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Lifeline

Lifeline cell phone

Lifeline is a Federally created program that gives a discount on basic phone service allowing it to be easier to afford for low-income families. You can get Lifeline from your home phone or mobile phone service supplier. That supplier is reimbursed by the USAC using the Universal Service Fund.

Federal rules state that you can only get a Lifeline benefit on 1 wireless phone or 1 landline (wire line) telephone. Receiving more than one Lifeline subsidy would be a violation for Federal rules.


Qualifications for Lifeline

Qualification guidelines for Lifeline, June 1, 2012 per the reform order:

  • Only one member of the household can get the Lifeline benefit
  • Some member of your household needs to be receiving benefits from 1 of the federal assistance programs or, the total income for the household can't exceed 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
  • An eligibility certification must be signed and completed by the beneficiary.
  • Applicant needs to provide eligibility proof (must give proof to show that you are in 1 of the qualifying programs by showing a copy of a benefit statement, award letter, participation letter, or some official document or, if qualifying on income, must give proof of income if qualifying based on household income.)

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For more details on the Lifeline Program see the USAC Internet site.

Lifeline Information

  • Lifeline is known to be a federal benefit and those who willfully make false statements to get the benefit can be fined, imprisoned, de-enrolled or barred from Lifeline.
  • Just 1 Lifeline subsidy (wire line or wireless) is permitted per household.
  • Any household is NOT permitted to receive Lifeline benefits from multiple providers.
  • For the purpose of the Lifeline support program, a "household" is defined as an individual or group of individuals living together at the same physical address who share expenses and income.
  • Those violating the one-per-household limitation will constitute a violation of the commissions's rules resulting in de-enr subscriber's de-ollment of the violator from Lifeline, and potentially prosecution by the United States Government.
  • Lifeline is not a transferable benefit. The subscriber can't transfer their benefit to another person.