Consumer Advocacy – Public Utilities (DCA)

Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s voice and broadband networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family and call for help in an emergency. For some, being connected can be the difference between social connection and complete isolation.

Under the federal Lifeline Program, low-income consumers who participate in certain public assistance programs or who qualify based on income can receive a discount of up to $9.25 per month off their monthly broadband-qualifying service bill, up to $5.25 off their voice-qualifying service bill and up to an additional $25 per month off for residents on Tribal lands. Information on program eligibility and rules is available at https://www.lifelinesupport.org. A video in American Sign Language about Lifeline is available at https://youtu.be/wwkjVrd5xHc.

A complementary program — the Affordable Connectivity Program — is also available to qualifying households. The ACP provides a monthly discount on broadband service of up to $30 per eligible household (or up to $75 per eligible household on Tribal lands). There is also a subsidy to permit customers to purchase a computer or tablet at a discount. The participating broadband service provider will receive the funds directly from the ACP.

More information on the ACP is available at https://www.fcc.gov/acp and consumers can sign up online at https://www.affordableconnectivity.gov/.