Lifeline has helped low-income households stay connected since 1985. It's overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), and delivered by approved providers like Combo Wireless.
The monthly benefit
Lifeline is a discount, not a cash payment and not a device. It's applied to your monthly bill for a qualifying service:
Maximum monthly discount applied to a qualifying service plan, not a cash payment.
Source: USAC – Lifeline Program; FCC – Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
- Up to $9.25/month for broadband or a bundle of voice and broadband.
- Up to $5.25/month for voice-only service.
- Up to $34.25/month for eligible residents of Tribal lands.
California residents may also receive state support through California LifeLine, and Texas provides limited state support in addition to the federal benefit.
Who runs Lifeline
FCC
Sets the program's rules, benefit amounts and service standards.
USAC
Administers the program and runs the National Verifier, which checks eligibility.
Providers
Approved companies like Combo Wireless deliver the discounted service.
Lifeline is paid for by the Universal Service Fund, which telecommunications companies contribute to. It is not funded by general tax revenue.
Where Lifeline ends and Combo Wireless begins
| Lifeline (government program) | Combo Wireless (provider) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it provides | A monthly service discount | Wireless service, plus free refurbished devices for eligible customers |
| Devices | Not covered | Free device combos for eligible customers who enroll |
| Eligibility check | National Verifier (or California LifeLine Administrator) | Collects your application and submits it for verification |
| Rules | One per household, annual recertification, usage requirement | Our terms of service |
Who qualifies
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if you or someone in your household participates in:
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Full details on our eligibility page.
Program rules you need to know
- One per household. Only one Lifeline benefit per household, whether phone or internet. What counts as a household.
- Non-transferable. You can't give or sell your benefit to someone else.
- Annual recertification. You must confirm you're still eligible every year. See recertification.
- Use it or lose it. If your service goes unused for 30 days, you get 15 days' notice before the benefit is removed.
- Report changes. Tell your provider within 30 days if you're no longer eligible or another household member already has Lifeline.
- 130 days with no usage
Using your line at least once in 30 days (a call, text or data session) keeps it active.
- 215-day notice
Your provider must notify you and give you 15 days to use the service.
- 3Use it or lose it
If the line is still unused after the notice period, the Lifeline benefit is removed.
Source: FCC – Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications
The ACP is over
The Affordable Connectivity Program, which offered a larger internet discount and a one-time device discount, ended in 2024 when its funding ran out. Lifeline was not affected and continues today. Offers that still mention the ACP are out of date.
Lifeline FAQs
Is Lifeline the same as the "Obama phone"?
"Obama phone" is a nickname, but Lifeline started in 1985 and has continued under every administration since. It's a service discount, and phones are offered separately by providers.
Can I use Lifeline for home internet instead?
Yes. Lifeline can apply to qualifying home broadband from a participating provider. You can only have one Lifeline benefit per household, though.
Can I switch Lifeline providers?
Yes. You can transfer your benefit to another provider. See our transfer guide.
What happens if I lie on my application?
Willfully making false statements to get Lifeline can be punished by fine or imprisonment, or you can be barred from the program.