Tribal Lifeline is an enhanced version of the federal Lifeline benefit for low-income residents of Tribal lands. It adds up to $25 a month in enhanced support to the standard benefit, for a total of up to $34.25 off qualifying service.
Up to $34.25 per month off qualifying service
Who qualifies for Tribal Lifeline
Two things are required:
- You live on Tribal lands. This includes federally recognized reservations, pueblos and colonies, former reservations in Oklahoma, Alaska Native regions and villages, and Hawaiian Home Lands, among others defined by the FCC.
- You meet an eligibility requirement. Either through any standard Lifeline route, or through a Tribal-specific program.
Tribal-specific programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribal Head Start (only households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Standard Lifeline support9.25
- Enhanced Tribal support25
Source: USAC – Lifeline Program
Tribal lands in our service states
Combo Wireless serves eligible customers on Tribal lands within the states we operate in:
| State | Examples of federally recognized Tribes |
|---|---|
| California | More than 100 federally recognized Tribes, the most of any state in the contiguous U.S. |
| New York | Including the Seneca Nation, Onondaga Nation, Oneida Indian Nation, Saint Regis Mohawk Tribe and Shinnecock Indian Nation |
| Texas | Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas, Kickapoo Traditional Tribe of Texas, Ysleta del Sur Pueblo |
| Florida | Seminole Tribe of Florida, Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida |
Whether your specific address counts as Tribal lands is determined during verification using official maps.
Devices for Tribal Lifeline customers
The enhanced Tribal benefit applies to your service. Like all Combo Wireless customers, eligible Tribal-lands customers who enroll can choose any of our device combos, including the phone and tablet combo. Devices are free, refurbished and ship with free standard shipping, but they are Combo Wireless offers, not part of the Tribal Lifeline benefit.
How to apply as a Tribal-lands resident
- Apply online and answer "Yes" to living on Tribal lands.
- Choose your qualifying program (Tribal or standard).
- Verification confirms both your program and your Tribal-lands address. You may need a Tribal program document; see documents.
- After approval, your service is activated and your devices ship.
Rural addresses sometimes lack standard street numbers. If that applies to you, describe your location as clearly as you can on the application; we may follow up by email.
Tribal Lifeline FAQs
Do I have to be a Tribal member to get Tribal Lifeline?
The enhanced benefit is based on living on Tribal lands and meeting an eligibility requirement. Tribal membership isn't the deciding factor on its own; your address and qualifying program are.
What is Tribal Link Up?
Tribal Link Up is a separate one-time discount on connection charges, available only from certain providers serving Tribal lands. Ask us at support@combowireless.com whether it applies to your service.
Is the $34.25 paid to me?
No. It's a discount applied to your monthly service, up to that maximum.