Documents Needed
If we cannot confirm your Lifeline eligibility, identity, or address, you may need to show proof. We will contact you to let you know if you need to submit proof.
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
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
Date of Birth
Documentation must include:
- Your first and last name
- Your date of birth
Document Examples
- 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
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
- Most recent W-2 or tax return
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Military discharge documentation
- Unemployment/Workers’ compensation benefits
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 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 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
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
- Government, military, state, or Tribal ID
- Government assistance program document
- Birth certificate
- Social Security card
- Prior year’s tax return or W-2
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
Acceptable Documentation Guide
Use the Acceptable Documentation Guide (English and Spanish) to learn what documents you’ll need to provide if we ask you to share proof of your eligibility, identity or address.
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.
Submit your proof documentation using any of the options below:
OnlineLog in or create a new account and upload copies of your proof documentation.
MailComplete the cover sheet and send copies of your proof documentation to the address below. For more information, please watch this video.
Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845
Contact your phone or internet companyAsk your company for assistance with submitting your proof documentation.
