Lifeline is a government program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 to eligible consumers, or up to $34.25 to those living on tribal lands. Qualified consumers may receive the benefit on their home phone, home internet, or bundled home phone and internet.

Consumers are eligible for a Lifeline benefit if they are currently enrolled in one of the following programs:

• Medicaid
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program ) or Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Income ( SSI )
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Tribal-specific programs:
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start - those meeting the income standard
• Tribal Temporary Assistant for Need Families ( Tribal TANF )
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Income-based eligibility ( at or below 135 % of the federal poverty guidelines )

Program rules:

• Lifeline is available only to consumers who can document their eligibility through the National Verifier at LifelineSupport.org
• Only one lifeline benefit is allowed per household
• Consumers are required to certify their eligibilty every year