Eligibility for Lifeline generally is determined based on either income or participation in a few specific federal assistance programs. A household qualifies if it’s earnings are at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or a member may engage in any of the following:

Pension for veterans or their surviving spouse

Federal Public Housing Assistance

Supplemental Security Income

Food Stamps

Medicaid

The National Verifier: The Lifeline eligibility system of record.

Participating Service Providers: Several phone and internet companies offer Lifeline plans to those who qualify.

Maybe a lot of people think that every member of the family can get the Lifeline discount, but as a matter of fact, only one Lifeline discount is available per household; and applicants must re-qualify for the benefit on an annual basis in order to keep receiving this benefit.