Government Phone Program Rules

Official regulations and requirements for participation in Lifeline and ACP programs. Understanding your responsibilities as a program participant.

Eligibility & Participation Rules

Household Limits

  • One Benefit Per Household: Only one Lifeline or ACP benefit allowed per household
  • Household Definition: All persons living together who share income and expenses
  • No Splitting Benefits: Benefits cannot be divided between multiple accounts
  • Address Verification: Must provide proof of current residential address
  • Annual Recertification: Eligibility must be verified every 12 months

Eligibility Verification

  • Document Requirements: Must provide proof of income or program participation
  • Identity Verification: Government-issued photo ID required
  • Address Confirmation: Utility bill, lease, or other proof needed
  • Program Cross-Check: FCC verifies eligibility with other government agencies
  • National Database: All enrollments checked against NLAD (National Lifeline Accountability Database)

Permitted & Prohibited Usage

✅ Permitted Usage

  • Personal voice calls and text messaging
  • Personal internet access and data usage
  • Emergency communications (911)
  • Access to government services and benefits
  • Educational and job-related communications
  • Family and medical communications

❌ Prohibited Usage

  • Commercial or business use
  • Resale of service or device
  • Sharing benefits with non-eligible persons
  • Illegal activities or fraud
  • Automated calling systems
  • Excessive usage patterns

Service & Device Requirements

  • Personal Use Only: Devices provided for personal use by eligible household members
  • No Transfer: Cannot sell, give away, or transfer device to non-eligible persons
  • Return Requirement: Must return device if eligibility ends or upon request
  • Proper Care: Must maintain device in working condition
  • Replacement Policy: Follow provider's replacement procedures for lost/damaged devices
  • Upgrade Limits: Cannot receive multiple free devices within program limits
  • Primary Use: Service must be primary means of communication
  • No Duplication: Cannot receive benefits from multiple providers simultaneously
  • Reasonable Usage: Excessive usage may trigger fraud investigations
  • Provider Changes: Must notify previous provider when switching
  • Payment Responsibility: Responsible for non-discounted charges
  • Service Maintenance: Must keep service active to retain benefits
  • Timely Payment: Must pay discounted portion of bill on time
  • Dispute Rights: 60 days to dispute charges after they appear
  • No Late Fees: During billing disputes, late fees cannot be charged
  • Collections Protection: Cannot be reported to collections during disputes
  • Payment Plans: Right to arrange payment plans for disputed amounts
  • Refunds: Providers must issue refunds for overcharges within 30 days

Fraud Prevention & Compliance

Anti-Fraud Measures

The FCC actively monitors for fraud, waste, and abuse. Violations can result in:

Prohibited Activities

  • Providing false information
  • Using another's identity
  • Enrolling ineligible persons
  • Duplicating benefits
  • Commercial use of benefits
  • Altering documents

Consequences of Violations

  • Benefit termination
  • Repayment requirements
  • Civil penalties
  • Criminal prosecution
  • Permanent ineligibility
  • Device return requirements

Provider Compliance Requirements

Participating providers must adhere to strict FCC regulations:

Certification

Annual FCC certification and audits

Consumer Protection

Fair billing and dispute resolution

Service Quality

Minimum standards for coverage and reliability

Annual Recertification Requirements

Maintaining Eligibility

To continue receiving benefits, you must recertify eligibility annually:

Recertification Process

  • Receive notification from provider
  • Submit updated documentation
  • Verify continued eligibility
  • Confirm household information
  • Update contact information

Timeline Requirements

  • Notifications sent 30-45 days before due date
  • 30-day window to complete recertification
  • Service may be interrupted if not completed
  • Extensions available for hardship cases
  • Online and phone options available

State-Specific Rules & Regulations

While federal rules apply nationwide, some states have additional requirements:

  • Spanish language support required
  • CalFresh LinkUp broadband program
  • Enhanced privacy protections
  • State tax on telecommunications
  • Texas Connect broadband initiative
  • State regulatory oversight
  • Rural broadband focus
  • State-specific provider requirements
  • ConnectHome broadband program
  • State universal service fund
  • Enhanced consumer protections
  • Local franchise requirements

Report Program Violations

How to Report Suspected Fraud

If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse of government phone programs:

Report to FCC

  • Online: reportfraud.fcc.gov
  • Phone: 1-888-225-5322
  • Email: lifeline@fcc.gov
  • Anonymous reporting available

What to Report

  • Suspicious enrollment patterns
  • False eligibility claims
  • Commercial use of benefits
  • Provider non-compliance
  • Document fraud

Questions About Program Rules?

Understanding program rules helps ensure you receive and maintain your government phone benefits appropriately.

Ask Questions Consumer Rights