Programs funded by the federal government can assist with the cost of phone and internet service.
Lifeline (assistance for phone and internet service)
Note: On June 1, 2024, The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced the official last day of the pandemic-era Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). The FCC's wind-down measures included encouraging ACP providers, for which participation in the ACP was voluntary, to develop low-income programs of their own and to provide their ACP subscribers information on their low-income programs or low-cost plans, and to raise awareness of the Commissionβs Lifeline program. The Lifeline program offers a $9.25 monthly benefit on broadband service for eligible households.The FCC's news release stated, "Although the Lifeline benefit may alleviate some financial pressure for certain ACP households, it is not a replacement for the ACP. Not all ACP households will qualify for Lifeline, and by statute, many ACP providers are not eligible to participate in the Lifeline program.
ACP subscribers are encouraged to check with their ACP providers to see if a low-cost internet program is available and 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.