Lifeline (federal phone subsidy)

Lifeline is a federal Universal Service Fund program, established 1985 (originally for landlines, expanded to wireless in 2005), that subsidizes telecommunications service for low-income households. Eligible households receive $9.25/month off their wireless or wireline bill, or $34.25/month on Tribal lands.

How it works

Eligibility is income-based (under 135% of federal poverty guidelines) or program-based (households enrolled in Medicaid, SNAP, SSI, federal public housing, or VA pension qualify automatically). The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) verifies eligibility through the National Verifier portal at GetEmergencyBroadband.gov.

Once enrolled, the subsidy is paid directly to the wireless carrier; the customer either receives a free service plan (for plans that fit within the subsidy amount) or a discounted bill for plans that exceed it.

Major Lifeline carriers

• SafeLink Wireless (TracFone family, Verizon-owned) — the largest Lifeline carrier with national footprint.
• Assurance Wireless (T-Mobile-owned) — second-largest, T-Mobile network.
• Q Link Wireless — Verizon-network MVNO focused on Lifeline.
• StandUp Wireless, TruConnect, AirVoice — regional / smaller participants.

What you get

Typical Lifeline plans include unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 4–15 GB of monthly data. Some include free smartphones (basic Android handsets). Service quality varies by carrier and underlying network.

Lifeline vs ACP

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provided up to $30/month additional broadband subsidies, ran out of funding and ended June 2024. Lifeline is the surviving federal subsidy. Some carriers still advertise "Lifeline + ACP" combinations even though ACP is no longer funded; verify current eligibility before signing up.