Lifeline is an assistance program that can help eligible people afford telephone and broadband Internet service. Tribal Lifeline & Tribal Link Up programs for tribal areas help eligible people on tribal lands afford telephone and broadband Internet service.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides up to a $7.25 discount on the monthly bill for primary home telephone or broadband service.
Tribal Lifeline
Tribal Lifeline provides up to a $34.25 discount on the monthly bill for primary home phone or broadband service for residents of tribal lands.
Tribal Link Up
Tribal Link Up provides a discount (up to $100) off initial hook up for primary home service
Who Is Eligible For Lifeline?
Those with an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Those participating in at least one of the following:
Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public House Assistance (Section 8), and Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension.
Who is eligible for Tribal Link Up and Tribal Lifeline?
One of the following must apply to you:
Resident of tribal lands whose income is equal to or less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Resident of tribal lands participating in at least one of the following programs:
Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public House Assistance (Section 8), Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally – Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ( TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start (income eligible only).
NOTE: If you have been disconnected for non-payment, these programs are available to you if you bring your local bill current. You may be required to pay a reconnect fee.
How do I sign up for Link Up and/or Lifeline?
You can apply for Lifeline using the National Verifier. You can apply with the National Verifier through RTC, by mail, or online using the consumer portal at www.CheckLifeline.org. Once on the lifeline program, you will be contacted by USAC annually to recertify that you still qualify.
How long will these benefits continue?
If you no longer meet the eligibility guidelines above, you no longer qualify for Link Up or Lifeline and you must inform RTC of you ineligibility.
How do I get additional information?
For more information on Lifeline or Tribal Link Up and Tribal Lifeline, please contact RTC at 0811 or 888.862.3115.
Additional information also included in the Lifeline Worksheet.