WHAT IS THE LIFELINE AND LINKUP PROGRAM?
The Lifeline Program is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to eligible consumers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates.
Lifeline is a service offered as part of a government assistance program which provides discounts on recurring monthly phone, wireless or broadband service charges. Qualifying is the first step to getting your Lifeline Benefit.
The Telephone service charge will be $22.61 per month with the $30.25 monthly Lifeline discount. Not including the Surcharges and Taxes.
Link-Up provides a one-time discount of $90.00 on the installation of telephone per household. Deposit will be waived if selecting Toll Restriction. Additional features, beyond the basic services, are not covered by Lifeline.
Available to eligible consumers who qualify through participation in other government programs or income. The service is non-transferable and the program is limited to one discount on telecom service per household.
You will need to provide documentation for enrollment showing proof of participation in a qualifying Federal program OR Household income at or below 135% of Federal Poverty guidelines for your household size.
Below reflects 135% of the 2023 Federal Poverty Guidelines
2023 Income Number of People in Household
$24,584 1
$33,264 2
$41,945 3
$50,625 4
$59,306 5
$67,986 6
$76,667 7
$85,347 8
For each additional person add $8,681
Federal Assistance programs
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Supplemental Security Income
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Tribal-Specific Federal Assistance Programs
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Head Start
Food distribution Program on Indian Reservations
How do I Apply?
The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) has fully launched in Alaska. Consumers can apply for Lifeline direction through the National Verifier online consumer portal at CheckLifeline.org/lifeline or by mailing a paper application to :
Lifeline Support Center
P.O. Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773-9100
Lifeline Support Center (800) 234-9473 9am – 9pm ET
Do you need to recertify?
Subscribers will have to show they still qualify for Lifeline every year through the National Verifier.