Here Are the Income Guidelines for the Federal Lifeline Program

The FCC ensures all Americans have access to telecommunications services and facilities. The Lifeline program, available for eligible customers in landline and wireless voice and broadband internet services, is administered by USAC on behalf of the FCC.

Lifeline gives U.S. citizens and tribal members a discount on their communications services, such as cell and the internet. To qualify for the Lifeline program, consumers must meet certain income limits.

Eligibility by Income

Customers must earn at or below 135% of the federal poverty level. As of 2022, this means a household of four people must make below $27,750 annually. It’s important to note that this is only for residents of the 48 contiguous states plus Washington D.C.

So, to apply for a cell phone assistance program Oklahoma families would have to earn below the stated amount of $27,750. However, residents of Alaska and Hawaii have a higher threshold, at $34,690 and $31,920, respectively, for a family of four. This is because those states typically have a higher cost of living.

Eligibility by Program

Another way to qualify for the Lifeline program is to be enrolled in a recognized low-income relief program. Examples of publicly available federal assistance include Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, and Social Security Income (SSI).

Additionally, the Lifeline program is available to those in the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits program. Some Tribal programs are also eligible, which can vary by tribe and state.