Lifeline

Lifeline is the FCC's program to help make communication services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone or broadband service purchased from participating providers. The discounts which can be applied to voice services, a voice bundle, broadband services, or bundled broadband packages (either fixed or mobile), help ensure that low-income consumers can afford state-of-the-art voice or broadband and the access they provide to jobs, education, and opportunities.

  • Lifeline discounts on voice services are available to participants of both state and federally-recognized aid programs.
  • Lifeline discounts on broadband services are available to participants of federally-recognized aid programs and is limited to certain broadband services. Broadband speeds must be 25 Mbps download and 3 Mbps upload or faster to qualify.
  • If you purchase voice and qualifying broadband services, the federal Lifeline discount will apply to your qualifying broadband service.
  • If you purchase voice service and a non-qualifying broadband service, you may qualify to receive both state and federal Lifeline discounts on your voice service.  
*The Lifeline discount may be used for voice or qualified broadband service, but not both.  Standard Lifeline - provides federal monthly support of up to $9.25 for
qualifying broadband service and $5.25 for voice services.  In some states, additional monthly support is also available.
 

How to apply for Lifeline

Sign Up for Connect2First

Check Your Availability

Apply for Lifeline

Apply Now

Contact Connect2First
with your application ID

Contact Us at (833) 411-2234

 

Download Lifeline application     - en español

All customers must apply for Lifeline through the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). The USAC site guides you through eligibility and application. After the USAC qualification has been completed, notify Connect2First with your confirmation number to get the discount added to your qualifying service.

General eligibility requirements for Lifeline:

  • Lifeline is available to qualified customers in every U.S. state. Qualification requirements vary by state.
  • One Lifeline discount is available per household, even if the household has more than one telephone or broadband account, including landline or wireless service. 
  • Under the Lifeline program, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. 
  • The Lifeline discount is not transferable and only eligible customers may enroll in the program.  

For details about service standards for the Lifeline program, please see the USAC pages: