Lifeline Awareness Week: Helping Hawaiʻi Residents Stay Connected

Reliable phone and internet service helps people stay connected to emergency services, health care, employment opportunities, family and other important community resources. For households facing financial challenges, the cost of staying connected can create an additional barrier.

During National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, Sept. 13-19, the Hawaiʻi Public Utilities Commission (PUC) is helping raise awareness of Lifeline, a federal program that helps make phone and internet service more affordable for qualifying low-income households.

The Federal Communications Commission's Lifeline program provides eligible households with a monthly discount on qualifying communications services. Eligible consumers may receive up to $9.25 per month toward internet or bundled phone and internet service, or up to $5.25 per month toward voice-only phone service.

Eligibility is generally based on household income or participation in certain federal assistance programs. To review the full eligibility requirements, apply for Lifeline or find a participating provider, visit LifelineSupport.org.

For questions about the program, eligibility or an existing Lifeline benefit, consumers may contact the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9473.

The Hawaiʻi PUC does not process Lifeline applications or determine individual eligibility.