Universal Service Administrative Company Note: On January 30, 2023, the FCC released a waiver temporarily extending the previous Lifeline waivers of the recertification and reverification requirements through April 30, 2023 for Tribal subscribers only. [1], To participate in the program, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participate in certain assistance programs. The FCC will use the contact information provided to share outreach information, as well as Emergency Broadband Benefit details and updates. To locate a Lifeline provider in your state, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report. Official websites use .govA Various internet providers, including those offering landline and wireless internet service, are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Click the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner of the screen. More ASL video: Watch to learn about the ACP, who is eligible and how to apply. Not required to offer Lifeline voice where: 51% of Lifeline subscribers in a county obtain Lifeline BIAS (NLAD and Opt-out date); There are at least 3 other Lifeline BIAS providers that each serve at least 5% of the Lifeline BIAS subscribers in that county (NLAD and Opt-out data); and, The ETC does not receive high-cost support in that area. USAC conducts recertification to ensure that active Lifeline subscribers, including those who also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), are still eligible for the Lifeline benefit. Please refer to the ACP Bulletins page and Lifeline Announcements page for more details. The ACP helps to connect Tribal communities with an enhanced benefit for consumers living on Tribal lands. The FCC under Ajit Pai opened an inquiry in 2017 about excluding wireless resellers, eliminating support of standalone broadband service, and capping the budget of Lifeline. If you are having issues with your mobile phone or other hardware associated with your Lifeline service, please contact your service provider directly. Resolve Application Errors - Universal Service Administrative Company 2. Service providers will be able to see which subscribers are currently undergoing recertification via the Recertification Subscriber Status Report in NLAD. Application ID is also available on the Recertification Subscriber Status Report in NLAD. Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. During Lifeline Awareness Week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel addressed the range of Americans who can receive support from the FCC's Lifeline program. A window will appear, prompting you to input your login details. Circulation climbed to 4,747 by January 1978, when Lifeline began monthly publication. Question 4: Can I use Lifeline benefits for both my phone and internet service? The initial mailing to subscribers to initiate the recertification window will include: A letter notifying them of their recertification requirement (English & Spanish), A barcoded copy of FCC Form 5630 Annual Recertification Form (English & Spanish). This option is only available if the company obtained approval for its application process from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). [1], Lifeline is available to eligible low-income subscribers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on tribal lands. Once you have logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page to view the status of your application. Lifeline National Verifier PN | Federal Communications Commission 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. 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). FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household. Its members include the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA). Provide documentation to prove your eligibility, such as proof of participation in a qualifying government assistance program or proof of income. If you have not already created an account, click the Sign In button in the upper right corner of the screen, and then click Create An Account on the right side of the page. For more information about USAC and the USF and the Appropriated Programs, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/general/universal-service, https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund, and https://www.fcc.gov/acp. USAC will conduct outreach to these subscribers to inform them of the recertification requirement. Life Wireless provides free phone service as well as free government phones by state, with qualifying enrollment through the Lifeline phone program. This information is automatically checked against databases. Provide a printed map (such as an image from Google maps) that contains a pin and latitude and longitude coordinates identifying the location of the consumer's primary residence. The table below provides information on automated data connections. All providers who choose to provide devices to their consumers must provide devices that are Wi-Fi enabled by December 1, 2016. 2. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Tags: Lifeline. She believes that everyone has a unique story to tell, and hopes to inspire others to explore their creativity and pursue their passions. Federal rules prohibit subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline service. Text HELP to 611611 for Fast Answers. You are about to leave the FCC website and visit a third-party, non-governmental website that is maintained and controlled by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), which collects monies and administers the Universal Service Fund (USF), as well as the Appropriated Programs, under direction of the FCC. 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. To find out more about how to apply on your own through the National Verifier, visit lifelinesupport.org (click "How to Use It" under "National Verifier"). It aims to ensure that eligible households can stay connected to essential services, such as healthcare, employment, and education resources. Recertification checks will be conducted every day and 60-day recertification windows will be initiated every business day. From DIY projects to healthy recipes, Jane enjoys sharing her ideas and experiences with her readers. In these instances, additional information may need to be supplied by the consumer, as certain applications may call for fresh data and requirements. Emergency Broadband Benefit Program - Federal Communications Commission Learn more about qualifying. Verify - SafeLink Wireless If you are a person with a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, contact the Lifeline Support Center at lifelinesupport.org or call 800-234-9473. If your eligibility cannot be confirmed automatically or through any documentation you provide you will be unable to enroll or may be de-enrolled from the Lifeline program. Enhanced Lifeline Benefits for Tribal Lands. Universal Service. Please provide as much detail as possible, including the name and contact information of the individuals involved and the companies they are using to receive Lifeline-supported phone service. [1][2][3][4], Lifeline provides a discount on monthly service of $9.25 per month[1] for eligible low-income subscribers. This process is conducted to ensure that active Lifeline subscribers are still eligible for the Lifeline benefit. Consumers may need to provide documentation if their eligibility cannot be confirmed automatically by checking a program eligibility database (for example, SNAP, Medicaid, etc.). Because telephone subscribership levels on Tribal lands are the lowest in the country, enhanced Lifeline benefits are available to low-income residents of Tribal lands. Application Approval: After you submit an application, we will share the results with you. NASUCA: Barrett C. Sheridan, (717) 783-5048, bsheridan@paoca.org. Submitting supporting documentation to the National Verifier initiates a manual review process by agents at the Lifeline Support Center. ) or https:// means you've safely connected to 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. Subscribers that fail the current recertification check, but passed their previous automated eligibility check, will be required to provide proof of eligibility and complete the Recertification Form. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. No. Sign Up to Get Lifeline After you qualify, choose a phone or internet company near you and sign up for service with them. Through the Affordable Connectivity Program, eligible households receive a temporary monthly credit on broadband service. Consumers, providers, and state and Tribal administrators will be able to access components of the National Verifier to confirm eligibility, facilitate administration and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse. The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier ( National Verifier) is a centralized system that determines whether subscribers are eligible for Lifeline. Subscribers will receive an initial notice informing them that they are due for recertification. the .gov website. The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) checks consumer information when an application is submitted. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. Note: Consumers in California, Oregon, and Texasbenefit from the state database connection available in their respective states. USAC will mail a notification confirming the subscribers continued eligibility to receive the Lifeline benefit shortly after the successful recertification attempt. Online Log in or create a new account and upload copies of your proof documentation. This change led to savings of over $213 million in 2012.[10]. Recertificationis an annual requirement for Lifeline subscribers and is separate fromreverification(one-time National Verifier process). lock ( All other Lifeline waivers previously in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have ended. You likely do not need to apply again. Data checks for duplicate benefits for the same person or the same address. Up to $25 in enhanced support, in addition to up to $9.25 for traditional Lifeline service, is available to eligible low-income subscribers living on Tribal lands. A walkthrough of the recertification process can be found below: The National Verifier recertification process will generally start 90 days before a subscribers anniversary date in NLAD. FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel To learn more please visit GetInternet.gov. 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. Official websites use .govA Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers. Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. Subscribers find out immediately whether they pass/fail. P.O. To set up a National Verifier account, navigate to the NV website at https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. Follow the prompts and provide the necessary information, such as your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security number or Tribal identification number, if applicable. More detailed information regarding acceptable documentation can be found at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed/. 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/. Every subscriber in National Verifier recertification will go through an initial automated data source check that will check for the subscribers eligibility. "Household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. Some states offer additional monthly discounts through their own Lifeline programs. The guideline is based on your household size and state. If you are a person with a disability and need assistance with your Lifeline application, contact the Lifeline Support Center or call 800-243-9473. P.O. In addition, qualifying residents of federally recognized Tribal lands may receive an additional discount, known as the Tribal Link Up benefit, to reduce the cost of starting new phone or internet services. Otherwise, you may be subject to penalties. Paloma Isabel Perez Home - Universal Service Administrative Company can help you determine who is a member of your household. See the full list of qualifying factors. Talk to your provider for more information. Subscribers can recertify online via the National Verifier web portal. The budget will be $2.385 billion for the calendar year beginning January 1, 2020. Effective December 1, 2016 for new subscribers, Effective for existing subscribers first rolling recertification date. In August 2019, FCC Chairman Pai proposed further administrative changes to root out fraud and abuse of the program. To receive the connected device discount, you need to enroll in the ACP with a participating provider that offers connected devices (Note: not every internet company offers device discounts.) Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) - Spectrum Once you have logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page to view the status of your application. 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. Subscribers can also purchase discounted broadband internet from participating providers. These steps will help service providers navigate the process to join Lifeline as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC). Subscribers whose eligibility cannot be verified via the initial automated check will be required to complete the Recertification Form and may be required to provide proof of eligibility. The subscriber must present the same type of documentation covering 3 consecutive months within the previous 12 months, if the documentation does not cover a full year of income. See if your household fits into any eligible categories. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA Share sensitive information only on official, Mail Complete the cover sheet and send copies of your proof documentation to the address below. You can apply online, by mail, or by contacting your current internet company. Additionally, only one Lifeline service may be obtained per household. Do I Qualify? - Universal Service Administrative Company For audio and other access, use the "Explore Accessibility Options" link. The budget will be indexed for inflation. Talk to aparticipating companyto learn more about what services they have available for ACP recipients and to find out how to sign up. For more information, please watch this video. You can apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. Lifeline Across America Consumer Outreach. A locked padlock Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. You must choose which service you would like to receive the discount on. 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. The National Verifier assesses eligibility based on these criteria. You are likely eligible if your households income is below 200% of the Federal Poverty Line, or if you or someone you live with currently receives a government benefit like SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, WIC, Pell Grant, or Free and Reduced-Price Lunch. 202-418-0500, FY 2024 Congressional Budget Justification, FCC Announces $66 Million in Outreach Grants to Fund Projects to Expand Participation in ACP, FCC Targets Over $7M Toward Affordable Connectivity Program Awareness, Chairwoman Shares Proposal for 2nd Funding Chance to Promote ACP, a dedicated FCC process for ACP complaints, find more information about how to participate, Public Notice: FCC Announces ACP Pilot Program Grants Target Funding, News Release: FCC Targets Over $7M Toward Affordable Connectivity Program Awareness, Public Notice: NCOP and TCOP Funding Announcement, New Release: FCC Announces $66 Million in Outreach Grants to Fund Projects to Expand Participation in ACP, Chairwoman Rosenworcel Shares Targeted Proposal to Offer Another Chance for Funding to Promote ACP, FCC Provides Additional Information Concerning ACP Pilot Programs, FCC Creates 'Your Home, Your Internet' Pilot Program, FCC Establishes Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program, WCB seeks comment on petitions filed by USTELECOM - The Broadband Association and Verizon, FCC Hosts Virtual Event Tour to Promote ACP Enrollment, Over 10 Million Households Enrolled in Affordable Connectivity Program, FCC Releases Rules To Implement Affordable Connectivity Program, FCC Adopts Rules To Implement Affordable Connectivity Program, Chairwoman Rosenworcel Debuts Draft Rules for Affordable Connectivity Program, FCC Announces Affordable Connectivity Program, FCC Provides Additional Guidance on Affordable Connectivity Program, WCB Issues Further Guidance for Affordable Connectivity Program, WCB Issues Guidance for Transition to Affordable Connectivity Program, FCC Seeks Comment on the New Affordable Connectivity Program. Please note that any NLAD Dispute Resolution request sent two business days before full (hard) launch will be rejected. Online Log in or create a new account and upload copies of your proof documentation Mail You can submit applications and proof documents by mail to the address below. Lifeline Program for Low-Income Consumers | Federal Communications Lock Your email address will not be published. However, Lifeline support is available to eligible low-income subscribers living in group living facilities. Complete the application and Household Worksheet and send them, along with copies of your proof documentation, to: ACP Support Center