Lifeline Recertification
Lifeline eligibility is checked again over time. Sometimes that check happens automatically. If your eligibility cannot be confirmed, you may receive a notice asking you to recertify.
See what to do ↓ Independent information. We do not process recertifications.You may be verified automatically. Act only if you are asked to recertify.
Lifeline checks whether you still qualify.
Lifeline eligibility is reviewed each year. If the available records can confirm that you still qualify, you may not need to take additional action.
If eligibility cannot be confirmed automatically, Lifeline or the applicable state process may contact you with instructions to recertify.
Review Lifeline eligibility →Follow the deadline in your recertification notice.
Current Lifeline guidance says that when you are required to recertify, you must complete the process within 60 days or you can lose the Lifeline benefit.
Check exactly what the notice asks you to confirm.
Choose one of the available recertification methods.
Finish the required steps before your deadline.
Three common recertification routes.
Online
Complete the Lifeline recertification process online using the instructions provided with your notice.
By mail
Complete the current Recertification Form and include copies of supporting proof if your case requires it.
By phone
Phone recertification is available when you do not need to provide supporting documentation.
Do not send proof unless it is needed.
A recertification request may require supporting documentation if your continued eligibility cannot be confirmed from available records.
You may need current evidence of SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, another qualifying program, or an applicable Tribal program.
If qualification is based on income, the request may require documents that establish current annual household income.
Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845
(855) 359-4299
This option is for cases that do not require supporting proof. Use the application ID from your recertification notice.
(800) 234-9473
Contact Lifeline Support if you need help understanding your recertification request or need to recertify using a Tribal ID number.
Missing the required recertification can end your Lifeline benefit.
If Lifeline asked you to recertify and the required process was not completed within the allowed period, your Lifeline benefit can be removed.
If service has already been affected, check your Lifeline status and contact Lifeline Support or your service company to understand the next required step.
Recertifying Lifeline does not guarantee a tablet or phone.
Device availability remains a separate provider, nonprofit, or promotional offer with its own inventory, pricing, service requirements, and terms.
Lifeline Recertification FAQs
Do I have to recertify Lifeline every year? +
Lifeline eligibility is checked each year. If your continued eligibility can be confirmed automatically, you may not need to complete a separate recertification process.
How will I know if I need to recertify? +
If continued eligibility cannot be automatically confirmed, you may receive an email or mailed notice with recertification instructions.
How long do I have to recertify? +
Current Lifeline guidance gives consumers who are asked to recertify 60 days to complete the process.
Can I recertify by phone? +
Yes, when supporting proof is not required. Current Lifeline guidance provides a telephone recertification option for those cases.
Do I automatically need to send documents? +
No. Follow the instructions for your particular recertification request and provide supporting proof when it is specifically required.
Does recertification renew a free tablet? +
No. Lifeline recertification concerns continued eligibility for the Lifeline service benefit. It does not guarantee a tablet or another device.
Check the notice. Complete only what is required.
If Lifeline asks you to recertify, follow the current instructions and complete the process before the deadline.
Explore Tablets Gov Free →