A beginner's guide to the federal government's phone assistance program.
The Lifeline program was created in 1985 by the FCC to ensure that low-income households had access to a landline phone for emergency services and job hunting. In the 2000s, the program was modernized to include cellular phones and mobile broadband.
Lifeline is not funded by tax dollars. It is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). If you look at a standard cell phone bill, you will see a small "Universal Service" fee. That fee goes directly into the fund that pays for the Lifeline program.
Most households qualify through income or a program like SNAP, Medicaid, or SSI. Check eligibility →
Call +1 (600) 933-4545 or see our support center.
