FCC Lifeline Program

Federal connectivity benefit providing up to $9.25 per month off phone or internet service ($34.25 per month on Tribal lands) for qualifying low-income households. The primary remaining federal low-income household phone/internet subsidy after the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) ended June 1, 2024. Caregiving households commonly auto-qualify via participation in SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Pension — or by income at or below 135% FPL. One benefit per household. Administered by USAC with FCC oversight. For SMS-based caregiver support programs, keeping the caregiver's phone line affordable is foundational.

Monthly discount on phone or internet service: (1) Up to $9.25/month off phone, internet, or bundled service; (2) up to $34.25/month on qualifying Tribal lands; (3) one Lifeline discount per household, not per person; (4) current minimum service standards include 4.5 GB mobile broadband data, and voice-only support of $5.25 remains available through November 30, 2026; (5) apply online, through a participating phone/internet company, or by mail through USAC's Lifeline Support Center. ACP note: the Affordable Connectivity Program ended June 1, 2024 after funding was exhausted; FCC's 2026 Lifeline NPRM says there are no longer ACP/EBB subscribers and no basis to enroll new subscribers. Do not refer caregivers to ACP as an active benefit. Use the USAC Companies Near Me lookup for local participating carriers.

Eligibility

• Household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level

Services

Monthly discount on phone or internet service: (1) Up to $9.25/month off phone, internet, or bundled service; (2) up to $34.25/month on qualifying Tribal lands; (3) one Lifeline discount per household, not per person; (4) current minimum service standards include 4.5 GB mobile broadband data, and voice-only support of $5.25 remains available through November 30, 2026; (5) apply online, through a participating phone/internet company, or by mail through USAC's Lifeline Support Center. ACP note: the Affordable Connectivity Program ended June 1, 2024 after funding was exhausted; FCC's 2026 Lifeline NPRM says there are no longer ACP/EBB subscribers and no basis to enroll new subscribers. Do not refer caregivers to ACP as an active benefit. Use the USAC Companies Near Me lookup for local participating carriers.

How to apply

Use the official program page for application details: official program page.