Frequently Asked Questions

If your household is eligible, you could receive?

• Standard Lifeline Benefit: Up to $9.25 monthly discount on internet or bundled service (or up to $5.25 monthly discount on phone service).
• Enhanced Tribal Benefit: Up to $34.25 monthly discount on phone, internet, or bundled service for those living on Tribal lands.

If you, or your child or dependent participate in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, certain other programs, or earn a certain income, you qualify for Lifeline. Learn more about how to qualify.

You’ll be asked to share your full name, date of birth, last four digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal ID number, and home address.

• If you don’t have a permanent address, you can use a temporary home address (such as the address of a shelter, family, or friend) or a descriptive address to describe where you physically live.

If you qualify through a child or dependent, you’ll also be asked to share their full name, date or birth, and the last four digits of their Social Security Number or Tribal ID number.

You can apply by mail.

• Print the application (Spanish) or call (800) 234-9473 to have one mailed to you.
• Instructions to complete the Lifeline application are available in English and 9 other languages.
• Mail your completed application to the address listed on page one of the application.

You can also apply with the assistance of a phone or internet company. Learn more about how to apply.

Every year, USAC or your state (for California, Oregon, and Texas) will check to confirm that you still qualify. If we can’t confirm you qualify automatically, we’ll send you an email or letter in the mail. Learn more about how to recertify.

You can switch phone or internet companies at any time. Talk to your new company to make the switch. You may need to reapply to Lifeline to confirm you are still eligible. Learn more about how to change your company.

Contact your company for help. You may lose your Lifeline benefit for these common reasons:

• You did not recertify your Lifeline benefit
• You no longer qualify
• You have not used your Lifeline service

Learn more about why your service could get turned off.

Contact your phone or internet company for issues with:

• Addressing billing questions
• Lost or broken handsets or devices
• Buying more minutes or data
• Service issues, including terminating your service

If you believe someone is using your information without your consent to receive the Lifeline benefit, contact us at (800) 234-9473 or email LifelineSupport@usac.org. Please also contact the FCC’s Lifeline Fraud Tip Line at (855) 455-8477 or Lifelinetips@fcc.gov.

If you still need help, call us at (800) 234-9473 or email us at LifelineSupport@usac.org. Open 7 days a week between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. ET.