Lifeline Program. You can find out your eligibility for the program by clicking on the link below and completing the simple application.
Eligibility for the Free Phone Lifeline Program can be based on your household income, enrollment in a public assistance program, or living below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Contact your local social services office for more information if you are still determining eligibility.
You can also check with your current phone or Internet provider to see if you are eligible for the Free Phone Lifeline Program. If you are, they will apply your benefit to your account.
It’s simple to apply for the Free Phone Lifeline Program, which is a great way to reduce your monthly phone bill. Receive a free smartphone and phone service by answering a few short questions! You’ll also enjoy the benefits of unlimited calling and texting.
Phones
You must meet income and program qualification guidelines to receive free cell phone service. The Federal government funds the Free Phone Lifeline Program to help low-income consumers afford a cell phone and a low-cost monthly service plan.
Most households qualify based on their household income and programs like Food Stamps / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income SSI, Medicaid, The Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension, Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and other assistance.
The Free Phone Lifeline Program offers a mobile phone, a free service plan with 68 minutes of monthly talk time and free broadband internet to qualifying customers. To allow, a consumer must provide valid eligibility documents and answer a few questions.
The Free Phone Lifeline Program is a government-funded and operated program that helps low-income individuals and families access high-quality smartphones. The program covers a variety of phones and service plans that allow users to stay connected to family, employers, schools, and healthcare.
Income Requirements
You must meet specific income requirements to qualify for the Free Phone Lifeline Program. To determine your eligibility, you must submit income documentation showing your total annual household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
You can also qualify for the Free Phone Lifeline Program if you or someone in your household participates in New York State assistance programs such as Medicaid, NJ SNAP, SSI, Section 8, or HEAP. You may also qualify if your annual income exceeds 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The Free Phone Lifeline Program provides a discounted wireless phone and internet service to eligible low-income households across the United States. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a federal organization that compiles and maintains data on eligible consumers, determines support payments, and distributes the funds to appropriate telecommunications carriers, runs the program.
In this Public Notice, WCB seeks comment on a petition from i-wireless LLC for a limited designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for the provision of Lifeline service and a request from Cricket Communications Inc. to amend its designated service area as a low-income ETC. In addition, WCB announces the counties in which conditional forbearance from the obligation to offer voice service applies under the Commission’s 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order.
