Lifeline
Get Phone or Internet Service for Less
About Lifeline
Lifeline is a federal program that helps eligible households lower the cost of monthly phone, internet or bundled service plans.
Lifeline provides up to a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income subscribers and up to $34.25 per month for eligible subscribers on eligible Tribal lands.
Do I Qualify?
You qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or if you participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension Benefits
- Certain Tribal Assistance Programs
How to Apply
To apply online, use the National Verifier application system . The National Verifier is a centralized system established by the FCC and operated by USAC that verifies Lifeline applicants’ eligibility and recertifies subscriber eligibility annually.
For help or a mailed form, call 1-800-234-9473 or email
Apply through the National Verifier.
Receive approval.
Contact Triangle Communications with your approval information to finalize the process.
Your Lifeline discount will be applied to your qualifying service.
Need Help Applying?
Eligible households may receive up to $9.25 per month toward qualifying service.
Eligible households living on qualifying Tribal lands may recieve an enhanced discount of $34.25 per month.
No. Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Applications are completed through the National Verifier.
1. Proof of identity
- Valid state driver’s license or non-driver ID
- U.S. passport
- U.S. military, state, or Tribal ID card
- Certificate of Naturalization or U.S. Citizenship
2. Proof of Eligibility
- If qualifying by program: Provide an official document or benefit letter showing your name, the program name, and an issue date within the last 12 months.
- If qualifying by income: Provide proof that your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Acceptable documents include your prior year’s tax return, current employer paystubs (3 consecutive months), a Social Security benefits statement, or a divorce decree/child support document containing income
3. Proof of Address
If your address cannot be automatically verified, you will need to provide an official document displaying your name and physical home address, dated within the last three months:
- Current utility bill (gas, electric, or water)
- Mortgage or current lease statement
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- A map with latitude and longitude coordinates (required if living on Tribal lands.)
4. Proof of Social Security (or Tribal ID)
You will need to confirm the last 4 digits of your Social Security Number. You may be asked to show an official document like:
- Social Security card
- Social Security benefit statement (SSA-1099)
- W-2 from the last 2 years
- Paystub
Yes. Lifeline requires you to recertify your eligibility each year.
If the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) can automatically confirm that you still qualify, you won't need to do anything.
If they can't verify your eligibility, they'll contact you by email, mail, or phone with instructions on how to recertify. You'll have 60 days to complete the process. If you don't recertify within that timeframe, you'll lose your Lifeline benefit.
Be sure to keep your contact information up to date. USAC will use the email address, phone number, and mailing address associated with your Lifeline application to send recertification notices and reminders. If your contact information changes, update it as soon as possible so you don't miss important deadlines.
Lifeline is a federal benefit that makes monthly telecommunications service more affordable for eligible households. Your household may receive Lifeline on only one wireless or one home telephone or one internet connection. Your household may not receive the Lifeline benefit from more than one telecommunications company. For the purpose of Lifeline, a household is an individual or any group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income or expenses. You may not transfer your Lifeline discount to another person, even if he or she is eligible. You may lose your Lifeline benefit and may be prosecuted by the United States government if you violate the one-per-household rule or otherwise make false statements to receive Lifeline.