Consumer qualifications for participation in the Low Income Program vary by state. Consumers in states that provide state support must meet the criteria established by the state commission. State commissions are required to establish narrowly targeted eligibility criteria based on income or factors directly related to income. Free meals under the National School Lunch Program. Return to top 4.
Lifeline assistance lowers the cost of monthly local telephone service.
The amount varies depending on a number of factors, including whether a state has a matching Lifeline program. If a state has a matching program, low-income consumers may qualify for additional federal support as well as state support. As long as the consumer pays the local phone service portion of the bill, local phone service will not be disconnected. If the consumer is unable to pay all long distance or other toll charges, the phone company may stop the consumer from making long distance or other toll calls until all prior bills for those types of services have been paid. If a consumer is unable to pay the entire phone bill at once, the payments made will be used to pay local phone charges first.