Lifeline Awareness Week recognizes discounts available for phone and broadband service

News media contact: Matt Helms 517-284-8300  

Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555  

The Michigan Public Service Commission and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, in connection with agencies across the country, are declaring this week as Lifeline Awareness Week by urging eligible Michiganders to take advantage of the Lifeline telephone and broadband program.

Lifeline is both a state and federal program providing financial support for voice or broadband service to income-qualified veterans, seniors and more. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners has designated Sept. 8-14 as Lifeline Awareness Week to highlight these Lifeline programs. While access to telephone and broadband service are a vital component of everyday life, each of these services can be out of reach for people with limited incomes.

“The Lifeline program improves people’s quality of life, and it’s important to make our residents aware these programs exist,” said MPSC Chair Dan Scripps. “Lifeline Awareness Week celebrates a critical program that helps people stay connected in today’s highly interconnected world. The MPSC encourages all Michiganders who are eligible to apply for the Lifeline benefit to help lower costs and improve access to these essential services.”

Governor Whitmer issued a proclamation honoring the week. Dozens of Michigan telecommunications providers participate in Lifeline. Through the program, income-eligible people under age 65 get a minimum monthly discount on their bill of $8.25. Those age 65 and older receive a minimum discount of $12.35.

To qualify for the state program, a Michigan customer must have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in one of these programs:

• Medicaid.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Federal Public Housing Assistance.
• Tribal Eligibility Programs (and living on federally recognized Tribal lands).
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Program. 
• Safe Connections Act Survivors.

In 2025, 298,558 Michiganders were Lifeline subscribers, according to the Universal Service Administrative Co.

For more information about Lifeline, see the MPSC's Federal Lifeline or Michigan Lifeline consumer tip sheets or contact the MPSC at 800-292-9555. To find a provider, check with the MPSC's list of participating companies to see if your local landline telephone company, wireless provider or broadband provider participates in Lifeline.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter or LinkedIn.

# # #