The American Samoa Lifeline Program is a phone service program that provides discount telephone services to eligible low-income consumers. This program is available to eligible consumers in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF). The Lifeline program is not limited to telephone service; it also includes broadband Internet service.
Low-income consumers can receive a discount on their monthly broadband bill through the Lifeline program. The program is available to eligible consumers in all fifty states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The American Samoa Lifeline Program is a great way for low-income consumers to save money on their monthly phone bills.
The program is also excellent for low-income consumers to access broadband Internet service.
American Samoa Lifeline Program Eligibility
You are eligible for Lifeline services if you participate in an authorized assistance program or your current income is less than 135% of the federal poverty threshold.
Qualified Assistance Programs
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start
- State assistance programs
In addition to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, other qualifications for the Lifeline program’s eligibility include being a U.S. citizen or legal resident and not having Lifeline service at another location.
Tribal Eligibility
Suppose you live on tribal lands, which include reservations, Small villages, or colonies controlled by Indian tribes with federal recognition, including former reservations in Oklahoma, Alaska Native communities, Hawaiian Home Lands, or Indian Allotments. In that case, you are eligible for Tribal Lifeline.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Tribal Head Start
Income Qualification
Earnings must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty threshold. The poverty levels are shown below; they differ by state and household size.
All you need to do is provide evidence that COVID-19 has caused your current pay to fall below the cutoff.
| Household Size | Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $27,180 |
| 2 | $36,620 |
| 3 | $46,060 |
| 4 | $55,500 |
| 5 | $64,940 |
| 6 | $74,380 |
| 7 | $83,820 |
| 8 | $93,260 |
| For each additional person add |
$9,440 |
|
Based on 200% of the current Federal Poverty Guideline. |
|
Lifeline Service Providers in American Samoa
American Samoa ACP Benefits
Alaska Lifeline Program Service:
- Mobile Lifeline Service
- Fixed Lifeline Service
- ACP Home Internet
- ACP Mobile Internet
Affordable Connectivity Program Providers
| Broadband Provider Name | Service Type | Offering Connected Devices (Laptop, Desktop, or Tablet) |
|---|---|---|
| American Samoa Telecommunications Authority | Fixed/Mobile | ✔ |
| Bluesky Communications | Fixed/Mobile | |
| Clear Wireless | Fixed/Mobile | ✔ |
| Culture Wireless | Fixed/Mobile | ✔ |
| Dailytel | Fixed/Mobile | ✔ |
| Hello Mobile Telecom | Mobile | |
| Q Link Wireless | Mobile | ✔ |
| US Connect | Fixed/Mobile | ✔ |
| U2 CONNECT NOW | Fixed |
FAQs
What is Lifeline?
Although Lifeline has existed for some time, not many people know it. It’s a government initiative that gives eligible customers a break on their recurring local phone or internet payment. For eligibility, each state has its requirements. There are primarily two methods to be eligible for Lifeline.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
A federal program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives eligible households access to low-cost internet service. The initiative aims to assist households that cannot afford to use private internet service providers (ISPs).
Which internet service providers are participating?
The ACP is being used by some broadband providers, including those providing wireless and landline broadband. There may be a variety of providers available depending on where you live. Contact the broadband providers in your area to find out about their plans for program participation and qualified service offers.
How do I get a Free computer or tablet?
If a household purchases a connected device for more than $10 but less than $50 from a participating broadband service provider, the provider may receive a reimbursement of up to $100.
To put it another way, you have to use your partnering broadband provider to take advantage of this benefit, and you’ll have to pay a share of the price. Only laptops, desktop computers, and tablets qualify for the device bonus. Cell phones aren’t a part of it. They only allow one gadget per household.
What if I live on tribal lands?
Customers who reside on tribal grounds may be eligible for additional federal financial aid for local telephone service under programs established by the Federal Communications Commission.
Additionally, financial assistance is offered to cover the expense of new telephone service. For further information, contact the tribe office or the Community Action Partnership office in your area.
