Update your location
Enter your city, town, or village to see services, offers, and more available in your area.
City, town, or village
LIFELINE PROGRAM
Stay Connected With Lifeline, Alaska
Those who qualify can get phone service for just $1/mo
What is the Lifeline program?
The Lifeline program is a government benefit that helps low-income consumers access affordable phone and data services. GCI is proud to help Alaskans connect to family, friends, and opportunities with the assistance of the Lifeline Program.
Lifeline services starting at $1/mo
Lifeline does not require a credit check. Smartphones can access the internet through WiFi networks. Data uploaded and downloaded on WiFi networks is separate from data included in monthly data plans. Monthly fees do not include taxes and surcharges. If the included 12 GB of full-speed data is exceeded, customers will continue to have access to data at a basic level of service, which varies by market, for the remainder of the billing cycle. The basic level of service is up to 1.5 Mbps (download) and 750 Kbps (upload), and in extended markets, 128 Kbps (upload/download). Tethering/mobile hotspot requires compatible device and includes up to 4 GB per line per month. After 4 GB, tethering speed slowed to max of 256 Kbps and in extended markets 128 Kbps for the rest of bill cycle. Terms and conditions, including Federal eligibility requirements, and additional charges and fees apply.
GCI does not charge an initial installation or activation fee. These calling plans include the required “supported services” defined in state regulation at 3 AAC 53.499(13). Lifeline rules require regular use of the service to prevent de-enrollment from the Lifeline program.
How to apply or recertify
Eligibility
Only "eligible" consumers qualify for the Lifeline benefit. GCI does not determine eligibility for the Lifeline benefit and requires a qualified application ID from USAC to start Lifeline service.
You may qualify to receive the Lifeline benefit in one of two ways: be a part of a qualifying government assistance program, or demonstrate a low income as defined by federal poverty guidelines.
Program-based eligibility
To qualify with program eligibility, the applicant must attach proof of participation in one of the following authorized public assistance programs when completing the application:
- Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Head Start Program (if qualified under income criteria)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
The following documentation can be used as proof and must include a date of service:
- Current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying program
- A notice or letter of participation in a qualifying program
- Program participation documents
- Another official document demonstrating that the customer, one or more of the customers’ dependents or the customer’s household receives benefits from a qualifying assistance program
Income-based eligibility
To qualify based on income, the applicant's annual household income must be at or below 135% of the applicable federal poverty guidelines for Alaska for a household of that size. The table below shows 135% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines for Alaska:
| Household size | Max household income |
|---|---|
1 | $26,393 |
2 | $35,681 |
3 | $44,969 |
4 | $54,257 |
5 | $63,545 |
6 | $72,833 |
7 | $82,121 |
8 | $91,409 |
| If more than 8, add this amount for each additional person: | $9,288 |
The applicant must provide proof of income eligibility that meets the household income criteria for Alaska. Proof of “household” income must be attached to the application in one of the following forms:
- Last year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
- A current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub
- A statement of benefits from the U.S. Social Security Administration
- A statement of benefits from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
- A retirement or pension statement of benefits
- An unemployment or worker’s compensation statement of benefits
- A federal or tribal notice of letter of participation in general assistance
- A divorce decree or child support award
- Any other official document containing income information.
If the documentation presented does not cover a full year, such as current pay stubs, the documentation must cover at least three consecutive months within the previous 12 months.
Lifeline is a federal benefit. Willfully making false statements to get the benefit can mean fines, imprisonment, de-enrollment, or being barred from the program.
Only one Lifeline plan is allowed per “household.” (A “household” means “any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses as one economic unit.”)
A “household” cannot receive Lifeline benefits from multiple providers. Violation of the one-per-household limit is a violation of federal regulations and will result in de-enrollment from the program.
You cannot transfer your Lifeline benefit to any other person.
GCI's Lifeline service is only available for Lifeline customers who live in Alaska. If you move outside of Alaska, you must apply for the Lifeline benefit in that state.
Making false statements in order to obtain Lifeline service is a punishable offense. It can result in fines, imprisonment, or being barred from the Lifeline program.
A Lifeline benefit cannot be transferred or conveyed to any other person. If someone else wants Lifeline service, they must independently apply and qualify for the benefit on their own.
The federal government has implemented a variety of restrictions to ensure only qualifying low-income consumers obtain Lifeline service:
-
No false statements
Lifeline Unlimited is a federal benefit. Willfully making false statements to obtain the benefit can result in fines, imprisonment, de-enrollment or being barred from the program.
-
One benefit per household
Only one Lifeline Unlimited service is available per "household." A "household" is "any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses as one economic unit." A household is not permitted to receive Lifeline Unlimited from multiple providers. Violation of the one-per-household limitation constitutes a violation of federal regulations and will result in de-enrollment from the program.
-
Proof of eligibility
When applying for Lifeline Unlimited service, applicants must provide documentation demonstrating that they are eligible. More information can be found in the eligibility requirements.
-
Loss of eligibility
A Lifeline Unlimited customer must notify GCI within 30 days if they are no longer eligible for Lifeline Unlimited service for any reason. For example, a customer may no longer be eligible if they no longer participate in a qualifying low-income program, if he or she they no longer meet the low income thresholds, or if they or a member of the household receives another Lifeline Unlimited benefit.
-
Change of address
A Lifeline Unlimited customer must notify GCI within 30 days if they move to a new residential address.
-
Certification under penalty of purjury
Lifeline Unlimited applicants must certify under penalty of purjury that the information contained on their application forms is true and correct to the best of their knowledge.
-
Recertification
Lifeline Unlimited customers must recertify their eligibility on an annual basis and may be asked to recertify more frequently. Failure to complete and maintain a valid recertification with USAC will result in USAC notifying GCI that your Lifeline benefit is no longer active. This may lead to the loss of your Lifeline discount and possible disconnection of your Lifeline Unlimited service.
-
Non-transferable
Lifeline Unlimited service cannot be transferred from one individual to another.
-
Consent to provide information to the Lifeline Unlimited Program administrator
Lifeline Unlimited applicants must permit GCI to provide the customer's name, telephone number, date of birth, and last four digits of their social security number to the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) — and/or its agents — for the purpose of verifying that the subscriber does not receive more than one Lifeline Unlimited beneift. USAC is the company that administers the Lifeline Unlimited program on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
GCI's Lifeline Unlimited Mobile plan includes caller ID, unlimited text messaging, and call waiting. Some restrictions apply.
Lifeline Unlimited Home Phone service has access to enhanced emergency services (E911), free toll blocking, and directory assistance calls. Directory assistance calls have an additional fee of $1.50 each.
No. The Lifeline benefit can only be applied to one service.
Yes. View plan details.
GCI's Lifeline service is only eligible for Alaska-based calling. It is not guaranteed to work outside of Alaska.
Lifeline Unlimited Mobile and Home Phone services are subject to administrative fees and surcharges. You will be responsible for all taxes and fees that apply. Contact GCI by phone at 800-800-4800 for detailed information on other fees that may apply.