Assistance comes in many forms. So stop asking ‘”can you hear me now” because there may be a way to get support with communication expenses so they are more affordable. What do we mean by that? Well, we will be going over the Lifeline program. Federal programs like this one can get you affordable service depending on some certain factors. The best part is that this can even apply to services other than phone service like internet! Everything you need to know is right below.

What is the Lifeline Program?

Let’s give you some insight on the Lifeline Program. This federal program offers a monthly discount up to $9.25. For qualifying people in tribal areas, the monthly discount can go up to $34.25. However, you only get one discount for one service per family on wireline and wireless services. On the bright side, the benefits don’t stop there. You can find benefits on internet services, broadband voice-bundles, and broadband internet services too!

If you want to thank someone, then you should be grateful for the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). They are responsible for creating this program that could help you! However, you should know that the program’s administration and management comes from the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Their responsibilities include: assisting recipients as they apply, from qualifying to the recertification process. Also, you might find that the USAC is a free information source on the Lifeline program.

With the Lifeline Program, the FCC set a definition for the term “household”. Their definition is “an individual or a group of individuals that live/reside at the same address as a singular economic unit.” Adults who take part in the income and costs of the “household” are part of the “economic unit”. In the case that you are staying in a group home, you do not need to worry about it. You just need to make sure that your “household” is eligible for benefits.

Tribal Land Lifeline Benefits

Some carriers do not accept Tribal Lands Link Up, which is why you need to be careful with your carrier. If you are wondering what Tribal Lands Link Up is, then it is a program that offers extra benefits to use once that could reach $100. Furthermore, activating or installing a phone as a first-timer can lead to an additional discount. Also, when the fees of services are more than $200, the Tribal Lands Link Up program could help with different options for financing like a zero-interest payment plan for a year.

Lifeline Program Regulations and Eligibility

Did you know you can qualify in more than one way? The first option is by participating in a qualifying federal program. Another way to be eligible for Lifeline benefits is by meeting income requirements in earning at or less than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you want to know some of the qualifying programs, then you should consider the following: 

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefits
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Certain Tribal Assistance Opportunities

There are specific guidelines that you need to follow to participate in the Lifeline Program like showing that you qualify, only getting one Lifelines service per family, and recertifying to keep your eligibility. Finding out whether you qualify for the program is easy. You can just look it up online through lifelinesupport.org. The website has a page, Do I Qualify, with all the eligibility information you need.

How to Apply for Lifeline Program and The Documents Necessary

The FCC designed a National Verifier application system to figure out an applicant’s current situation and their eligibility status. The USAC is in charge of running this system that new and existing applicants need to use. Existing users use this system for the recertification process. 

Using the toll free number 1-800-234-9473, you can reach the Lifeline Support Center to apply. Additionally, you can also email LifelineSupport@usac.org. Both are common among applicants. However, those ways are not the only way to apply. The National Verifier Portal is another easy way for people to handle the application process. Also keep note that regardless of which way you choose to apply, you can get additional information from all three sources! 

As mentioned above, qualifying comes with conditions like offering the following documents. Without evidence of your eligibility, you might not get Lifeline benefits. Some of these documents include:

• Participation documents and notice letter from a qualifying federal program
•  Official documentation and benefits statement from a qualifying federal program
• Forms of Income Confirmation (tax returns for the previous years, your job’s income statement and paycheck stubs, a divorce decree, a child support award, and more.)

Recertifying Your Benefits

If you want to milk the most out of your benefits then you will want to ensure that you follow the necessary steps. Annually you will need to recertify. Losing your benefits can be rough to deal with, especially if done when you don’t expect it. On top of that, penalties can be a problem if not dis-enrolled properly. Staying eligible is as easy as continuing to meet the income standards, re-certifying, and ensuring that you are the sole owner of Lifeline in your household.

Who’s in My Household?

That family member or friend who still hasn’t left your house is a part of your household. A household is defined as a group of persons, residing at the same address provided and maintaining a single space together by the FCC. Basically living under the same roof and contributing to the bills. 

Ensure before applying that you have your household in order. Have a clear-cut system of who you deem a household member. This is especially important because you will need to fill out their information when going through the application. This will assist in determining whether or not your household is deemed to qualify. Additionally, if you or someone in your household has a disability, there are some things to keep in mind. Applicants with a disability will need to reach out to the FCC. This will be where applicants can find the Disability Rights Office. They will be able to assist with any comments, concerns, and questions regarding disabled applicants. Below are forms of contact:

• Calling their toll-free phone number at 1-800-234-9473 
• Emailing them at LifelineSupport@usac.org. 

Furthermore, the FCC includes a Disability Rights office that can help you. You can contact them by:

• Talking phone calls at 202-418-2517
• Video calls at 844-432-2275
• Email at DRO@fcc.gov.

The Final Verdict

Throughout this article we learned many things about the Lifeline program. Such as the possibility of cheaper phone service, and even programs that will automatically qualify you. These programs include Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Lifeline program can assist with discounts of up to $9.25 for non-tribal households or $34.25 for those in tribal lands.