Lifeline Program

What's the Lifeline Program?

Since 1985, the Lifeline Assistance Program has been at the forefront of technological inclusion, providing discounted phone service to low-income Americans. Administered by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) and overseen by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline continues to evolve with the digital age.

Founded to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income, have access to the security and opportunities that modern communication offers. This includes being able to search for jobs, access emergency services, participate in remote education, and much more.

Qualifying individuals are eligible to receive one Lifeline benefit per household. TruConnect provides state-of-the-art free phone service, including unlimited talk, text, international calling to select countries, and up to 6GB of high-speed data to qualifying customers.

Your household is eligible for the Lifeline benefit if you or someone in your household participates in the following programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/Food Stamps/Food Assistance)
• Medicaid / Medi-Cal
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit

Tribal Household Eligibility

If your household is on qualifying federally recognized Tribal land, here are the additional programs you can participate in to be eligible for Lifeline:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start (only if you qualified for this program based on income)
• Tribal TANF (Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)

Your eligibility is based on location and if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. California offers the Lifeline benefit to households at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.