The Federal Communications Commission has been running a program that benefits low-income households called the Lifeline program. Lifeline is available to people who need help obtaining phone services.
Lifeline is a program that gives low-income homes affordable mobile voice and broadband services as well as fixed broadband connections. You can receive a discount on voice and broadband services each month when you qualify. There’s also a bonus discount available for people on tribal lands.
This government program is necessary for all low-income households. Phone and online services are necessary for everyone as you’ll require these to access various educational, work, and healthcare services. But the cost of getting and staying connected can be high. Estimates state that as of 2024, an average cellphone plan costs $144 per month, while internet access can go for $65 or more per month.
Consulting the FCC for help in entering the Lifeline program is necessary for helping you enjoy discounted internet access and phone services. The total you can save will add up as you stay a member.
Understanding Lifeline
The FCC Lifeline program was created in 1985 as a part of the Universal Service Fund. The program was designed to help people with low incomes receive affordable access to phone and online services.
This program originated to ensure people in various areas where phone and online support are not easily accessible can receive help. Many people with low incomes struggle to afford these services, but the Lifeline program offers a discount to help people stay connected. It’s easier for people to stay in touch with others and receive the work and school-related help they need when they are online and have phones.
This system particularly works well for people living in rural areas and other spots where low-income residents are more likely to live. With phone and internet connections becoming increasingly expensive, it’s critical for people in these sections to receive support. The Lifeline program is here to help residents in these areas.
Are You Eligible For Lifeline?
While the Lifeline program is an appealing solution, you’ll have to watch whether you can enter the system. The Lifeline eligibility standards include various points:
What Can You Get?
The most essential part of using Lifeline is that you’ll be able to receive access to phone and online services. But with these services being so expensive, it’s necessary to see what you can do to save money on this offering.
The main highlight of this platform is the savings you’ll receive on voice and broadband access. The discount you’ll earn through the FCC Lifeline program is based on whether you meet the minimum required service standards the FCC has listed.
Voice Support
You can qualify for a discount of up to $5.25 per month for voice support. This offer is for a minimum of 1,000 minutes of monthly mobile voice coverage. You could save up to $63 per year on this coverage. This offer works for various carriers, and you can enjoy this deal regardless of the phone you use.
Broadband Support
You can also earn discounted coverage on broadband connections or bundled packages that meet minimum service requirements. Subscribers can get a discount of up to $9.25 per month on coverage or $111 for an entire year.
The minimum coverage for mobile broadband is 3G speed with a monthly usage allowance of 4.5 GB. The minimum for a fixed broadband link is 25/3 Mbps speed with a usage allowance of 1230 GB per month. The speed should be enough to handle most online usage needs.
Benefits For Tribal Lands
The FCC also has a special offer for people who live on tribal lands. An additional $25 discount per month is available to people on tribal lands who qualify for the Lifeline program.
Since those on native reservations are less likely to have telephone or internet connections, the FCC offers this tribal land access discount to assist people in receiving the support they deserve.
A one-time discount of $100 off the cost of the installation or activation of telephone or internet service at a tribal property is also available.
Conclusion
The FCC Lifeline program can help you afford phone and internet service by providing a discount on monthly services. This system can give you an easier time paying for various services devoted to keeping you connected. You’ll need phone and online access to improve how well you can manage your education or work needs, so joining the Lifeline program is necessary if you are in a low-income household and require help getting connections to stay in touch with others.