What Is Lifeline? A Plain-Language Guide
Lifeline is a federal program, created by the FCC in 1985 and expanded over time, that provides a monthly discount on phone or internet service for qualifying low-income households.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
Sources & further reading
- Federal Communications Commission - Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers, fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers
- Universal Service Administrative Company - Lifeline Support, lifelinesupport.org
- USAC - National Verifier consumer information, usac.org/lifeline
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service - SNAP, fns.usda.gov/snap
- Medicaid.gov - official U.S. government site for Medicaid
- Social Security Administration - Supplemental Security Income, ssa.gov/ssi
Who Runs Lifeline?
Lifeline is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and administered day-to-day by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), a not-for-profit designated by the FCC. Eligibility is checked through USAC's National Verifier system.
What Does Lifeline Provide?
Lifeline provides a discount of up to a set monthly amount toward phone or internet service. Participating providers apply this discount to their own plans, and many also offer free or low-cost devices to new qualifying customers - though a device is not a guaranteed part of the benefit itself.
Who Is Eligible?
You may qualify through participation in a program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI, or through income-based eligibility. See our full eligibility guide for details.
Is Lifeline the Same as ACP?
No. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) was a separate, temporary broadband subsidy that ended in 2024. Lifeline is a different, longer-running program that continues to operate. See our ACP vs. Lifeline comparison.