What is the Link Up program?
Link Up gives eligible households a one-time discount of up to $100 on phone connection or activation charges. Since 2012 it is available only on Tribal lands, from providers that build networks there.
- Eligibility matches Lifeline
- Request it with your Lifeline application
- Not available outside Tribal lands
What is Link Up?
Link Up is a companion program to Lifeline that reduces the one-time cost of starting phone service. Since 2012 it has been available only on Tribal lands, and only from providers that build and operate networks there. It gives a discount of up to $100 on connection or activation charges.
What are the key facts about Link Up?
- Discount
- Up to $100 one-time
- Where
- Tribal lands only
- Which providers
- Facilities-based carriers on Tribal lands
- Eligibility
- Same as Lifeline
- Frequency
- Once per address
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Who qualifies?
Eligibility is simple on paper. Either you are enrolled in a qualifying benefit program, or your household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty line.
Qualifying programs
- SNAP (food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (including Section 8)
- Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension
On federally recognized Tribal lands, these also qualify: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribal Head Start (income-qualified households).
Income limits
| Household size | Maximum yearly income (135% of poverty guideline) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $21,128 |
| 2 people | $28,553 |
| 3 people | $35,978 |
| 4 people | $43,403 |
| 5 people | $50,828 |
| 6 people | $58,253 |
| 7 people | $65,678 |
| 8 people | $73,103 |
| Each additional person | add $7,425 |
Figures are based on the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for the 48 contiguous states and DC, rounded. Alaska and Hawaii have higher limits. USAC updates the limits each year, so check lifelinesupport.org for the current figures.
Want an instant answer? Use the Lifeline eligibility checker. It takes under a minute.
How do you get Link Up?
- Confirm your address is on Tribal lands See Tribal Lifeline for what counts.
- Find a participating provider Ask whether they offer Link Up and are facilities-based on your land.
- Apply for Lifeline Link Up is requested with your Lifeline application.
- Check your first bill The connection charge should be reduced.
Link Up vs Lifeline
| Lifeline | Link Up | |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Monthly discount | One-time discount |
| Amount | $9.25 ($34.25 Tribal) | Up to $100 |
| Where | Nationwide | Tribal lands only |
Why Link Up was limited to Tribal lands?
Before 2012, Link Up helped low-income households nationwide with installation charges. The FCC's 2012 Lifeline reforms found that wireless providers often charged little or nothing for activation, so the benefit wasn't achieving much outside areas where building service is costly.
Tribal lands frequently need new network infrastructure, so Link Up was kept there to encourage providers to connect remote households.
Documents you may need
- A current benefit letter or card (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing, Veterans Pension), or
- Income proof: last year's tax return, three consecutive pay stubs, or a Social Security or unemployment statement
- Government photo ID (driver's license, state ID or passport)
- Proof of address if your ID shows a different one (utility bill or lease)
- The last four digits of your Social Security Number, or a Tribal ID number
Tips for Tribal residents
- Ask each provider directly whether they offer Link Up
- Make sure your application flags your address as Tribal
- Combine Link Up with enhanced Tribal Lifeline for the biggest savings
- Keep your first bill to confirm the discount was applied
Frequently asked questions
Is Link Up available outside Tribal lands?
No. Since 2012 Link Up is limited to Tribal lands.
Can I get Link Up more than once?
It's intended for starting service at an address. Rules limit repeat use.
Sources & last update
Last reviewed . We check program rules against official FCC and USAC guidance and update pages when rules, income limits or offers change. Spot something out of date? Tell us.