Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, explained honestly
These are two different federal programs, run in different eras, with very different current status. Confusing them is the single biggest source of "free government iPhone" misinformation online.
| Program | Status | What it covers | Started | Ended |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lifeline | Active | $9.25/mo discount ($34.25 on Tribal lands) on phone or internet service; some carriers add a free basic device | 1985 | Ongoing |
| Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) | Ended | Up to $30/mo (or $75/mo on Tribal lands) toward internet service, plus a one-time device discount of up to $100 | Dec 2021 | June 2024 |
Lifeline: the program that's still running
Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) benefit that has existed in some form since 1985. It's funded through the Universal Service Fund and administered day-to-day by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Lifeline reduces what an eligible household pays for phone service, internet service, or a bundle of both, by $9.25 per month — or $34.25 per month if you live on qualifying Tribal lands.
Lifeline itself does not include a free phone. What it guarantees is the monthly discount. Free basic smartphones come from individual carriers who choose to bundle a device with their Lifeline-discounted plan as a way to attract subscribers — meaning device availability, model, and condition (new vs. refurbished) vary by carrier and change over time.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household, verified through the National Verifier, and households must re-certify their eligibility annually to keep the discount active.
- Standard discount: $9.25/month
- Tribal lands discount: $34.25/month
- One benefit per household
- Annual recertification required
- Administered by USAC on behalf of the FCC
Lifeline's scale today
Source: USAC Lifeline program data (Dec. 2025 subscriber count; eligible-household estimate from Census ACS data).
Program rules are periodically reviewed
Like any federal program, Lifeline's eligibility and verification rules are subject to change through FCC rulemaking. In early 2026, the FCC opened a proceeding considering updates to Lifeline's enrollment and eligibility-verification processes. We'll keep this page updated as changes take effect — check fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers directly for the current rules before applying.
The Affordable Connectivity Program: what it was, and why it ended
ACP launched in December 2021 as a successor to the pandemic-era Emergency Broadband Benefit. It was considerably more generous than Lifeline — up to $30/month toward internet service ($75/month on Tribal lands) and a one-time discount of up to $100 toward a laptop, desktop, or tablet if the household contributed $10–$50.
ACP is not currently available
The program stopped accepting new applications and ultimately ran out of congressionally appropriated funding in June 2024. Enrolled households received a wind-down notice; the benefit is no longer being applied to anyone's bill. As of 2026, no replacement program with equivalent funding has been enacted. If a website claims you can enroll in ACP today, that claim is out of date at best.
Lifeline was not affected by ACP's expiration and continues to operate under its own, separately appropriated funding through the Universal Service Fund.
Dec 2021 — ACP launches
Congress creates the Affordable Connectivity Program as part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.
2022–2023 — Enrollment grows nationwide
Tens of millions of households enroll, often stacking ACP with Lifeline for maximum savings.
Early 2024 — Funding warnings begin
The FCC notifies enrollees that congressional funding is running out and a phase-down is likely.
June 2024 — ACP ends
The program stops providing benefits after Congress does not pass renewed funding. Lifeline remains active and unaffected.
Next step
Since Lifeline is the active program, the next step is understanding whether you qualify.