4 min read · Checked October 2026
Paying less: Lifeline and other help
Lifeline in one paragraph
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers phone or internet bills by up to $9.25 a month, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands. One discount per household, renewed each year.
Who qualifies
Households at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or anyone in the household on SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, the Veterans and Survivors Pension, or certain Tribal programs.
How to apply
Apply through the National Verifier at lifelinesupport.org, or through a participating provider. Help line: (800) 234-9473. Ask Viasat whether Lifeline applies to the plan you choose.
What happened to ACP?
The Affordable Connectivity Program ended on June 1, 2024, when its funding ran out. It no longer takes applications.
Community funding
Towns, Tribes, schools and libraries can tap other programs, from E-Rate for schools and libraries to USDA ReConnect for rural networks. Our Funding Desk helps communities find them.
Visit the Funding DeskKey takeaways
- Lifeline: up to $9.25 a month, up to $34.25 on Tribal lands.
- Qualify by income or by programs like SNAP and Medicaid.
- ACP ended June 1, 2024.
Quick check
Lifeline on Tribal lands is up to:
ACP ended in:
Words in this lesson
Sources
Checked October 2026.
Who this helps
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