Lifeline: The Federal Phone and Internet Discount Program Explained
Direct answer: Lifeline is a federal program, overseen by the FCC, that provides a modest monthly discount on phone or internet service for income-eligible households or those already enrolled in a qualifying program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI.
The program is limited to one discount per household, not per person, and participating providers vary by state, so comparing at least two providers' Lifeline plans before enrolling is worthwhile.
Some states supplement the federal Lifeline discount with an additional state-level subsidy, effectively lowering the cost further for eligible residents.
Because Lifeline has historically been targeted by scam marketing offering 'free phones' with misleading terms, applying directly through a provider's official Lifeline enrollment page — or through the National Verifier — is the safest approach.
Try the Benefit Trim Score to see your own estimated eligibility across 20 programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get Lifeline for both my phone and internet?
No — Lifeline provides one discount per household, applied to either phone or internet service, not both simultaneously.
Do all providers offer the same Lifeline discount?
No, plans and exact discounts vary by provider, so it's worth comparing options in your area.
Is Lifeline the same as a free government phone?
Not exactly — Lifeline provides a service discount; some providers separately choose to include a low-cost device as part of their Lifeline plan.