How to apply for Federal Lifeline

Who it's for

Federal Lifeline is a Universal Service Fund program that discounts a single phone or internet (or bundled) service line by $9.25 per month for low-income households — and by up to $34.25 per month for residents of qualifying Tribal lands. Eligibility has two paths: an income test (household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level) and a program-based path (current participation in Medicaid/Medi-Cal, SNAP/CalFresh, SSI, federal public housing assistance, or the Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Benefit). Either path qualifies the household — both don't have to be met. The federal Lifeline discount is separate from but designed to stack with California LifeLine, so most California seniors who qualify for one will qualify for the other.

What you'll need

• Photo ID for the applicant
• Proof of household income (Social Security award letter, pension statements, prior-year tax return) OR documentation of current participation in a qualifying program (Medicaid card, SNAP notice, SSI award letter, public-housing certification, VA Pension award letter)
• Proof of address (utility bill, lease, or mortgage statement)

Where to apply

Renewals

annual (re-certification of income or program participation)