Lifeline: The Federal Phone and Internet Discount Most Eligible Households Skip
Lifeline, the FCC's low-income phone and internet subsidy program, has quietly existed since 1985 and was expanded to cover broadband service in 2016. It provides a modest monthly discount — not a free device or unlimited service, contrary to some misleading marketing — to income-eligible households or those enrolled in a qualifying program like SNAP or Medicaid.
Despite the simplicity of the benefit, take-up has historically lagged well behind eligibility. Consumer advocates point to low awareness, provider-by-provider enrollment differences, and confusion with unrelated "free phone" marketing schemes as key reasons many eligible households never apply.
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household, and providers vary in what plans they offer under the program, so it's worth comparing at least two providers in your area before enrolling. Some states also offer their own add-on discount on top of the federal benefit.
Lifeline is one of 20 programs screened by the Benefit Trim Score — check your eligibility alongside food, health, and housing assistance in the same free tool.