Lifeline Program

What is Lifeline?

The Lifeline Program (Lifeline) helps make telephone and broadband services more affordable for low-income consumers. As a program under the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Commission, Lifeline provides eligible subscribers a discount on monthly telephone and/or broadband service. The discounts can be applied to either a wireline or a wireless service, but customers may not receive a discount on both services at the same time. The FCC rules limit a household to one Lifeline service. Lifeline service helps to ensure that low-income consumers can afford telephone and/or broadband service and the access it provides to jobs, education and other opportunities.

In the District, Lifeline is known as Economy II and offered by Verizon DC. This program offers discounted wireline local telephone service to qualified DC customers under 65 years of age for $3.00 a month. Seniors 65 years of age or older pay $1.00 per month. DC residents participating in Lifeline have unlimited calling in the DC metropolitan area.



 
How Do I Qualify?

To participate in Lifeline, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain assistance programs such as:


How Can I Subscribe for Lifeline?

To apply for Lifeline also known as, Economy II in the District, call1-800 234-9473 for eligibility requirements and an application.

For questions, please contact the Office of Consumer Services at 202-626-5120.