Documentation / certification requirements

Documentation Requirements

Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) must collect documentary evidence from an applicant that demonstrates that FEMA determined he or she is eligible for individual disaster housing assistance.  ETCs must also collect signed certifications from applicants.  Applicants for the Lifeline benefit must certify:  that they were residents of a county that was designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance; that they are the head of their household; and that they are receiving only one Lifeline special support package.  Applicants for this special Link Up Assistance must certify that they were residents of a county that was designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance. 

ETCs are also required to maintain all documentation to verify that the support was used for the intended purpose of assisting victims of Hurricane Katrina.  All ETCs that receive Hurricane Katrina Lifeline and Link Up Assistance are subject to potential audit.  Any ETC that receives $1 million or more of this support will undergo an audit or other investigatory review by the FCC or USAC, working in conjunction with the FCC.  Audits will seek to ensure, among other things, that an ETC has not obtained double recovery for a single household. 

Certification Requirements

Applicants for the Lifeline benefit must certify:  that they were residents of a county that was designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance; that they are the head of their household; and that they are receiving only one Lifeline special support package.  Applicants for this special Link Up Assistance must certify that they were residents of a county that was designated by FEMA as eligible for individual assistance.