Federal Lifeline



Nextera Communications offers the federally-funded Lifeline Program for eligible residential subscribers in Minnesota.

Eligible subscribers can apply their monthly Lifeline discount ($7.25) to a voice service or a qualifying Internet service ($9.25). Eligible subscribers can only receive a discount on ONE service: Voice or Internet. Eligible subscribers who apply the federal discount to their voice service are also automatically enrolled in the Minnesota Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) adding a monthly additional voice discount of $7.00 to their account. If you would like more information about Lineline discounts on a qualifying Internet plan, please contact Nextera Customer Support.

Am I Eligible for Federal Lifeline?

There are two ways to qualify for the Lifeline Program:

Income-Based Eligibility

If your household's income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program discount. To determine if your household meets this criteria, use this federal poverty guidelines eligibility chart. This chart is updated each year.

Program-Based Eligibility

If you, or someone in your household, participate in one of the following federal assistance programs, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program discount.

  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Benefit
  • Tribal Specific Eligibility Programs

Only one Lifeline Program discount is available per household. Under the Lifeline Program, a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. The Lifeline Program benefit is non-transferable. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain the discount can be punished by fine or imprisonment or can be barred from the lifeline Program.

How Do I Apply?

If you meet the eligibility requirements, complete and sign the Lifeline Application Form (PDF), attach proof of eligibility and mail to Nextera Communications. If an applicant lives in a residence with more than one household, that applicant may be required to also complete a Household Worksheet (PDF) to confirm eligibility for the Program.

Could I Become Ineligible?

When you no longer participate in any of the qualifying programs, or your income increases, you are no longer eligible for thjese discounts. You are obligated by law to notify Nextera Communications and the credits will be removed from your account.

Visit Universal Service Administrative Co. for more information on the Federal Lifeline Program.