Frequently Asked Questions

How do I qualify for the Lifeline program?

You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participates in one of these federal assistance programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)

The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) checks subscriber information when an application is submitted. This information is automatically checked against databases. If the subscriber’s information is not found in the available databases, the subscriber can provide additional information for verification.

What if I do not participate in any federal assistance programs, can I still qualify for the Lifeline program?

If your total gross annual household income is at or below the federally-established poverty levels set forth for the number of persons in your household, you may qualify based on your income.

https://www.usac.org/lifeline/consumer-eligibility/income-eligibility

Do people who live on Tribal lands qualify for Lifeline?

You can get Tribal Lifeline if you live on Tribal lands. Tribal lands include any federally recognized Indian tribe’s reservation, Pueblo, or colony, including former reservations in Oklahoma, Alaska Native regions, Hawaiian Home Lands, or Indian Allotments.

If you live on Tribal lands, you can qualify for Lifeline if you or someone in your household participates in any of the federal assistance programs listed below:

  • Medicaid (Not Medicare)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing HUD/Section 8 (FPHA)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
  • Head Start (must satisfy income qualifying standard)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

The Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier (National Verifier) checks subscriber information when an application is submitted. This information is automatically checked against databases. If the subscriber’s information is not found in the available databases, the subscriber can provide additional information for verification.

What are the rules for Lifeline eligibility?
  • Your household cannot get Lifeline from more than one phone or internet company.
  • You are only allowed to get one Lifeline benefit per household, not per person. If more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, you are breaking the FCC’s rules and will lose your benefit.
  • What is a household? A household is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses (even if they are not related to each other).
  • You cannot give your benefit to another person
  • Lifeline is non-transferable. You cannot give your Lifeline benefit to another person, even if they qualify.
What is the Choice Lifeline offer?

For the standard Lifeline offering, Choice offers the following:

  • Unlimited calling, text and picture messaging, and free roaming
  • 5GB of data usage per month
  • Free Choice mobile phone or a $39 credit towards an upgraded Choice mobile device (with a 2-year contract)

For Tribal Lifeline subscribers, Choice offers the following:

  • Unlimited calling, text and picture messaging, and free roaming
  • 40GB of data usage per month
  • Free Choice mobile phone or a $99 credit towards an upgraded Choice mobile device (with a 2-year contract)
What are the steps to submit a Choice Lifeline request?
  • Access the Choice Lifeline Portal and register (select sign in if you already have an account)
  • Enter the required information including, Identity, Address, and Qualifying Programs and submit
  • Information is sent to the National Verifier system to determine eligibility
      — If approved, information is sent to the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) for program enrollment
      — If not approved or there are errors in the submission, Choice will notify you of the errors and you will be required to make the corrections and resubmit the application
  • Once approved through NLAD, Choice will reserve a mobile device, create your account, and provide the device to you at a Choice Retail store or have the phone sent to your mailing address
Customers transferring their Lifeline Services from other Carriers

Once you fill out the application you will get a new Choice Lifeline phone number. If you are wanting to port your existing number you will need to Call into Choice customer care to begin the port process.

Customers wanting to have Lifeline and ACP

All Lifeline or ACP services have to be done one application at a time. If you have already applied for ACP and are waiting to be installed you will need to wait for the ACP account to be complete before you can apply for Lifeline and vice versa.

Once approved for Lifeline benefits, is there anything else that needs to be done?
  • On an annual basis, each Lifeline benefit subscriber must recertify for the benefit
      — You will receive notice in the mail that you have 60 days to recertify (from the anniversary date of first starting lifeline)
  • Subscriber will have the option to recertify through mail, online site, or calling a toll-free number
  • If you do not recertify by the deadline, you will be automatically de-enrolled in the Lifeline program
If I have questions, who can I contact?
  • For overall questions regarding the federal Lifeline program or the benefits:
      — Contact Universal Service Administrative Company at 1 (800) 234-9473 or LifelineSupport@usac.org.
  • For questions pertaining to the Choice Lifeline offering and requirements:
      — For Standard Lifeline, contact 719-626-0000
      — For Tribal Lifeline, contact 928-730-2273