What Is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet.
Minimum Service Standards
Lifeline minimum service standard for fixed broadband speed is 18 MBPS downstream and 2 MBPS upstream. If 18M/2M service isn’t available at your location, you may receive Lifeline support for the highest performing generally available residential fixed broadband service offering of at least 4 MBPS downstream and 1 MBPS upstream. Fixed broadband data usage is now up to 1000 GB per month.
The minimum service standards for mobile broadband data usage increased to 2 GB per month using 3G technology and mobile voice service increased to 1000 minutes per month
What type of discount is available?
Eligible customers can get at least $9.25 toward their bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet, but not both. Over the next 2 years, the discount for voice service will phase out. Broadband will become the service that will be discounted.
Following is a schedule for the phase out of voice service:
| DATE |
MOBILE VOICE-ONLY |
FIXED VOICE-ONLY |
| 12/1/2019 |
$7.25 |
$7.25 |
| 12/1/2020 |
$5.25 |
$5.25 |
| 12/1/2021 |
$0 |
$0 |
How do I apply for the Lifeline Program?
You will be able to sign up for Lifeline using the National Verifier by doing one of the following:
Consumers can log in to check their eligibility from any computer or mobile device, then contact a service provider to enroll in Lifeline.
Service Provider Portal
Consumers can visit a service provider, who will use NLAD (National Lifeline Accountability Database) to enter the subscriber's information, receive an eligibility decision, and enroll the subscriber.
Apply by Mail
Customers can mail a paper application and copies of proof of eligibility to the Lifeline Support Center, which will return an eligibility decision by mail. Then, the customer will contact a service provider to enroll. You can find a paper application and print it by going to
www.CheckLifeline.com.
If you’d like more information on signing up for Lifeline please feel free to contact our office at (208)257-3314 and one of our Customer Service Representatives will be happy to assist you.