The federal government can assist low-income Iowans with the cost of phone and internet service through the Lifeline program.
Lifeline
The Lifeline program helps lower the monthly cost for phone service, internet service, or bundled services for low-income households to help Iowans stay connected to jobs, family, community resources, and government and emergency services.
Eligible households can get up to $9.25 off the monthly cost of phone, internet or bundled services. If you live on tribal lands, you can receive up to $34.25 per month for this service, and up to a $100 reduction for first-time connection charges.
USAC now offers emergency Lifeline support to survivors in compliance with the Safe Connections Act of 2022. Qualifying survivors can apply online.
NOTE: USAC has released a new and updated suite of Lifeline standard benefit flyers, strategically designed to serve as a comprehensive resource for consumers, the organizations that support them, and service providers. These refreshed flyers aim to promote consumer awareness and understanding by sharing key information about the Lifeline program and available benefits.
The new flyer suite is available on the Community Education page on LifelineSupport.org and includes:
- Lifeline Overview – provides high-level overview of the program, how to qualify, and how to get the benefit.
- How to Apply – shares information on how to apply for the benefit, and key information to include on the application.
- Manage Your Lifeline Benefit – focuses on what a consumer needs to know after they start receiving the benefit, including the annual recertification requirement.
- Iowa companies providing Lifeline Services.
Lifeline voice-only phase-out paused again for a year; minimum service standards continue
On July 3, 2024, the FCC's Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) paused the phase-out of Lifeline support for voice-only services for an additional year. Basic Lifeline support of $5.25 remains available to eligible consumers who subscribe to voice-only service until at least December 1, 2025.
On July 30, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) released a Public Notice announcing the updated minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported broadband service. The fixed broadband usage allowance will be 1,230 GB per month starting on December 1, 2024.
The minimum service standard for mobile broadband speed will remain 3G and the standard for fixed broadband speed will remain at 25 MB download and 3 MB upload. The Lifeline minimum service standard for mobile voice service will also remain unchanged, at 1,000 minutes per month.