Reverification
When the National Verifier launches in a state, all Lifeline subscribers in that state will be reverified.
Reverification is the one-time process to confirm that all existing Lifeline subscribers meet the National Verifier’s eligibility standards.
Reverification will reset a subscriber’s anniversary date. Subscribers will be recertified one year after the date that they are successfully reverified. The National Verifier will perform all future recertification for subscribers in National Verifier states.
Reverification for each launch will be performed in groups based on subscribers’ enrollment date. Each launch’s groups will be announced when the process begins. For launch specific timelines and more information on individual launches, visit the National Verifier Launch page.
Overview
USAC will assist you in collecting new documentation from your subscribers who could not be verified by the automated eligibility check. USAC will reverify subscribers in the four groups (or phases) mentioned below.
The chart below provides a high-level overview of the USAC assisted reverification process.
Step 1: National Verifier Performs Automated Database Checks
Reverification utilizes several checks to ensure that existing subscribers are eligible for Lifeline.
Automated Database Checks | If automated check fails.. |
Eligibility databases | Requires proof of eligibility |
Third Party Identity Verification (TPIV), including checking whether the subscriber is deceased | Requires proof of identity and/or proof of life |
USPS Address Matching Service (AMS) | Requires documentation of geo-coordinates or other proof of address |
NLAD Duplicate Address | Requires an Independent Economic Household (IEH) form |
For examples of accepted documentation, visit the Resolve Application Errors page.
Step 2: Service Providers Review Failures and Submit Existing Documentation
If the National Verifier cannot verify a subscriber’s eligibility through the database checks, service providers will be required to submit any available documentation they have on file for failed subscribers. Once USAC makes an announcement opening the 45-day on-hand submission window, service providers will:
- Login to NLAD and pull the Reverification Subscriber Status Report
- Review the failures and gather any existing on-hand documentation that would resolve the failures
Failure | Documentation Required to Resolve Failure |
Data Source Check Fail | Proof of program or income eligibility |
TPIV DOB, SSN, or Not Found Failure | Proof of identity |
TPIV Deceased | Proof of life |
AMS Fail | Proof of address |
Duplicate Address Failure | Independent Economic Household (IEH) form |
Cert Form Required | Certification/application form |
For subscribers in Group 2 & 3, only AMS, TPIV, Deceased, and IEH errors can be resolved with existing (on-hand) documentation. Service providers should not submit certifications or program eligibility documents for subscribers in Groups 2 & 3.
- Send the documents to USAC within 45 days after USAC’s on hand document submission announcement. Submission options include:
Upload in batches using secure webpage (preferred method):
A copy of the secure webpage document upload process can be found here.
Mail paper documents:
The cover page below is required for all paper submissions and the “Application ID” and “Last Name” fields must be completed. Use the cover sheet to create separation between each subscriber’s documentation (do not staple or paper clip).
Reverification Cover Sheet (Spanish)
Mail Items to:
Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 9100
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18733
Step 3: Outreach to Subscribers to Collect New Documentation
If the National Verifier cannot verify subscriber eligibility with the database, or from the documentation provided by the service providers, USAC will reach out to subscribers to collect documentation for unresolved errors.
Subscribers will receive a letter from USAC requesting the documentation needed to reverify their eligibility in Lifeline. The letter will provide details on what documentation is needed and how they can submit it to USAC. They will be required to submit documentation within 60 days.
Subscribers could be asked to reverify any of all of the following:
- Proof of eligibility
- Proof of social security number
- Proof of date of birth
- Lifeline application form
- Proof of emancipated status
- One-per-household worksheet
- Proof of valid address
For examples of accepted documentation, visit the Resolve Application Errors page.
Service providers that opt out of the USAC conducted subscriber outreach are required to reach out to their consumers with any remaining errors. Service providers that have opted out of this process will receive a notice regarding the final documentation deadlines and the outreach requirements.
Step 4: National Verifier Determines Eligibility for Subscribers
USAC will review all of the documentation collected during this period, whether the service provider or USAC conducted the subscriber outreach.
- Subscribers that successfully complete reverification will maintain their Lifeline benefit. No further action is required until they are required to recertify their eligibility by their next anniversary date which is reset upon the completion of reverification.
- USAC will de-enroll subscribers that fail reverification from NLAD and mail a de-enrollment notice.
After the reverification process is complete, the Failed Reverification De-Enroll Report in NLAD will show which subscribers failed the reverification process and that USAC has de-enrolled.
USAC Communications
USAC will make several announcements (via email and the USAC website) regarding the reverification process and window openings.
- On-hand Documentation Submission: Opens the 45-day window for service providers to provide on-hand documentation to USAC.
- Reminders: Notifications to service providers reminding them of upcoming document submission deadlines.
- Outreach to Subscribers: USAC will notify service providers when outreach is conducted to subscribers who require additional documentation to complete reverification. Subscribers will be given 60 days to respond with the documentation.
- De-enrollments: USAC will notify any affected service providers before any subscribers are de-enrolled for failing to reverify.
Service providers may reach out to their subscribers before USAC begins outreach to subscribers to inform them about USAC and the reverification process. Correspondence may include:
- General information about USAC and the requirement to reverify their eligibility to keep their benefits
- USAC will reach out to them and request personal documentation from them
- If they do not response with the needed documentation within the 60 day window, they will lose their Lifeline benefit
Service providers should not tell subscribers timeframes of when they should expect to receive these letters as these dates are subject to change.