Programs funded by the federal government can assist with the cost of phone and internet service.
- Lifeline (assistance for phone and internet service)
Affordable Connectivity Program (assistance for internet service)
Note: The Affordable Connectivity Program is no longer accepting new applications and enrollments. Funding for the program ends in April 2024 and households will no longer receive the ACP discount on their monthly internet bill.ACP subscribers are encouraged to see whether they qualify for the Lifeline program.
Lifeline
This 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.
Review instructions to apply online, through a phone or internet company. Instructions to apply by mail.
Review the list of Iowa companies providing Lifeline Services.
Find general educational materials and information on eligibility requirements, how to manage your benefits, and where to receive help at LifelineSupport.org.
Lifeline voice-only phase-out paused for a year; minimum service standards continue
On July 7, 2023, 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, 2024.
WCB also paused the increase of the Lifeline minimum service standard for mobile broadband data capacity for an additional year, meaning the minimum service standard for mobile broadband data capacity will remain at 4.5 GB per month until at least December 1, 2024.
On July 21, 2023, WCB announced the fixed broadband minimum service standard for data usage will continue to be 1,280 GB per month.