To be eligible for Lifeline, you must live in a household where one person receives any of the following assistance programs:
Eligibility is determined by income. You must prove that you live below 135% of the poverty guideline or participate in other support programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Federal Public Housing Assistance.
Access to Cell Phones
A reliable cell phone is often a necessity for people living on low incomes. It helps them stay in touch with family, friends, and emergency services. Without it, life can be a struggle for these families, who might be unable to afford their monthly bills and other essentials.
To help them stay connected, many lifeline plan providers offer free phones and discounted rates for those who qualify for their service. These plans are regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Search the FCC’s National Verifier database or contact your neighborhood phone and internet service provider to identify a provider nearby. The Affordable Connectivity Program, a recent alternative that provides subsidized internet and gadgets to low-income homes, may also be available. Households earning 135% or less of the federal poverty level are eligible for this. Visit this page to discover more information about the program.
Access to Internet
Many providers offering Arkansas Lifeline program cell phones offer affordable broadband internet service. The government-sponsored Lifeline program provides a monthly subsidy that can be applied to a bundled voice/broadband package or a standalone broadband subscription.
Millions of Americans rely on Lifeline to help offset phone and internet bills, providing essential access to 911 services, family members, doctors, and job opportunities. With this program, low-income families could keep in touch with the people who matter most and stay up-to-date on important information.
The federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) helps reduce the cost of internet service by offering a monthly discount of up to $30 ($75 for households on Tribal Lands). Qualifying for Lifeline automatically makes you eligible for ACP so that you can save even more. To learn more, visit the ACP website or speak with a representative directly from one of the participating internet providers. The ACP application process varies by provider.
Access to Power
Low-income households in the US may be eligible for a monthly discount on cellular or landline phone service under the Lifeline program. Anyone with income below 135% of the federal poverty level is eligible for this federal aid.
In addition, qualifying households can apply their Lifeline support to broadband services offered by the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). ACP is a subsidy that reduces the cost of monthly broadband Internet access and allows eligible households to purchase a discounted connected device like a laptop or tablet.
Hundreds of providers offer Lifeline, from major national carriers to regional and local providers. You can find participating providers through the Lifeline National Verifier website, which also helps applicants verify eligibility for the program. Once approved, you can choose a provider and receive your monthly subsidy credit. Subscribers must recertify their eligibility annually. If you have trouble applying, contact a Lifeline provider and ask for help. Generally, you must provide proof of income or participation in an eligible program.
Access to Medical Care
One of the best features available to Lifeline participants is access to medical care. Loved ones can reach a trained medical emergency response team with a single button. In addition, the app can track important medical information and keep family members updated.
To qualify for Lifeline, consumers must meet income guidelines established by each state. The program accepts a variety of documents, including pay stubs and tax returns. In some cases, proof of participation in certain federal assistance programs is also required. These include Medicaid, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), and SSI.
In addition, consumers must recertify each year to continue receiving the benefit. Recertification is typically done online through the provider’s website or phone. Those needing recertification help can contact the service provider directly to speak with an advisor. In some states, the Lifeline administration company, or USAC, sends written recertification reminders to program beneficiaries. In other cases, individual providers may send the paperwork to their subscribers.
Access to Educational Resources
The FCC’s Lifeline program has helped make telephone and broadband internet service more affordable for low-income consumers since 1985. Today, our immense reliance on home broadband to stay connected for telework, virtual learning, social connections, and health care has proven the original bipartisan vision of Lifeline’s origin.
The federal program provides subscribers a monthly discount to reduce or eliminate the cost of a wireline or wireless telephone, a home internet service plan, or bundled Lifeline phone-internet packages. Only one discounted communications service is allowed per household.
A consumer’s eligibility is based on their income. Eligible consumers may receive Lifeline benefits in every state, territory, commonwealth, and Tribal lands. You may qualify if your household’s income is 135% or less of the poverty guidelines. You also might be eligible if someone in your household receives Apple Health (Medicaid), SNAP, or Supplemental Security Income.