Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Designations, More information about ETC requirements available here. If you, or any person in your household, are currently receiving more than one monthly Lifeline service, you must select one provider to provide your Lifeline service and you must contact the other provider to de-enroll from their program. During the 60-day period, subscribers may receive up to three (3) pre-recorded messages and a reminder postcard. Lifeline Across America is a federal-state working group established in 2005 to review outreach efforts on the Lifeline program and provide state, local, and Tribal entities with information and resources to help ensure that low-income consumers are aware of the program and understand the requirements for participation. Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. In the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order, the Commission included broadband as a support service in the Lifeline program. Subscribers will receive scheduled reminders until they successfully recertify. You can see if you are eligible for Lifeline service by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org under "Do I Qualify?". 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. To learn more please visit GetInternet.gov. For low-income consumers living on Tribal lands, Lifeline provides a monthly discount of up to $34.25 off the cost of telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled services (either wireline or wireless). 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. In the top right corner, you can choose between English and Spanish language options. Pre-recorded messages inform subscribers: 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. 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. 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. See how you can save on any Internet speed with Spectrum. Please do not share any sensitive personal information via email. [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. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. If your National Verifier ID qualifies for the program, your application has a higher chance of success. 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. This change led to savings of over $213 million in 2012.[10]. Inform the provider that you have been approved for Lifeline benefits through the National Verifier, and they will assist you with the enrollment process. Sign Up to Get Lifeline. Video: Chairwoman Rosenworcel | en espaol | ASL. Circulation reached a high of 25,116 in . The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. See the full list of qualifying factors. 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. This option is only available if you DO NOT have to provide proof documentation. Lifeline also supports broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles. Tribal Lands Link Up provides qualified subscribers living on Tribal lands with a one-time discount of up to $100 on the initial installation or activation of telephone service at their primary residence. Note: Consumers in California, Oregon, and Texasbenefit from the state database connection available in their respective states. 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/. Lifeline is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, commonwealth, territory, and on Tribal lands. Online through the National Verifier web portal https://nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. USAC will mail a notification confirming the subscribers continued eligibility to receive the Lifeline benefit shortly after the successful recertification attempt. Do you already get Lifeline Benefits? If you are having issues with your mobile phone or other hardware associated with your Lifeline service, please contact your service provider directly. After logging in, you will see USAC's new single portal application dashboard if you have access to more than one application. Box 7081. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. [12] This change will also prohibit carriers from paying commissions to employees or agencies based on the number of customers they enroll. Provide documentation to prove your eligibility, such as proof of participation in a qualifying government assistance program or proof of income. Member Login - Lifeline Assistance Program This site is privately owned and is not affiliated with any government agency. The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) checks consumer information when an application is submitted. The FCC will use the contact information provided to share outreach information, as well as Emergency Broadband Benefit details and updates. No. You can see if you are eligible by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org (click "Do I Qualify?"). [1][2][3][4], Lifeline provides a discount on monthly service of $9.25 per month[1] for eligible low-income subscribers. You may also print the application for Iowa, New York, North Dakota, or Wisconsin below. Use an interview-style approach to ask the consumer for the required information, complete the application, and upload documentation (if needed). https://www.fcc.gov/general/universal-service, https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-connectivity-fund, Talk to your Lifeline provider about the services they may have available as part of the ACP, including options to apply the discounts to your existing Lifeline service, or. Sign in using the applicable National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) or National Verifier-only credentials. 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. Assistance for the National Verifier is available not only online, but also through phone support. 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. 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. NARUC: Regina Davis, rdavis@naruc.org ET) online is reviewed within minutes. If you are currently enrolled in the Lifeline program, you do not have to apply again for the ACP. Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. Please note that any NLAD Dispute Resolution request sent two business days before full (hard) launch will be rejected. If you apply online, you may be able to receive immediate approval. Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. 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. Which Internet Service Providers Are Participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program? Information submitted to resolve application errors during business hours (9 a.m. 9 p.m. Subscribers will receive an initial notice informing them that they are due for recertification. If you reside in Connecticut, return the Lifeline application with the official documents to: Verizon Lifeline Services. [1] An "economic unit" is defined as "all adult individuals contributing to and sharing in the income and expenses of a household." Visit the National Verifier website at https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. Learn about your rights as a consumer in the program. The Lifeline Eligibility Pre-Screening tool available at https://www.lifelinesupport.org (select "Do I Qualify?") Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. All rights reserved. The National Verifier is responsible for assessing the qualification of individuals seeking Lifeline benefits. Text HELP to 611611 for Fast Answers. Consumers that submit information via mail to resolve application errors will receive a review decision via US Mail within seven to 10 business days. Users are notified through the online portal when the information is reviewed. On August 5, 2022, the Commission adopted rules establishing the Affordable Connectivity Outreach Grant Program and the Your Home, Your Internet Pilot Program, which is designed to increase awareness of the ACP, specifically among recipients of federal housing assistance. Please provide as much detail as possible, including your name and contact information and the company you are using to receive Lifeline-supported phone service. The Commission also set out minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported services to ensure maximum value for the universal service dollar, and established a National Eligibility Verifier to make independent subscriber eligibility determinations. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Data checks for duplicate benefits for the same person or the same address. For audio and other access, use the "Explore Accessibility Options" link. Find internet service providers offering the benefit in your state or territory. 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. Acceptable documentation for income eligibility verification includes: The prior year's state, federal or Tribal tax return; current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub; Social Security statement of benefits; Veterans Administration statement of benefits; retirement or pension statement of benefits; Unemployment or Workers' Compensation statement of benefits; federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance; or divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information. Recertification checks will be conducted every day and 60-day recertification windows will be initiated every business day. Talk to your provider for more information. It determines whether consumers are eligible for Lifeline. To locate a Lifeline provider in your state, go to https://data.usac.org/publicreports/CompaniesNearMe/Download/Report. 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. 2023 Universal Service Administrative Company. An official website of the United States government. 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. 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. If you need to talk to someone about your eligibility or application status, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575. The budget will be indexed for inflation. An eligible consumer may receive a discount on either a wireline or wireless service, but not both. Already Receive Lifeline? In April 2019, the FCC office of Inspector General issued an advisory alert to carriers and beneficiaries in connection to fraudulent enrollment practices. Keep in mind that this ID can also be utilized for various other advantages. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Life Wireless provides free phone service as well as free government phones by state, with qualifying enrollment through the Lifeline phone program. Are you already enrolled in Lifeline? Federal rules prohibit qualifying low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline service at the same time. Please refer to the ACP Bulletins page and Lifeline Announcements page for more details. You do not need to apply again. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. Additional disclosures may be made when necessary and appropriate under 5 U.S.C. Various internet providers, including those offering landline and wireless internet service, are participating in the Affordable Connectivity Program. They also say that although 74% of Lifeline subscribers have access to broadband on their smartphone or computer,[11] it is critical to also provide access to standalone broadband service in their homes due to data caps and the usability differences between smartphones and computers. National Verifier for Lifeline Eligibility. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. 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. You may be eligible to get Lifeline based on your income or participation in a government assistance program. Lifeline applicants may demonstrate when initially enrolling in the program that any other Lifeline recipients residing at their residential address are part of a separate household. The guideline is based on your household size and state. Some providers may have an alternative application that they will ask you to complete. 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. Third-Party Identity Verification (TPIV). Recertification is an annual requirement for Lifeline subscribers and is separate from reverification (one-time National Verifier process). The FCC is currently developing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that Congress created in the recent COVID relief legislation. Recertificationis an annual requirement for Lifeline subscribers and is separate fromreverification(one-time National Verifier process). [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. This process is conducted to ensure that active Lifeline subscribers are still eligible for the Lifeline benefit. The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier ( National Verifier) is a centralized system that determines whether subscribers are eligible for Lifeline. Once we approve your application for the ACP benefit, you can choose a company that offers ACP discounts and sign up for service. After submitting your application, you can check its status by logging into your account and navigating to the appropriate section. On March 31, 2016, the Commission adopted a comprehensive reform and modernization of the Lifeline program. 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). Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service. 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. 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. Lifeline is the Federal Communications Commission's program, established in 1985, intended to make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Program and Income Verification An official website of the United States government. 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. The National Verifiers homepage can be found at https://nv.fcc.gov/lifeline. Participating companies can help you apply through their companys application process. Helping families get connected to broadband during the pandemic. Consumers can check with their Lifeline provider to see if they offer Link Up. The ACP and Lifeline Support Centers mailing address has changed to P.O. Federal rules prohibit subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline service. Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel talks about how the ACP can help families get connected to internet service (video is ASL interpreted). All other Lifeline waivers previously in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have ended. Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. secure websites. Answer: No, Lifeline benefits can only be applied to one service per household, either a phone (landline or wireless) or internet service. Talk to aparticipating companyto learn more about what services they have available for ACP recipients and to find out how to sign up. Lifeline Wireless Application Status Check Status To check the status of your free government phone service application, enter the information below to see if: Your application was mailed Your approval letter has been sent Your Phone has shipped *Service Zip Code SUBMIT What State Do You Live In? 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]. Review your application and ensure all information is accurate before submitting. To participate, please fill out and submit the form below: The FCC is authorized to collect this information pursuant to 47 U.S.C. Spectrum Internet Gig $89.99/mo $59.99/mo. If, in a given year, spending meets or exceeds 90% of the budget, FCC staff will write a report detailing the causes of the increased spending, and recommending any necessary changes. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now using a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier to review an applicant's Lifeline eligibility. Learn more . Applicant data for Lifeline programs is stored within the systems framework. For more information, please watch this video. 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. Please refer to the ACP Bulletins page and Lifeline Announcements page for more details. USAC will conduct outreach to these subscribers to inform them of the recertification requirement. On the next page, confirm the email associated with your account and click Send Email. The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. On November 15, 2021, Congress created the Affordable Connectivity Program, a long-term, $14 billion program, which will replaced the EBB Program. Use our search tool to find a company that offers ACP discounts. This information is automatically checked against databases. Two Steps to Enroll Apply Now Go to AffordableConnectivity.gov to submit an application or print out a mail-in application. Similarly, federal rules prohibit qualifying low-income consumers from receiving more than one Tribal Link Up discount at a primary residence.
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