FCC Eases Lifeline Process for Unemployed Americans During Pandemic

The Federal Communications Commission made it easier for individuals who have lost their employment during the coronavirus pandemic and who qualify for Lifeline benefits to enroll in the Lifeline program. Specifically, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau temporarily waived the requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation. 

Under FCC rules, consumers can demonstrate eligibility for the Lifeline program by either showing that they participate in one of the established qualifying programs, such as Medicaid or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or by showing that their household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Individuals who have lost their jobs during the pandemic may not be able to verify their income-based eligibility for Lifeline with three consecutive months of income documentation because their unemployment and related decrease in income began so recently. Until June 30, 2020, consumers demonstrating their income-based eligibility can instead submit an official document that confirms their current income information, such as a notice of unemployment benefits. The Bureau will monitor the situation to determine whether any addition extension of this waiver is appropriate. In light of the ongoing pandemic, April 29’s order also extends the Bureau’s previous waivers of the Lifeline program’s recertification, reverification, general de-enrollment, and usage requirements until June 30, 2020. This extension will help ensure that no current Lifeline subscribers are involuntarily removed from the program during the waiver period.