What Is the Lifeline Program?
Lifeline was created in 1985 to make phone service affordable. In 2016 it was expanded to include broadband internet. The FCC oversees it, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) runs it, and it's paid for by the Universal Service Fund, not by your taxes directly.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Started | 1985 (broadband added in 2016) |
| Run by | FCC (rules) and USAC (administration) |
| Monthly benefit | $9.25 standard, up to $34.25 on Tribal lands |
| Limit | One benefit per household |
| Eligibility check | National Verifier (California uses its own state process) |
| Renewal | Every year (recertification) |
Lifeline Benefit Amounts Compared
Source: FCC Lifeline and FCC ACP program rules
Show data table
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| ACP – Tribal lands (ended) | $75 |
| Lifeline – Tribal lands | $34.25 |
| ACP – standard (ended) | $30 |
| Lifeline – standard | $9.25 |
How Does the Lifeline Free Tablet Work?
This is the part most websites leave out: the $9.25 a month goes to your service company, not to a device. Companies that want Lifeline customers often include a tablet to stand out from competitors. That means:
- Which tablet you get depends on the company, not the government
- Some charge a one-time co-pay (about $10–$50)
- Offers differ by state and change over time
- Most free tablets are entry-level Android models (see Free iPad with EBT)
- Mobile phone + data 88%
- Home internet 9%
- Home phone / other 3%
Source: USAC Lifeline program data, service type share (approximate, rounded)
Show data table
| Segment | Value |
|---|---|
| Mobile phone + data | 88% |
| Home internet | 9% |
| Home phone / other | 3% |
Who Qualifies for a Lifeline Free Tablet?
| Qualifying program | Common name / card | Proof you can use |
|---|---|---|
| SNAP | Food stamps, EBT card | SNAP approval or benefit letter |
| Medicaid | Medicaid card, Medi-Cal, state plan name | Medicaid card or eligibility letter |
| Supplemental Security Income (SSI) | SSI from Social Security | SSI award letter or benefit statement |
| Federal Public Housing Assistance | Section 8 voucher, public housing | Housing authority letter or lease |
| Veterans Pension / Survivors Benefit | VA pension | VA benefit letter |
| Tribal programs (Tribal lands) | BIA General Assistance, Tribal TANF, FDPIR, Tribal Head Start | Program approval letter |
| Income at or below 135% of poverty | No program needed | Tax return, 3 pay stubs, or benefit statements |
Full rules, income limits and household definitions are on our eligibility page.
Lifeline Rules You Must Follow to Keep Your Tablet Service
- One per household: only one Lifeline benefit per household.
- Use it: on free plans, use your service at least once every 30 days. If you don't, you'll get a notice and 15 days to start using it again.
- Recertify yearly: confirm you're still eligible every year.
- Report changes: tell your company within 30 days if you no longer qualify.
- Be honest: giving false information can lead to penalties.
Lifeline Program Data
- Has home broadband
- Smartphone-only (no home broadband)
Source: Pew Research Center, Internet/Broadband Fact Sheet (survey of U.S. adults, rounded)
Show data table
| Group | Has home broadband | Smartphone-only (no home broadband) |
|---|---|---|
| Under $30,000 | 57% | 27% |
| $30,000–$99,999 | 83% | 13% |
| $100,000+ | 93% | 6% |
Lifeline Free Tablet vs. ACP Free Tablet
| Lifeline | ACP | |
|---|---|---|
| Status | ✔ Active | ✘ Ended June 1, 2024 |
| Monthly benefit | $9.25 ($34.25 Tribal) | $30 ($75 Tribal) |
| Device discount | None (company may include one) | One-time up to $100 |
| Income limit | 135% of poverty | 200% of poverty |
| Funding | Universal Service Fund (permanent) | Congress (one-time funding) |
Read ACP Free Tablet: what happened.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Lifeline free tablet program?
Lifeline is a federal FCC program that has been around since 1985. It gives eligible low-income households a monthly discount on phone or internet service: $9.25, or up to $34.25 on Tribal lands. Many participating companies include a free or low-cost tablet with their Lifeline service.
Does Lifeline give you a free tablet?
Lifeline's federal funding covers service, not devices. Participating companies decide whether to include a tablet, which model, and whether to charge a co-pay.
Is Lifeline the same as ACP?
No. ACP was a separate, temporary program that ended in June 2024. Lifeline is permanent and is funded through the Universal Service Fund.
Can I have Lifeline on a phone and a tablet?
No. Each household can have only one Lifeline benefit, used for either mobile or home internet service.
How do I renew Lifeline?
You must recertify every year. USAC or your company will contact you, and many people are recertified automatically through state databases.
Can I switch Lifeline companies?
Yes. You can transfer your Lifeline benefit to another participating company, which may offer a different device.
Sources and Last Update
This page was last reviewed and updated on . Program rules and figures come from these official and research sources: