Federal rules prohibit qualifying low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline service at the same time. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household. When a consumers information is not found, the consumer can provide additional information for verification. Lifeline also supports broadband and broadband-voice bundles. Forms Instructions Documentation Guidelines Forms The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) Application, Household Worksheet, and Recertification Form are available in English and Spanish. Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. American telecommunications subsidy program, "Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications", "FCC Inspector General issues fraud advisory on Lifeline program", "How we can expand mobile phone services to low-income Floridians - Opinion", "Ajit Pai wants to cap spending on broadband for poor people and rural areas", "Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers", "The Lifeline Program Through The Years: From Origins To The Present", "The FCC continues fight against fraud and abuse of Lifeline low-income subsidies", "FCC Reforms, Modernizes Lifeline Program for Low-Income Americans", "Cell phone subsidies claimed by many who can't prove eligibility", "Lifeline Subscribership by Service Type (Broadband Uptake)", "FCC's Pai targets Lifeline fraudsters, but doesn't propose a funding cap", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Lifeline_(FCC_program)&oldid=1151061787, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0, This page was last edited on 21 April 2023, at 17:02. Only low-income subscribers who have been found to be eligible are qualified to enroll. The Affordable Connectivity Program is administered by USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). If you live on Tribal lands, you can receive a discount of up to $34.25 per month, and up to a $100 reduction for first-time connection charges. Participating companies can help you apply through their companys application process. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. .gov website belongs to an official government Please note that, due to the pandemic, the FCC has temporarily waived reverification requirements for subscribers residing on Tribal lands and has extended those waivers until January 31, 2023. Answer: The Lifeline program is a federal initiative designed to provide low-income consumers with affordable access to phone and internet services. Service providers: find more information about how to participate. Federal Communications Commission. Get information, troubleshoot any issue or reach a . Already Receive Lifeline? 151, 152, 155, 303; 47 CFR 0.141. After creating an account and signing in, you can start your Lifeline application. Visit the National Verifier. At the National Verifier full (hard) launch, service providers must use the National Verifier when helping consumers apply to the Lifeline Program. In these instances, additional information may need to be supplied by the consumer, as certain applications may call for fresh data and requirements. Enter your login credentials (username and password) and sign in to your account. Print an application: English Spanish (Application Instructions also available in 9 other languages), USAC strongly recommends including a Household Worksheet with your application: English Spanish (Household Worksheet Instructions also available in 9 other languages). The FCC does not subsidize any hardware associated with the Lifeline program, which includes mobile phones provided by a service provider to a Lifeline customer. Learn more about qualifying. You may be eligible to get Lifeline based on your income or participation in a government assistance program. ET) online is reviewed within minutes. Share sensitive information only on official, Program specifics will be available in the coming weeks. Paloma Isabel Perez Learn more . [7], Lifeline has been controversial due to rampant fraud and abuse of the program. Otherwise, you may be subject to penalties. The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) checks consumer information when an application is submitted. Pre-recorded messages inform subscribers: 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. Lifeline is a federal program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands). To apply for Lifeline benefits through the National Verifier, follow these steps: Please note that the processing time for your application may vary depending on several factors. FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel To participate in the Lifeline program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in certain federal assistance programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income, the Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or certain Tribal Programs. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. USAC has federal data connections with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to verify participation in the Federal Public Housing Assistance program (FPHA), the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to verify participation in Medicaid, and the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to verify participation in qualifying Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit programs. Recertification checks will be conducted every day and 60-day recertification windows will be initiated every business day. Colorado, Mississippi, New Mexico and Utah will be the first states to use the National Verifier. The National Verifiers homepage can be found at https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to help low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices like a laptop or tablet. You can apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services. If you receive Lifeline service for free, the Lifeline program rules require you to use your service every 30 days to keep your benefit, in addition to complying with all other rules for the Lifeline program. For service initiation charges of up to $200, Link Up also provides a deferred, no-interest payment plan to the subscriber for up to one year. Service providers can also contact consumers about pending recertification to inform them that should have heard from USAC and should respond to USAC. The National Verifier is a centralized system established by the FCC and operated by USAC that verifies Lifeline applicants' eligibility and recertifies subscriber eligibility annually. Once we approve your application for the ACP benefit, you can choose a company that offers ACP discounts and sign up for service. Mail Complete the cover sheet and send copies of your proof documentation to the address below. Your email address will not be published. [12] As of August 2019, Pai's latest Lifeline proposal had not been made public, but the FCC said that the lifeline identity verifier would be rolled out in the US by the end of 2019.[12]. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price. Identity and Address Verification The National Verifier automatically verifies the consumer's identity and address using: Third-Party Identity Verification (TPIV), USPS Address Matching Service (AMS), and Data checks for duplicate benefits for the same person or the same address. If you have a question about whether your Lifeline service and equipment is accessible, contact the FCC's Disability Rights Office at 202-418-2517 (voice), at 844-432-2275 (videophone for American Sign Language (ASL) users), or DRO@fcc.gov. In April 2019, the FCC office of Inspector General issued an advisory alert to carriers and beneficiaries in connection to fraudulent enrollment practices. Subscribers will receive an initial notice informing them that they are due for recertification. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. [6] Due to the rise of cell phones, the FCC made more changes in 2005 (under the George W. Bush Administration) so that wireless phone service providers could offer free cell phone service using Lifeline benefits. USAC strongly recommends including a Household Worksheet with your application: English Spanish ( Household Worksheet Instructions also available in 9 other languages) Complete the application and Household Worksheet and send them, along with copies of your proof documentation, to: ACP Support Center. If you have a question about whether your Lifeline service and equipment is accessible, contact the FCC's Disability Rights office at 202-418-2517 for a voice phone call, at 844-432-2275 by videophone, or by email at DRO@fcc.gov. This option is only available if the company obtained approval for its application process from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. It will be used each year when you complete Annual Certification. Life Wireless provides access to reliable 5G (where . Learn about your rights as a consumer in the program. If you're looking for more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program go here. Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. Use an interview-style approach to ask the consumer for the required information, complete the application, and upload documentation (if needed). Once you have logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page to view the status of your application. If you have any questions or concerns about your application status, you can contact the Lifeline Support Center by phone at 1-800-234-9473 or by email at [emailprotected]. You can apply online, by mail, or by contacting your current internet company. [1][2][3][4], Lifeline provides a discount on monthly service of $9.25 per month[1] for eligible low-income subscribers. Are you already enrolled in Lifeline? "Bringing Lifeline to Commmunities Nationwide" Member Access Find Event Member Login Home Member Login Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password Share sensitive information only on official, Question 5: What happens after my application for Lifeline benefits is approved? Spectrum Internet 100 $29.99/mo NO COST. NARUC: Regina Davis, rdavis@naruc.org The ACP and Lifeline Support Centers' mailing address has changed to P.O. Apply now to confirm you qualify for the Lifeline program. In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the Commission included broadband as a support service in the Lifeline program. If you have any questions or concerns about your application, you can contact the Lifeline Support Center by phone at 1-800-234-9473 or by email at [emailprotected]. The FCC is mobilizing people and organizations to help share important consumer information about the new Affordable Connectivity Program. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. *** Fixed broadband providers that do not offer a product meeting the minimum service standards to a particular customers residence may receive the $9.25 benefit if that customer purchases a fixed broadband offering that meets or exceeds 4 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload. The National Verifier is responsible for assessing the qualification of individuals seeking Lifeline benefits. Subscribers must recertify their eligibility every year and should respond to any requests from the National Verifier's or state Lifeline administrator to recertify eligibility. An "economic unit" is defined as "all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household." If you apply online, you may receive an immediate approval. Required fields are marked *. After you qualify, choose a phone or internet company near you and sign up for service with them. The biggest change in this proposal is to put in additional requirements to ensure that carriers enrolling subscribers can verify that the person is still living. The budget will be $2.385 billion for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2020. the .gov website. Life Wireless provides free phone service as well as free government phones by state, with qualifying enrollment through the Lifeline phone program. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel talks about how the ACP can help families get connected to internet service (video is ASL interpreted). You can also apply by mailing your application: Print an application in English or Spanish at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf. More detailed information regarding acceptable documentation can be found at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed/. It determines whether consumers are eligible for Lifeline. Program and Income Verification The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a U.S. government program that helps many low income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices. It aims to ensure that eligible households can stay connected to essential services, such as healthcare, employment, and education resources. Critics say that these changes would leave millions of poor Americans without phone service. If you are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program, you do not have to apply again for the ACP. For audio and other access, use the "Explore Accessibility Options" link. The National Verifier assesses eligibility based on these criteria. If your household is eligible, you could receive: * Through a separate non-FCC initiative, additional no cost plans may be available to Affordable Connectivity Program enrollees. The FCC's Enforcement Bureau maintains a dedicated Lifeline Fraud Tip Line 1-855-4LL-TIPS (or 1-855-455-8477) and an email address Lifelinetips@fcc.gov to facilitate reporting of possible fraud in the program. Once the National Verifier approves your Lifeline discount eligibility, please call us at 800.417.3849 to determine . You can find out more about which areas are eligible Tribal lands by visiting this site: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/tribal-benefit/. You may also contact USAC's Lifeline Support Center for assistance at 1-800-234-9473 or lifelinesupport@usac.org. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting. To recertify using your Tribal ID number, call (800) 234-9437 and press 1 to talk to a live agent. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Official websites use .govA Any advocacy contained on any third-party webpage is solely that of the third party. A consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or other federal programs. If you reside in Connecticut, return the Lifeline application with the official documents to: Verizon Lifeline Services. This discount consists of up to $9.25 (which is available to all eligible low-income subscribers across the United States) plus up to an additional $25 in enhanced support (which is available only to eligible low-income subscribers living on Tribal lands). Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider's existing low-income internet program; Participates in one of these assistance programs: Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program, including at U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Community Eligibility Provision schools. Please refer to the ACP Bulletins page and Lifeline Announcements page for more details. They can also sign on here to recertify. Consumers may also apply to the Lifeline Program on their own, through the National Verifier consumer portal or by mail. Check your email for a verification code. People with print disabilities may request braille, large print, or screen-reader friendly versions of this article via the email form at fcc504@fcc.gov. Circulation reached a high of 25,116 in . For more information, please watch this video. Please refer to the, participating provider that offers connected devices, https://www.fcc.gov/general/universal-service, https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund, Up to a $30/month discount on your internet service, Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands, A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer (with a co-payment of more than $10 but less than $50), A low cost service plan that may be fully covered through the ACP*. The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier ( National Verifier) is a centralized system that determines whether subscribers are eligible for Lifeline. USAC Lifeline National Verifier (NV) National Verifier (NV) The National Verifier (NV) is Lifeline's centralized application system. This option is only available if you DO NOT have to provide proof documentation. Information submitted to resolve application errors during business hours (9 a.m. 9 p.m. [5] In 1997, the FCC broadened the scope of the program under the 1997 Universal Service Order to make Lifeline more affordable for low-income households by raising the federal support amount. That it is time to recertify their benefit. Additionally, only one Lifeline service may be obtained per household. You can also reach them via email at [emailprotected]. You dont need to apply again click here to learn more. Use our search tool to find a company that offers ACP discounts. Tribal Link Up support is only offered to carriers who are building out infrastructure on Tribal lands, so not all carriers may be discounting their activation fee. Subscribers will need their Application ID (provided on the recertification letter) to enter the IVR. Consumers should contact broadband providers that serve their area to learn more about current low cost offerings. Application ID is also available on the Recertification Subscriber Status Report in NLAD. ) or https:// means you've safely connected to If a subscriber does not successfully recertify within their 60-day window, USAC will notify the subscriber via mail within 2-3 business days after a subscribers window closes and the subscriber will be automatically de-enrolled from NLAD five (5) business days after the conclusion of their recertification window. Talk to aparticipating companyto learn more about what services they have available for ACP recipients and to find out how to sign up. One year later, that number nearly tripled to 11,660. Enter your login credentials (username and password) and sign in to your account. To begin the process, click the Sign In button located in the upper right portion of the screen. [1] To apply for Lifeline, go to the Lifeline National Verifier online at CheckLifeline.org or call the Lifeline Support Center at 800.234.9473. Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications, FY 2024 Congressional Budget Justification, FCC waiver order was released September 30, 2022, https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-1039A1.pdf, https://www.lifelinesupport.org/tribal-benefit/, https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report, https://www.lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed/. The discount may be applied to either wireline or wireless services. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. Once you have logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page to view the status of your application. Allison Jones at (202) 418-1571. The budget will be indexed for inflation. Recertification is an annual requirement for Lifeline subscribers and is separate from reverification (one-time National Verifier process). If your National Verifier ID qualifies for the program, your application has a higher chance of success. This div height required for enabling the sticky sidebar. Click the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner of the screen. Get Consumer Information. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. Beneficiary and Contributor Audit Program (BCAP), Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP), Develop Evaluation Criteria & Select Services, Review Your Funding Commitment Letter (FCL), Prepare For Competitive Bidding & Request Services, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), Puerto Ricos Nutrition Assistance Program, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Tribal programs, income, SNAP, Tribal TANF, Medicaid, FPHA, and Veterans Pension, SNAP, Medicaid*, FPHA, and Veterans Pension, SNAP, Medicaid, FPHA, and Veterans Pension, SNAP, Medicaid*, FPHA, SSI, and Veterans Pension, NAP/PAN, Medicaid and FPHA. Instructions for recertifying online are provided in the letter to the subscriber. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Lock All providers who choose to provide devices to their consumers must provide devices that are Wi-Fi enabled by December 1, 2016. "Household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. The information can be submitted online through the consumer or service provider portal or mailed to the Lifeline Support Center.