Q: How do I recertify?

Three ways. Online: Log in at CheckLifeline.org (the National Verifier site) with the email or Lifeline ID USAC sent you. By phone: Call 1-855-359-4299 (USAC). By mail: Mail back the recertification form USAC sent you (fill in any current proof-of-eligibility documents). Online is fastest — usually done in 5-10 minutes.

Question 1

What is Lifeline recertification?

Accepted Answer

Once a year, the federal Lifeline program requires you to confirm you still qualify. This is called recertification (or re-certification, or just "renewal"). It typically involves confirming you're still enrolled in a qualifying program (SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, etc.) or that your household income still qualifies. If you don't recertify, you lose the benefit and may lose your phone number.

Question 2

How will I know when it's time to recertify?

Accepted Answer

The National Verifier (USAC) sends a notice by mail to your Lifeline address 60 days before your anniversary date. Many providers also send email and text reminders. You have 60 days from the notice to recertify. Sign up for our renewal-reminder email for 60 / 30 / 7-day advance alerts — we've found most missed recertifications happen because the mailed notice was overlooked.

Question 3

How do I recertify?

Accepted Answer

Three ways. Online: Log in at CheckLifeline.org (the National Verifier site) with the email or Lifeline ID USAC sent you. By phone: Call 1-855-359-4299 (USAC). By mail: Mail back the recertification form USAC sent you (fill in any current proof-of-eligibility documents). Online is fastest — usually done in 5-10 minutes.

Question 4

What documents do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most people just need to confirm they're still enrolled in a qualifying program — no documents required because the Verifier checks state databases automatically. If the auto-check fails (e.g., you moved, or changed qualifying programs), you'll need to upload current proof: a recent SNAP benefit statement, Medicaid card, SSI letter, or 3 pay stubs if qualifying by income.

Question 5

What if I miss the recertification deadline?

Accepted Answer

Your Lifeline benefit ends and your provider de-enrolls you. Your phone may still work briefly on a non-Lifeline basis, but you'll eventually lose service. You can re-apply any time — it's just a new application. But: if the provider reassigns your phone number in the meantime, you may lose it permanently. The safest move is to set a calendar reminder and/or sign up for our renewal-reminder email.

Question 6

Can I recertify early?

Accepted Answer

You can recertify any time in the 60 days before your anniversary. Earlier than that, the system won't let you — the benefit runs in 12-month blocks. If you're going to be traveling or unavailable around your recertification date, do it as soon as the window opens.

Question 7

Does my state-level supplement have separate recertification?

Accepted Answer

In some states, yes. California (California LifeLine, Solix-administered), Oregon (OTAP), New Jersey, Pennsylvania, New York, Wisconsin, Vermont, New Mexico, and Puerto Rico have their own state-level recertification on top of federal. Your state's public utility commission sends a separate notice. See your state's renewal page (below) for state-specific instructions.

Question 8

Can I recertify with a new qualifying program if my old one ended?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If your SNAP ended but you got on Medicaid (or vice versa), just upload proof of the new program during recertification. The benefit continues seamlessly if your new qualifying proof is accepted within the recertification window.

Question 9

Do I recertify with my provider or with USAC?

Accepted Answer

With USAC (the federal Lifeline administrator) via the National Verifier. Your provider is notified automatically once USAC approves your recertification. You don't need to call your provider for this — but some providers offer their own assisted recertification by phone, which can be helpful.

Lifeline recertification — don't lose your benefit.

Set a renewal reminder (free).

Don't lose your California LifeLine benefits.

Three ways to recertify.

Online

By phone

By mail

Some states have a separate recertification.

Lifeline recertification — FAQ.