Lifeline Eligibility Criteria | See If Your Qualify

Key Features of the Lifeline Program

The Federal Lifeline program in the United States is a government initiative designed to make communication services more affordable for low-income households.
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Established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the program provides a monthly discount on phone or internet services, helping ensure that qualifying low-income consumers have access to essential communication services.

Monthly Discount

If your household meets the eligibility criteria, you can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month on your phone or internet bill. On Tribal lands, the discount can be up to $34.25 per month.

Service Providers

Various telecommunications companies participate in the Lifeline program, offering discounts on services. You can apply through participating providers like IM Telecom, who provide Lifeline-centered plans that feature no out-of-pocket costs for you.

Distributors

Telecom distributors like Excess Telecom act as intermediaries between service providers and the customers who use their services. Instead of offering plans directly, distributors help connect eligible households to the right service provider and assist with enrollment in programs like Lifeline.

Enroll with IM Telecom

You will need to provide proof of eligibility, which can include documentation of income or participation in qualifying assistance programs. You can submit your application online, by mail, or through a participating service provider.

Service Options

Lifeline benefits can be applied to either home phone service, wireless phone service, or internet service, depending on the provider's offerings.

Federal Lifeline Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for the federal Lifeline program is based on either income level or participation in certain federal assistance programs. Here are the detailed eligibility criteria:

Income-Based Eligibility

Your household is eligible if your total income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The specific income limits vary based on the number of people in your household and the state in which you live.

Program-Based Eligibility

Your household can also qualify for Lifeline if you participate in one or more of the following federal assistance programs:

Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
SNAP
Tribal Programs: For residents on Tribal lands, additional qualifying programs include:

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)

Documentation Requirements

You must provide documentation to prove their eligibility. This can include:

Income Documentation: Tax returns, pay stubs, or other official documents showing household income.
Program Participation Documentation: Benefits statements, approval letters, or other documents showing participation in qualifying assistance programs.

Application Process

Online: Applications can be submitted through the Lifeline National Verifier online portal.
Mail: Applicants can also submit their applications by mail with the necessary documentation.
Service Providers: Many telecommunications companies that participate in the Lifeline program can assist with the application process.

Enroll With Excess Telecom

Additional Requirements

One Benefit per Household: Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, whether it’s for phone or internet service.
Annual Recertification: Participants must recertify their eligibility annually to continue receiving the benefit.

Federal Lifeline Details & Enrollment Criteria

Key Features of the Lifeline Program

Federal Lifeline Eligibility Criteria

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