April 24, 2025

Updated Lifeline Income Qualifications for 2025

USAC has updated its forms, systems, and resources to reflect the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines which were released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this year. Consumers qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Service providers may review the following pages for more information:

• The Consumer Eligibility page.
• The Do I Qualify page for consumers on LifelineSupport.org.
• The National Verifier online application and the updated paper forms (English and Spanish)

Service providers should update their forms and systems as soon as possible to reflect this update. Providers operating in National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) opt-out states (California, Oregon, and Texas) should follow their state’s guidance.

About Lifeline

Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month.

USAC’s Lifeline Support Center helps you apply for the program, understand eligibility requirements, and keep your benefit current through an annual recertification process.

Lifeline consumers must apply for Lifeline and then sign up with a participating phone or internet company, recertify annually, and keep their information up to date.

Phone or Internet company enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and answers questions about your service, phone or device, or bill.

Two Steps to Get Lifeline

1. Qualify

Apply now to confirm you qualify for the Lifeline program. You may be eligible to get Lifeline based on your income or participation in a government assistance program. Learn more about qualifying.

If you live in California, Oregon, or Texas, check with your phone or internet company or visit your state website to find out how to apply for the program.

Methods to Apply for Lifeline: Online, Mail, or Through a Phone or Internet Company

You will need your full name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal identification number, and home address.

If you have a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, please contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.

Do I Qualify?

Here are the ways you can qualify for Lifeline:

• Based on your income
• Based on if you use SNAP, Medicaid, or other programs

• Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent - You can get Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.

2. Sign Up to Get Lifeline

After you qualify, choose a phone or internet company near you that offers the Lifeline benefit and sign up for service with them. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting if it offers the Lifeline benefit.

Once they sign you up, you will start getting your Lifeline benefit.

Age Groups	Children Adolescents Adults Seniors
Community Services	Basic Needs / Assistance Financial Assistance / Referrals

Last Updated: 04/25/25