Lifeline subscribers must recertify annually to confirm they continue to meet the program’s eligibility guidelines. Eligible consumers can receive one Lifeline discount service per household, including wireless and landline services.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) or your state will check to see if you still qualify for the yearly discount. You’ll get a letter, phone call, or text reminder if you need to recertify.
Verify Eligibility
Subscribers often get a notification from USAC that it’s time to recertify by the anniversary of their provider-specific Lifeline program membership. To begin their lifeline recertification process, subscribers will get a mail with renewal instructions and a copy of the annual recertification form. Subscriptions can receive discounted monthly talk, text, and data upon renewal.
To verify eligibility for the Lifeline program, prospective new customers must either submit income documentation or provide proof of participation in one of many approved assistance programs serving low-income households. The certification process is done by a third-party contractor that operates call centers to assist Lifeline customers with enrolling in the program.
After a customer is verified, the eligible telecommunications carrier must query the appropriate income databases to confirm that the subscriber meets the income-based qualification criteria for the Lifeline program. Acceptable proof includes a statement of benefits from a qualified assistance program from the current or previous year, a letter or notice attesting to participation in a suitable assistance program, and confirmation that the household’s income is above the monthly Lifeline household maximum.
It’s crucial to read and respond to all notifications from a service provider, including the annual recertification notification. Ignoring these notifications or missing the deadline can result in a loss of services. It could be disastrous for consumers who rely on their Lifeline phones for medical alerts and communication with family members.
Notify the Subscriber
Eligible telecommunications carriers must notify each eligible low-income customer in writing (separate from the monthly bill) that they must self-certify for Lifeline by providing documentation of their continued eligibility for service. The notification letter must specify how the client can recertify, offer a 60-day response window, and warn that failure to respond within the allotted time would result in immediate de-enrollment from the Lifeline program.
Subscribers can recertify by mail using the postage-paid envelope included in their recertification notice or online using USAC’s national verifier web portal. Subscribers can recertify by mail using the postage-paid envelope included in their recertification notice or online using USAC’s verifier web portal. Subscribers can find out immediately whether they have been approved.
The subscriber must respond to all notification letters and robocalls. If they don’t, they risk losing their Lifeline discount and other vital services like communication with family members or emergency medical notifications. Subscribers should also monitor their email and mailbox to pay attention to reports and essential deadlines.
Complete the Recertification Process
Once the data source check is complete, USAC will notify subscribers that require verification. Subscribers who pass the initial automated check will not have to take additional steps. Subscribers who do not pass the review must self-certify and provide proof of eligibility. USAC will assist with contacting subscribers via letter, phone, or text.
The Lifeline program is a valuable service that allows eligible individuals and households to stay connected to their families, friends, and work. Every year Lifeline participants are required to recertify their eligibility for the program. Recertification helps ensure that only eligible subscribers receive the free talk, text, and data benefits the program offers.
If you have been notified that your Lifeline recertification is due, renewing your eligibility as soon as possible is essential. Please do so to avoid de-enrollment from the program and loss of your talk, text, and data benefits.
To recertify, you need your application ID. You can find it on the renewal form the Lifeline administrator USAC sent. The fastest way to recertify is by calling the phone number on your renewal form. The recertification process takes about 15 minutes, and you will be informed immediately if your recertification is successful. The phone line is open daily from 8 am to 7 pm.
Remind the Subscriber
GCI subscribers using their Lifeline benefits for phone and internet services must recertify yearly. This process is designed to help ensure those who qualify for the assistance program remain eligible. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will contact any subscriber who needs to recertify with a letter that includes renewal instructions and a recertification form. Following the expiration of the recertification deadline, USAC will contact subscribers by phone, text, or email to remind them that it is time to renew their benefits.
To keep their service active, a subscriber must submit the requested documentation to USAC within 60 days of the request. This information can be submitted online or taken to a GCI retail store. Failed or non-responsive subscribers must be de-enrolled from the Lifeline program.
Low-income households and individuals can maintain relationships with their loved ones thanks to the Lifeline Program. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the FCC has announced that it will temporarily adjust the guidelines for acceptable documentation to make it easier for some consumers to prove their income meets the Lifeline eligibility requirements. Visit the USAC Announcements website to find out more information about these changes. Everyone needs to be aware of their notifications and deadlines as a result. When it comes to Lifeline recertification, this is especially true.