On Memorial Day, we honor those who gave their lives in service. We also stand with the families they left behind. If your household receives Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, there is a program that may help with monthly phone or internet costs.
What Lifeline is
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service for eligible low-income households. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) runs the program, and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers it.
Lifeline provides a monthly discount:
- Up to $9.25 off phone or internet service
- Up to $34.25 a month on Tribal lands
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. Eligibility is recertified every year.
Who qualifies, including veterans and survivors
Your household can qualify for Lifeline in two main ways:
- Income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Someone in the household participates in a qualifying program
Qualifying programs include:
- SNAP
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit
- Certain Tribal programs
If anyone in your household receives Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, your household may meet Lifeline’s program-based eligibility. A reliable phone or internet connection supports work, school, health care, and staying in touch with loved ones.
For more details and related support, see our Income-Qualified and Lifeline page. It explains how Lifeline fits alongside other services we offer: Income-Qualified and Lifeline options.
One per household and yearly renewal
Lifeline is limited to one monthly discount per household. The discount is applied to either phone or internet service for that household.
Every year, you must confirm your eligibility. USAC manages this recertification. Watch for reminders and respond on time so your benefit continues without a gap.
How to apply
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.
Here is a simple path to get started:
- Check if your household qualifies based on income or program participation.
- Gather basic personal details and proof of eligibility.
- Choose how you want to apply: online, by mail, or with a participating company.
- After approval, contact your phone or internet company so the discount can be applied to your service.
If you have questions while you apply, keep notes of the steps you have finished and what is still needed. That makes it easier to pick up where you left off.
Tips to keep your benefit active
A few small habits can help you avoid interruptions:
- Open messages from USAC or your service company and respond quickly.
- Keep documents that show your ongoing eligibility in a safe place.
- If your contact information changes, update it with USAC and your service company.
- Set a yearly reminder to look out for recertification.
These steps can help your discount continue from year to year without delays.
How CSR can help on one call
CSR helps households with eligibility questions and the application process. If your household is eligible, we can help you apply for Lifeline on the same call as your community solar enrollment. This saves time and keeps your paperwork organized.
We can also answer common questions, including:
- What services can use the Lifeline discount
- What documents you may need to show eligibility
- How the annual recertification works
If you want a broader overview of income-based options we discuss with many households, see our pinned guide for income-qualified households: Guide to income-qualified programs we support.
Respect, remembrance, and support
On Memorial Day, we remember those who died in service and the families they loved. If your household receives Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit, Lifeline may help keep you connected. When you are ready, we are here to help you understand your options and take the next step.
