Lifeline Program

What is the Lifeline Program?
The Lifeline Program is a federal program that provides a monthly benefit on home or wireless phone and broadband service to eligible households.  The Lifeline benefit can lower the cost of your monthly phone or internet bill.
Who is Eligible?
Income-Based Eligibility:
If your household's income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program benefit.
Proof of Eligibility:
To qualify based on Income, you must provide an FCC approved form of documentation of the household's income.  Some examples of approved documentation include:

  • Prior year's state or federal tax return
  • Current income statement from your employer
  • Social Security statement of benefits
  • Retirement or pension statement of benefits
  • Unemployment or Workers Compensation statement of benefits

U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Guidelines & Additional Information located at: 
https://aspe.hhs.gov/poverty-guidelines
Program-Based Eligibility:
If someone in your household participates in one of these federal programs, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program benefit:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Documentation of participation in qualifying program is required.
Proof of Eligibility:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

Award letter containing the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award.

The beneficiary named on the SNAP documentation may be the consumer, the consumer's dependent, or a member of the consumer's household.
Medicaid

Each state provides its own unique Medicaid card to beneficiaries. However, most cards should clearly state the following:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • State of the residence,
  • Issued or effective date, and
  • Name of the state agency that provided the card.

The beneficiary named on the Medicaid documentation may be the consumer, the consumer's dependent, or a member of the consumer's household.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Federal award letter containing the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary,
  • Date of the award, and
  • Award amount

A benefit check stub from the Social Security Administration may also be submitted as proof of participation, if the check stub clearly states the date and name of the beneficiary.

The beneficiary named on the SSI documentation may be the consumer, the consumer's dependent, or a member of the consumer's household.
Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

There are two types of documentation that can prove receipt of benefits under the Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) programs.

Award letter from the Public Housing Agency including the following information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Date of the award,
  • Name of the beneficiary, and
  • Award amount.

Public Housing Assistance Lease Agreement reflecting the type of Public Housing Assistance credit issued.

The beneficiary named on the Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) documentation may be the consumer, the consumer's dependent, or a member of the consumer's household.
Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension

Customers that receive a federal pension may show documentation demonstrating their receipt of a federal veterans pension, including:

  • Pension Grant Letter: The letter shows the participant's name, address, a decision about their monthly entitlement amount and payment start date.

  • Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) Letter: The letter shows a monthly/quarterly/semi-annual/annual payment rate and an effective date.

  • Survivors Benefit Summary Letter: Survivors receive this letter shortly after being approved for a pension. It includes the survivor's claim number, the related veteran's name, and monthly award amount.
Lifeline Program benefit recipients must re-certify their eligibility annually.  Proof of continued eligibility is required for
re-certification.  Lifeline Program Benefits are limited to ONE benefit per household.  Benefit may be applied to any Telephone service plan OR any Broadband Internet plan that meets the program guidelines. 

For additional information regarding the Lifeline Program, please call our office at 626-7111.  Information may also be available from the following sources:

http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/
https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/lifeline-support-affordable-communications