Contact your preferred participating provider to select a plan and have the discount applied to your bill. 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. 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. Click the "Sign In" button in the upper right corner of the screen. 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). USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. During Lifeline Awareness Week, FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel addressed the range of Americans who can receive support from the FCC's Lifeline program. 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. [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. 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 inquiries or feedback regarding the National Verifier, dial 1-800-234-9473, which connects you to USACs Lifeline Support Center. Effective December 1, 2016 for new subscribers, Effective for existing subscribers first rolling recertification date. 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. Your internet company will provide the discount to you. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting. Acceptable documentation to verify eligibility based on participation in a qualifying program includes a recent (dated within the past 12 months): statement of benefits from a qualifying program; notice letter of participation in qualifying program; program participation documents (or copy); or another official document of a qualifying 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. 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*. If you become ineligible, you must contact your provider immediately to de-enroll from the program. 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. More ASL video: Watch to learn about the ACP, who is eligible and how to apply. Learn more . Universal Service Administrative Company At the National Verifier full (hard) launch, service providers must use the National Verifier when helping consumers apply to the Lifeline Program. Adjacent to these options, you will find a Sign in button. Only one Lifeline benefit is permitted per household. 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. FCC rules prohibit more than one Lifeline service per household. 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. How do I apply for the Lifeline Assistance Program? USAC will mail a notification confirming the subscribers continued eligibility to receive the Lifeline benefit shortly after the successful recertification attempt. 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. You can see if you are eligible for Lifeline service by reviewing the information available at lifelinesupport.org under "Do I Qualify?". 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. USAC manages the National Verifier and its customer service department, the Lifeline Support Center. P.O. [1][2][3][4], Lifeline provides a discount on monthly service of $9.25 per month[1] for eligible low-income subscribers. Participating companies can help you apply through their companys application process. FCC Press Secretarypaloma.perez@fcc.gov, Anne Veigle 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. Service providers: find more information about how to participate. USAC manages the NV and provides customer service to consumers through the Lifeline Support Center. No. You can apply your Lifeline and ACP benefit to the same or separate services. 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). 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). Once we approve your application for the ACP benefit, you can choose a company that offers ACP discounts and sign up for service. 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. 2023 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. 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. Meet Jane, a passionate blogger with a love for all things creative. The National Verifier assesses eligibility based on these criteria. Talk to aparticipating companyto learn more about what services they have available for ACP recipients and to find out how to sign up. Already Receive Lifeline? After you qualify, choose a phone or internet company near you that offers the Lifeline benefit and sign up for service with them. You can submit these documents electronically through the National Verifier website. Manage Your Benefit Recertify Every year, USAC will check to confirm you still qualify. You can also ask your current company to apply your Lifeline benefit to a service you are already getting. Affordable Connectivity Program | Federal Communications Commission On March 31, 2016, the Commission adopted a comprehensive reform and modernization of the Lifeline program. 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? Subscribers who fail to recertify their eligibility will be de-enrolled from the Lifeline program. My Account - Lifeline 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). the .gov website. For more information, please contact the FCC at ACPinfo@fcc.gov. For specific directions on how to apply for Lifeline in all three states, visit the National Verifier and select the relevant state from the drop-down menu and press "Get Started.". Enhanced Lifeline Benefits for Tribal Lands. Federal Communications Commission. Any mail sent to the old mailing address will be forwarded for a period of time. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Subscribers can request Link Up once for each change of their primary residential (home) address. Subscribers can also purchase discounted broadband internet from participating providers. When a consumers information is not found, the consumer can provide additional information for verification. Third-Party Identity Verification (TPIV). The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). 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. Consumers may also apply to the Lifeline Program on their own, through the National Verifier consumer portal or by mail. Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service. Life Wireless provides access to reliable 5G (where . All other Lifeline waivers previously in place as a result of the coronavirus pandemic have ended. Note: Consumers in California, Oregon, and Texasbenefit from the state database connection available in their respective states. However, Lifeline support is available to eligible low-income subscribers living in group living facilities. "Household" is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address as one economic unit. The FCC will use the contact information provided to share outreach information, as well as Emergency Broadband Benefit details and updates. Lifeline Discount Program for Home Phone & Internet - Verizon Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income subscribers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. Mail Complete the cover sheet and send copies of your proof documentation to the address below. .gov website belongs to an official government Answer: The Lifeline program is a federal initiative designed to provide low-income consumers with affordable access to phone and internet services. 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. 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. Box 16805. Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. Recertification Application Types and Methods for Recertifying, Recertify by Interactive Voice Response (IVR). The budget will be indexed for inflation. Official websites use .govA The Lifeline discount for eligible subscribers is up to $9.25 per month for qualifying monthly broadband or bundled services that meet the broadband minimum service standards. You may become ineligible for Lifeline if your income has increased, you no longer participate in a qualifying federal benefit program, or someone else in your household gets Lifeline service. Application Approval: After you submit an application, we will share the results with you. A window will appear, prompting you to input your login details. Lifeline service providers can log into the National Verifier, NLAD, and LCS using One Portal. 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. [12] This change will also prohibit carriers from paying commissions to employees or agencies based on the number of customers they enroll. The discount helps ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, healthcare, and educational resources. You can apply online, by mail, or by contacting your current internet company. Service providers can also contact consumers about pending recertification to inform them that should have heard from USAC and should respond to USAC. You do not need to apply again. Online Log in or create a new account and upload copies of your proof documentation. Are you already enrolled in 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. Allison Jones at (202) 418-1571. During the National Verifier soft launch period, service providers will receive access to the National Verifier pre-production (test) environment to test out the system functionalities with mock data. Eligible consumers can get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services. 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.) Subscribers will only be due for recertification after they have successfully completed . National Verifier: Lifeline - Verifier ID - Phone Number 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. To recertify using your Tribal ID number, call (800) 234-9437 and press 1 to talk to a live agent. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is now using a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier to review an applicant's Lifeline eligibility. It will be used each year when you complete Annual Certification. the .gov website. 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. Sign In HomeHelp Tools Tools See our worksheets and other resources to help you receive your benefit. Eligible households must both apply for the program and contact a participating provider to select a service plan. FCC rules protect Affordable Connectivity Program recipients by: Check out the Affordable Connectivity Program Consumer FAQ for more information about the benefit. Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. The FCC is mobilizing people and organizations to help share important consumer information about the new Affordable Connectivity Program. Once you have logged in, navigate to the appropriate section or page to view the status of your application. USAC Lifeline National Verifier (NV) National Verifier (NV) The National Verifier (NV) is Lifeline's centralized application system. There are several options to apply for Lifeline. This allows for the evaluation of whether applicants fulfill the necessary criteria for receiving benefits. P.O. In these instances, additional information may need to be supplied by the consumer, as certain applications may call for fresh data and requirements.