Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. USAC will conduct outreach to these subscribers to inform them of the recertification requirement. If you do not participate in Lifeline but receive service from a participating company that has its own low-income program, you may not need to apply for the ACP benefit. During the 60-day period, subscribers may receive up to three (3) pre-recorded messages and a reminder postcard. Provision of a link to this initiative does not imply FCC endorsement of any particular participating provider. Link Up, another federal benefit program, is a one-time benefit, per address, that reduces the initial installation or activation fees of certain Lifeline providers offering telephone service on Tribal lands. You must choose which service you would like to receive the discount on. To avoid delays, send copies of your proof documents with your initial application. In April 2019, the FCC office of Inspector General issued an advisory alert to carriers and beneficiaries in connection to fraudulent enrollment practices. During Lifeline Awareness Week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel addressed the range of Americans who can receive support from the FCC's Lifeline program. The National Verifier automatically verifies the consumers identity and address using: The National Verifier automatically verifies a consumers participation in a qualifying government program through established Computer Matching Agreements (CMA) with state and federal government organizations. Application Approval: After you submit an application, we will share the results with you. 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. Lifeline is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, commonwealth, territory, and on Tribal lands. 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. Check your email for a verification code. 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, pursuant to a waiver approved by the FCC, recertification requirements for those subscribers living on Tribal lands has been suspended until January 31, 2023. Learn more . The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. Keep in mind that this ID can also be utilized for various other advantages. Lifeline applicants may be asked to complete a one-per-household worksheet, which asks questions about your household to determine if there is more than one household at your address. Do you already get Lifeline Benefits? If we cannot confirm your eligibility automatically, we will request additional documentation from you and provide information on how you can submit those documents for review. This process is conducted to ensure that active Lifeline subscribers are still eligible for the Lifeline benefit. 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. Enter the code and click Verify. Sign Up to Get Lifeline. If you apply online, you may receive an immediate approval. 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. The table below provides information on automated data connections. 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. Share sensitive information only on official, Any advocacy contained on any third-party webpage is solely that of the third party. Information submitted to resolve application errors during business hours (9 a.m. 9 p.m. .gov website belongs to an official government Question 5: What happens after my application for Lifeline benefits is approved? USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. The information can be submitted online through the consumer or service provider portal or mailed to the Lifeline Support Center. Submitting supporting documentation to the National Verifier initiates a manual review process by agents at the Lifeline Support Center. Effective December 1, 2016 for new subscribers, Effective for existing subscribers first rolling recertification date. The ACP helps to connect Tribal communities with an enhanced benefit for consumers living on Tribal lands. Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. 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 note that consumers in California (except broadband-only consumers), Texas, and Oregon will continue to apply for the federal Lifeline benefit through the state's existing application process as they do today. A consumer whose household currently is receiving more than one Lifeline service must select a single Lifeline provider and contact the other provider to de-enroll from their program. Once the National Verifier approves your Lifeline discount eligibility, please call us at 800.417.3849 to determine . This information is automatically checked against databases. FCC Chairwoman Rosenworcel 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"). Visit the National Verifier website at https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. 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. She believes that everyone has a unique story to tell, and hopes to inspire others to explore their creativity and pursue their passions. You may also contact USAC's Lifeline Support Center for assistance at 1-800-234-9473 or by email at lifelinesupport@usac.org. 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.) Lifeline subscribers can apply their benefit to home or mobile phone service or to high-speed broadband. Since you have not registered before, select the Create An Account option on the right-hand side of the page. An eligible subscriber may receive a discount on either a wireline or wireless voice service (but not both), or on broadband or bundled service. You can see if you are eligible for Lifeline service by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org under "Do I Qualify?". Login or create a new account to complete the ACP application online (Online Application Instructions also available in 9 other languages). Ask your internet company if they participate in the ACP or use our online tool to find a participating company near you. Visit the Resolve Application Errorspage for detailed information on what documentation is accepted to resolve specific errors. You do not need to apply again. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. 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). This allows for the evaluation of whether applicants fulfill the necessary criteria for receiving benefits. To locate a Lifeline provider in your state, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report. The discount helps ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, healthcare, and educational resources. For audio and other access, use the "Explore Accessibility Options" link. If your National Verifier ID qualifies for the program, your application has a higher chance of success. 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. If you reside in Connecticut, return the Lifeline application with the official documents to: Verizon Lifeline Services. If you're looking for more information about the Affordable Connectivity Program go here. Please refer to the. the .gov website. Enter your login credentials (username and password) and sign in to your account. Subscribers found to be violating the one-discount-per-household rule may also be subject to criminal and/or civil penalties. After you qualify, choose a phone or internet company near you and sign up for service with them. "Bringing Lifeline to Commmunities Nationwide" Member Access Find Event Member Login Home Member Login Username Password Remember Me Forgot Password Federal Communications Commission. You likely do not need to apply again. Some states offer additional monthly discounts through their own Lifeline programs. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. [8] On January 31, 2012, the FCC ordered a Lifeline Reform Order[9] to require that Lifeline subscribers show documentation about their income. Subscribers may receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service, but may not receive a discount on both services at the same 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. Member Login - Lifeline Assistance Program This site is privately owned and is not affiliated with any government agency. A window will appear, prompting you to input your login details. Box 7081. Lifeline also supports broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles. SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Tribal TANF = Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. It determines whether consumers are eligible for Lifeline. Use our search tool to find a company that offers ACP discounts. Lock 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. These steps will help service providers navigate the process to join Lifeline as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC). Reach out to your internet company directly to see if you can enroll in the program. "Household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. Additionally, only one Lifeline service may be obtained per household. The National Verifiers homepage can be found at https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. If you have not yet registered with Nv.fcc.gov Lifeline, you will need to do so. 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. Service providers will be able to see which subscribers are currently undergoing recertification via the Recertification Subscriber Status Report, which will be available in National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). Any advocacy contained on any third-party webpage is solely that of the third party. The FCC will use the contact information provided to share outreach information, as well as Emergency Broadband Benefit details and updates. Apply now to confirm you qualify for the Lifeline program. Question 2: How do I know if I am eligible for Lifeline benefits? For inquiries or feedback regarding the National Verifier, dial 1-800-234-9473, which connects you to USACs Lifeline Support Center. and Veterans Pension, SNAP, Medicaid*, FPHA, SSI, income, and Veterans Pension. Application ID is also available on the Recertification Subscriber Status Report in NLAD. The latest FCC waiver order was released September 30, 2022 (download PDF: https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/DA-22-1039A1.pdf)and it will help ensure that Lifeline subscribers are not involuntarily removed from the Lifeline program during this time of national crisis. The ACP and Lifeline Support Centers mailing address has changed to P.O. The Order promotes access to Wi-Fi enabled devices and hotspot functionality to help close the homework gap. Helping families get connected to broadband during the pandemic. Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Designations, More information about ETC requirements available here. Follow along as Jane shares her journey and tips for living a fulfilling life. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household. 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). Two Steps to Enroll Apply Now Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application. Consumers can check with their Lifeline provider to see if they offer Link Up. If you are having issues with your mobile phone or other hardware associated with your Lifeline service, please contact your service provider directly. More detailed information regarding acceptable documentation can be found at: https://www.lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed/. 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. This option is only available if you DO NOT have to provide proof documentation. Question 3: How much can I save on my phone or internet bill with Lifeline? Required fields are marked *. Sign In HomeHelp Tools Tools See our worksheets and other resources to help you receive your benefit. 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). Various internet providers, including those offering landline and wireless internet service, are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. Once you have logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page to view the status of your application. Online through the National Verifier web portal https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline. 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. All other Lifeline waivers previously in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have ended. Lifeline is an FCCprogram that helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. 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. A household is eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program if the household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below: Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. Secure .gov websites use HTTPSA You may transfer your Lifeline benefit to a new company at any time. 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. Answer: The Lifeline program is a federal initiative designed to provide low-income consumers with affordable access to phone and internet services. 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*. Below are highlights of the reforms made in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order: * Minimum service standards and support amounts will be implemented on the later of December 1, 2016 or 60 days after PRA approval. FCC rules protect Affordable Connectivity Program recipients by: Check out the Affordable Connectivity Program Consumer FAQ for more information about the benefit. Question 1: What is the Lifeline program? Your email address will not be published. You may be eligible to get Lifeline based on your income or participation in a government assistance program. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. After you qualify, choose a phone or internet company near you that offers the Lifeline benefit and sign up for service with them. Federal rules prohibit qualifying low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline service at the same time. Every subscriber in National Verifier recertification will go through an initial automated data source check. The Affordable Connectivity Program is administered by USAC with oversight from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Note: Consumers in California, Oregon, and Texasbenefit from the state database connection available in their respective states. Failure to recertify during this time will result in automatic de-enrollment. It will be used each year when you complete Annual Certification. Answer: The Lifeline program provides a monthly discount of up to $9.25 for eligible subscribers. 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. 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. Otherwise, you may be subject to penalties. 2. Provide documentation to prove your eligibility, such as proof of participation in a qualifying government assistance program or proof of income. secure websites. Official websites use .govA NASUCA: Barrett C. Sheridan, (717) 783-5048, bsheridan@paoca.org. All rights reserved. Subscribers who fail to recertify their eligibility will be de-enrolled from the Lifeline program. Once when you first enroll, and once every year that you have Lifeline-supported service. Spotlights Lifeline Program. Consumers who would like assistance from a service provider when applying can use the "Companies Near Me" tool to locate a Lifeline program service provider in their area. Visit the National Verifier. Subscribers who fail the initial automated checks will receive a barcoded version of Form 5630 from USAC to submit via mail. 1. 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. Deputy Director, Office of Media Relationsanne.veigle@fcc.gov, Office of Media Relationsmediarelations@fcc.gov Subscribers will receive an initial notice informing them that they are due for recertification. Video: Chairwoman Rosenworcel | en espaol | ASL. On May 12, 2021, the EBB Program launched and consumers could apply for the program through the National Verifier and service providers began enrolling consumers. If you become ineligible, you must contact your provider immediately to de-enroll from the program. The Michigan Department of Attorney General announced on February 21, 2023, the sentencing of an individual who NLAD Maintenance The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS),Representative Accountability Database (RAD), and the Affordable Connectivity Claims 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. Already Receive Lifeline? The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). 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. The National Verifier assesses eligibility based on these criteria. the .gov website. Assistance for the National Verifier is available not only online, but also through phone support.