1 Universal Service Administrative CompanyLifeline Program Overview
2 What is it? Monthly discount on phone and/or broadband serviceSubscribers prove eligibility through participation in a qualifying program or demonstrating income at or below 135% of federal poverty guideline Available in every state, territory, commonwealth & on Tribal lands 13 million U.S. households participate in the federal Lifeline program © 2017 Universal Service Administrative Co. l Lifeline Program
3 STREAMLINED ELIGIBILITYLifeline qualifying programs include: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Medicaid Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Income-based (at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines) Additional eligibility programs for Tribal lands © 2017 Universal Service Administrative Co. l Lifeline Program
4 What is covered? Fixed or mobile voice Fixed or mobile broadbandMust meet monthly minimum service standards 500 mobile voice minutes, 500 MB of data at 3G speed or better (mobile), or 10/1 Mbps speed with at least 150 GB (fixed) Cannot apply benefit to equipment 12 month benefit port freeze (60 days for voice) © 2017 Universal Service Administrative Co. l Lifeline Program
5 Current Enrollment ProcessConsumer contacts service provider of their choice to enroll in the program Service provider verifies eligibility If eligible, begins providing discounted service SP submits for reimbursement for service provided to USAC USAC reimburses SP Applicant Service Providers © 2017 Universal Service Administrative Co. l Lifeline Program
6 Program Rules Lifeline is available only to subscribers who can document their eligibility Only one Lifeline benefit is permitted per household Subscribers are required to recertify their eligibility every year Must demonstrate usage at least once every 30 days © 2017 Universal Service Administrative Co. l Lifeline Program
7 Contact Us General inquiries: [email protected]Consumer facing materials: Sign up for Lifeline Program updates and upcoming events Visit usac.org/li and click “subscribe” in the upper-right corner © 2017 Universal Service Administrative Co. l Lifeline Program