Renew CA Lifeline

Texas Lifeline Recertification 

You will receive a text and letter about recertifying your Lifeline benefit. This page will help all Lifeline customers in Texas learn how to keep their benefits active!

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Recertify Your Lifeline Benefit

You can recertify your Texas Lifeline benefit online or by mail.

The Texas Lifeline Administrator will send a letter by mail and we will also send you text reminders!

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How To Recertify Your Texas Lifeline Benefit

You will receive a letter from the Texas Lifeline Administrator notifying you when it is time to recertify your Lifeline benefit. The envelope containing the letter will include your recertification form and a barcode with the last 9 digits underlined. You will have 60 days to complete your recertification application to verify your continued eligibility for your monthly benefit.

Recertify Online

The recertification form mailed to you has a barcode with the last 9 digits underlined. Use the 9-digit number to recertify online. If you cannot locate the form mailed to you follow the link below, select “no”, and follow the instructions.

RECERTIFY ONLINE

Recertify by Mail

Complete the recertification form sent to you by the Texas Lifeline Administrator and return by the indicated due date to:

    • Texas Lifeline
      P.O. Box 4060
      Killeen, TX 76540-4060

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Texas Lifeline Recertification FAQs

How many days do I have to recertify?

The rules state you need to complete the Texas Lifeline recertification process every year. All Lifeline participants receive a 60-day window to complete the Texas Lifeline recertification process. If you fail to complete your Texas Lifeline recertification form in time, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will send a letter in three business days or less that your discount will be discontinued.

After five business days following the window’s closure, you will lose your benefit, meaning your monthly bill could increase, or your service might be switched off.

How can I check my Texas Lifeline application status?

If you have already submitted your application and want to know your status, you can check it here on the official portal: https://www.texaslifeline.org/checkstatus/

You will be asked to enter your Application Identification Number or have the nine-digit number from the barcode of your application page.

If you have neither, you will need to enter information like your zip code, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and the telephone number receiving Lifeline service. If this fails, you need to contact the LIDA call center and have the agency assist you with your Texas Lifeline recertification.

How do I get a new form if mine was lost or damaged?

You have a few options if you lose your Texas Lifeline renewal form. Call Texas Lifeline at 1-866-454-8387 and ask for a new form to be sent to your registered address.

You can also visit the Texas Lifeline website to find your unique 9-digit barcode. First, select “No” to the question “Do you have the Annual Recertification Form in your possession?” and click “Continue.” On the next page enter your zip code, Lifeline phone number or Account # receiving Lifeline services, the last 4 digital of your Social Security Number (SSN), and your date of birth. 

If your 9-digit barcode is identified you can submit your Texas Lifeline recertification form online. If your code isn’t located, you will need to call the Texas Lifeline support center at 1-866-454-8387 for further assistance. 

I never got my renewal letter, how do I find my PIN?

Sometimes mistakes happen, and you may not receive your annual form. Find your PIN (9-digit barcode) by visiting the Texas Lifeline website and selecting “No” when asked whether you have the form.

Fill out the online form, and the site will attempt to find your PIN. If the service cannot find your account, you need to call for assistance using the number on the Lifeline website.

My renewal was denied, what do I do now?

Certification is never guaranteed based on qualifying for the previous year. If you are no longer eligible for Lifeline, review the current eligibility requirements and see if you qualify.

If you believe your Texas Lifeline recertification was wrongly turned down, you can always apply again for free. Your new application will not be affected by any application denials in the past. Rejections when applying for Texas online Lifeline recertification happen all the time. If you’re not sure why your application is being denied, call Texas Lifeline and ask to speak to an agent for more information.

  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.