Today is the final day of Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week. The week is the first week after Labor Day; in 2026, it runs September 8–14. Here are five things every eligible household should know.

1. Who qualifies

You may qualify based on income or participation in certain programs. A household qualifies if its income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

You can also qualify if someone in your household gets one of these benefits:

  • SNAP
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
  • Certain Tribal programs

If one of these applies to your household, you can apply. These rules come from the federal program.

If you want help understanding these rules in plain language, see our Income-qualified and Lifeline page. We keep it updated with simple steps and support options.

2. What you get

Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. The standard benefit is up to $9.25 per month. On Tribal lands, the benefit is up to $34.25 per month.

Some participating providers offer a free phone and free monthly service to eligible households. Offers vary by provider, and the FCC does not pay for phones. If you qualify, review plans from providers that serve your area.

Think about how you use service most. If calls and texts matter, you may want the discount on a phone plan. If home internet helps with school or work, you may want the discount on internet service instead.

3. One benefit per household

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. That means your household can receive one active Lifeline discount at a time.

If more than one person applies from the same household, the program still provides only one benefit. Choose where the discount will help most. You can place it on a phone line or on an internet plan.

4. Renew every year

Eligibility is recertified every year. Each year, you must confirm that your household still qualifies.

Mark your calendar when you enroll. Watch for recertification reminders. Respond on time so your discount continues without a gap.

If your situation changes, keep your records organized. This makes yearly renewal smoother. It also helps if you switch providers in the future.

5. How to apply (and how CSR helps)

You can apply for Lifeline in one of three ways:

  • Apply online through the National Verifier.
  • Apply by mail.
  • Apply through a participating phone or internet company.

Pick the path that feels easiest for you. Applying through a participating provider may help if you are choosing a plan at the same time.

If you are not sure where to start, we can help. CSR can help eligible households apply for Lifeline on the same call as community solar. Visit our Income-qualified and Lifeline page to see how we support you during the application. Many income-qualified households also ask about lowering utility costs. For a simple overview of how community solar works and how it supports local solar energy, read our guide for income-qualified households.

Quick review

  • Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. The FCC runs it and USAC administers it.
  • You may qualify by income (at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines) or by participation in certain benefit programs.
  • The benefit is up to $9.25 per month, or up to $34.25 per month on Tribal lands.
  • Only one benefit is allowed per household.
  • You must renew eligibility every year.
  • You can apply online through the National Verifier, by mail, or through a participating company. CSR can help on the same call as community solar.

Today is the last day of Awareness Week, but these steps apply all year. Keep this guide handy so you can enroll, renew, and stay connected with confidence.