The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is considering significant changes to its Lifeline internet subsidy program, a move critics argue will create more barriers for those needing affordable internet access.
The Lifeline program offers a $9.25 monthly credit for internet and telephone services to qualifying low-income households. Proposed new restrictions include formally limiting the program to U.S. citizens, implementing a five-year waiting period for non-citizens, requiring full Social Security numbers, and enforcing a "1-per-address" rule that could affect multi-family households.
The FCC states these changes aim to combat waste, citing an internal investigation that found $10.5 million lost between 2020 and 2025 due to deceased or duplicate subscribers. However, this amount represents less than 1% of Lifeline's annual budget.
Industry analysts and advocacy groups express concern that the proposed updates would make it harder for families, particularly immigrants and low-income households, to get online. They point out that Lifeline is already underutilized, with only 21% of eligible applicants enrolled in 2025. Furthermore, the current credit often fails to cover the cost of standard internet plans.
Organizations like the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) argue that such changes could widen the digital divide, urging the FCC to reconsider proposals that may restrict access to essential phone and internet services.