Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week highlights discounts available for phone and broadband service

Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555

The Michigan Public Service Commission, in connection with agencies across the country, is marking this week as Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week by urging eligible Michiganders to take advantage of the Lifeline telephone and broadband program.

Lifeline is 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 the week of Sept. 14 as Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week to highlight these Lifeline programs. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer issued a proclamation honoring the week.

While access to telephone and broadband service are a vital component of everyday life, these services can be out of reach for people with limited incomes.

“Lifeline provides critical financial assistance that improves people’s quality of life, and Lifeline Awareness Week helps get the word out about the program’s benefits,” said Commissioner Shaquila Myers, who serves on the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners’ Committee on Telecommunications. “Lifeline helps Michiganders stay connected so they can have access to family and friends, employment, health care, and more. We encourage all Michiganders who are eligible to apply.”

Dozens of telecommunications providers in Michigan offer Lifeline. Through Michigan Lifeline, 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.

As of July 2026, 252,099 Michiganders are 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.

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