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 25 MBPS downstream and 3 MBPS upstream. If 25M/3M 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 1024 GB per month.
The minimum service standards for mobile broadband data usage increased to 4.5 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.