Documents Required for Lifeline

Show us proof of Program Participation

If you participate in one of the qualifying programs, provide a letter or official document as proof.

Documentation must include:

• Your name or dependent's name
• The program name, such as SNAP
• The name of the government or Tribal agency that issued the document
• An issue date within the last 12 months or a future expiration date

Document Examples:

• Benefit award letter
• Approval letter
• Statement of benefits
• Benefit verification letter

Show us proof of Household Income

If you qualify through your income, you will need to provide a document that shows your annual income.

Documentation must include:

• Your first and last name or dependent's name
• Your annual income
• To show documentation of income that does not cover a full year, such as current pay stubs, the documentation must cover three months in a row within the past twelve months

Document Examples:

• Prior year's state, federal or Tribal tax return
• Current income statement from your employer or a paycheck stub
• Veterans Administration statement of benefits
• Unemployment or Workers' Compensation statement of benefits
• Federal or Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
• Divorce decree, child support award, or other official document containing income information

Show us proof of Date of Birth

Documentation must include:

• Your first and last name
• Your date of birth

Document Examples:

• U.S. government, military, state, or Tribal ID
• Birth Certificate
• Driver's license
• Government assistance program document
• Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Naturalization
• Permanent Resident Card or Green Card

Show us proof of Social Security Number or Tribal ID Number

Documentation must include:

• Your first and last name
• The Last 4 digits of your social security number or full Tribal ID

Document Examples:

• Social Security Card
• W-2 from the last 2 years
• Prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return
• U.S. government, military, state, or Tribal ID
• Government assistance program document
• Military discharge documentation
• Unemployment/Workers' compensation benefits

Show us proof of Address

Documentation must include:

• Your first and last name
• Shows your physical address

Document Examples and Tips:

• If you are resolving this error using the online application, you will use the mapping tool in the application to help USAC find your address
• If you are resolving this error by mailing in information to USAC, you may show a map that clearly shows your physical address or location, including latitude and longitude coordinates (coordinates are required if you are on Tribal lands)
• Other options include:
  • Utility bill
  • Mortgage or lease statement
  • Most recent W-2 or tax return
  • Driver's license or other valid U.S. government, state, or Tribal ID

Duplicate Address

If you live with another adult who gets Lifeline, you will need to answer a few questions to find out if your household qualifies for more than one benefit.

Document Requirements:

Complete a Lifeline Household Worksheet if someone else at your address already gets Lifeline.

Document Examples and Tips:

• If you are resolving this error using the online application, the worksheet will appear in the application to complete
• If you are resolving this error by mailing information to USAC, you must complete the paper form and mail it to the Lifeline Support Center

Life Verification

Provide copies of official documents to prove your identity AND prove you are alive.

Documentation to show your identity must include:

• Your first and last name
• Date of birth
• The Last 4 digits of your social security number or full Tribal ID

Document Examples:

• U.S. government, military, state, or Tribal ID
• Government assistance program document
• Birth certificate
• Social Security card
• W-2 from the last 2 years
• Prior year's state, federal, or Tribal tax return

Documentation to show you are alive must include:

• Your first and last name
• Shows life activity within the last 3 months

Document Examples:

• Government assistance program document
• Current utility bill
• Current income statement, such as a paystub
• Current mortgage or lease statement

Emancipated Minor

You must be at least 18 years old to qualify for Lifeline. Only emancipated minors can qualify for Lifeline under the age of 18.

Documentation must include:

• Your first and last name
• Confirmation of emancipated minor status

Document Examples:

• Court document
• Certificate

How to Submit Your Proof

Make copies or take pictures of your documents using a scanner, copy machine, camera, or smartphone. Avoid sending any dark or blurry copies or pictures. Never submit original copies of your documents.