woman with free lifeline government phone service

Lifeline Recertification

Lifeline provides individuals and families across the nation with accessibility to affordable communications services. However, the rules state that households must apply for Lifeline renewal annually. So what does the Lifeline recertification process look like?

You will receive a text and letter about recertifying/renewing your Lifeline benefit. This page will help Lifeline-only and Lifeline + ACP Combo plan customers learn how to renew Lifeline service and keep their benefit(s) active!

California residents must recertify with the California LifeLine administrator, here.

Texas residents must go through the Lifeline recertification online with the Texas Lifeline administrator, here.

Renew by Phone         Learn More
Customers who need to provide documentation cannot renew by phone but can renew online or by mail.

Note: To Recertify an ACP Benefit Visit This Page

RENEW ACP

How to Renew Lifeline Service

All Lifeline subscribers are required to recertify Lifeline every year to keep their free monthly talk, text, and data! This page provides details on how verify eligibility and get approved for another year. California residents must recertify with the California LifeLine administrator, here. Texas residents must renew with the Texas Lifeline administrator, here.

What You Will Need To Recertify

In most cases, all you need to renew Lifeline service is your Application ID, located on your renewal letter (and sent to you in text messages). Once you have your Application ID, you can renew your Lifeline service online, by phone, or by mail.

Customers with Lifeline and ACP benefits will need to determine which program(s) they need to renew. Learn more here.

If you are required to provide additional proof of eligibility, you will not be able to use the recertify by phone method, but can still renew Lifeline service online or by mail.

Renew by Phone         Learn More
Customers who need to provide documentation cannot renew by phone but can renew online or by mail.

entouch wireless lifeline renewal checklist

Call the USAC Support Line for all Questions & Concerns
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Woman applying for free lifeline government phone service

What Happens If You Don’t Recertify?

If you are on a Lifeline-only plan, you will no longer have access to your free talk, text, and data. You may still qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), learn more here.

Customers who are on a Lifeline + ACP combo plan and do not renew their Lifeline benefit will be automatically de-enrolled from the Lifeline program and moved to the ACP-only plan for their state. See ACP Terms & Conditions for details.

Recertify your Lifeline eligibility to continue receiving your discounted monthly talk, text, and data! 

Renew by Phone

How It Works

When it is time to renew your Lifeline service, you will receive a letter from the Lifeline Administrator, USAC. This letter comes in a blue envelope. The letter contains renewal instructions and a copy of the Annual Recertification Form. You will have 60 days to complete recertification before you automatically lose your Lifeline benefit. Customers who also have an ACP benefit and are unsure which program to renew can learn more below.

Renew by Phone

Complete renewal over the phone via the Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. Get your results in about 10 minutes. Those who need to submit proof documents cannot renew via IVR and must renew online or by mail.

Renew by Phone

Customers who need to provide documentation cannot renew by phone but can renew online or by mail.

Renew Online

Complete recertification online via the National Verifier web portal. Instructions to renew online are included in the letter mailed to you by USAC. Log in or create an account to begin recertification. Results are immediate.

ONLINE RENEWAL

Renew by Mail

Complete the recertification form sent to you by USAC and return it by the indicated due date to:

    • USAC
      Lifeline Support Center
      P.O. Box 7081
      London, KY 40742

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Lifeline Renewal FAQ

What if I have a Lifeline + ACP combo plan on one device?

If you have a Lifeline + ACP combo plan with enTouch wireless you will be asked to renew your Lifeline benefit first. Follow the instructions above to renew your Lifeline benefit. If your Lifeline recertification is successful USAC should, in most cases, renew your ACP benefit automatically!

If your Lifeline renewal is denied you must recertify your ACP benefit separately.

What if I have Lifeline & ACP on different devices?

Customers with Lifeline and ACP benefits on separate devices will be required to separately renew both program benefits to retain their current services. Renew each program only after you have received an official letter or text asking you to recertify a specific program.

Renew your Lifeline benefit above.

Renew your ACP benefit here.

Why do I need to renew my Lifeline?

The Lifeline Program requires that you renew or recertify your continued eligibility for your Lifeline benefit and/or ACP benefit annually.  If you want to continue to receive a discounted rate from participating providers, Lifeline recertification must be completed on time every year. 

Does it matter which method (call, online, mail) I use to renew my Lifeline?

No. If you do not require additional documentation, you can use any method. We recommend the phone method, as it is the easiest and fastest and provides an immediate result!

If you’re required to submit eligibility documentation, you will not be able to use the Renew by Phone method.

How will I know if additional documentation is required?

The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) letter and notification text messages will provide your Application ID and indicate if you are required to submit additional documentation for recertification. However, if you are unsure or don’t have your letter, you can also use the starting letter of your Application ID. Application IDs starting with the letter “D” will require eligibility documentation and can only be use online or by mail options.

  ID Guidelines

  • U.S. Driver License
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • U.S. Passport/U.S. Territory Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • U.S. government, military, state or Tribal issued-ID, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • U.S. Military ID cards (active or reserve duty, dependent of a military member, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
  • Common Access Card (only if designated as Active Military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve)
  • Military Discharge documentation, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • Northern Mariana Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Permanent Resident Alien Card
  • Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Mexican Consular Card (Matricula Consular - 2006, 2014, 2015 and later versions)

 

*All forms of ID must be valid and used before expiration date.

Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

  • Prior Year’s State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation Benefits Statement
  • Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
  • Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
  • Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
  • Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
  • Social Security Benefits Statement

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)

BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribal Head Start

Head Start Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

TANF Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Notice of Action (award letter) acknowledging eligibility for FDPIR benefits;

  • Name of the beneficiary;
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

OR

FDPIR participation documents(e.g., a benefit card or copy of a benefit card);

  • Name of the beneficiary
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

Lifeline Program

Due to sharing many of the same eligibility requirements those currently enrolled in the lifeline program may qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also.

 

Medi-Cal / Medicaid

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

CalFresh / Food Stamps / SNAP

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Pension Grant Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Participant’s name
  • Address
  • A decision about the participant’s monthly entitlement amount
  • Payment start date

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

FPHA award letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Date of the award,
  • Name of the beneficiary, and
  • Award amount.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA or on SSA letterhead.

  • Consumer’s name
  • Date
  • Eligibility Date
  • Claim number OR Other consumer identification number
  • Payment amount

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

SNAP / Food Stamps / CalFresh

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

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  Eligibility Documents

  • Current or prior year's statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Program participation documents.
  • Another official document evidencing the consumer's participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Unemployment Documentation (notice of unemployment benefit payment or notice of successfully submitted application for unemployment benefits)
  • Copy of last year's State or Federal income tax return.
  • 3 consecutive months' worth of your most current pay stubs.
  • Social Security benefits statement. Veterans Administration benefits statement.
  • Retirement/Pension benefits statement.
  • Divorce decree or child support document.
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation benefits statement.