Communications Act of 1934, as amended
The Lifeline program provides a discount on phone and broadband service for qualifying low-income households to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that those services bring, including being able to connect to jobs, family, and emergency services.
32.003
Subsidy
Not Applicable
Total Amount: Approximately $610 million was disbursed in Calendar Year 2022 (the FCC’s Universal Service Programs are not funded through appropriations; funding instead comes through contributions collected from providers of interstate and international telecommunications).
Amount Available Towards Broadband (if specified): The Lifeline program offers reimbursement to service providers for costs provided to consumers. Approximately 94% of Lifeline subscribers receive some broadband support in their service offering.
No
Lifeline leverages other federal programs’ eligibility determinations by allowing consumers to establish eligibility through participation in any of the following federal programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. In addition, persons living on Tribal Lands are eligible if they, or someone in their household, are eligible for BIA General Assistance, Head Start, Tribal TANF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Consumers may use Lifeline participation to establish eligibility for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Ensuring the availability and affordability of broadband and voice service for low-income consumers, while minimizing the impact on ratepayers.
Not Applicable
Providers of voice and broadband service, either wireless of wireline, designated as "eligible telecommunications carriers"
Consumers are eligible to receive Lifeline if their household income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of their household is eligible to participate in at least one of the following federal programs: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. In addition, persons living on Tribal Lands are eligible if they, or someone in their household, are eligible for BIA General Assistance, Head Start, Tribal TANF or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. See: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/
The intended beneficiaries of this funding are consumers in low-income households.
- LifelineProgram@usac.org
- FCC, Wireline Competition Bureau, Telecommunications Access Policy Division: (202) 418-7400
March 2023