What is Lifeline Recertification?

Lifeline recertification is required by all Lifeline subscribers every year. The process is designed to check your benefit eligibility status to ensure you still qualify for free monthly talk, text, and data.

Regardless of which phone company you have or how you enrolled in Lifeline, you will receive a physical letter 90 days before your anniversary, reminding you that you must recertify. Your letter will also include your application ID for Lifeline renewal online or over the phone.

The fastest option is Lifeline renewal by phone, but you can also complete your renewal online or by mail. The Lifeline recertification online or by mail option is required if you need to supply any additional documentation proving your continued eligibility.

Have ACP benefits? Make sure to also complete the ACP renewal process! You may be disconnected if you don’t recertify for the ACP program and supply additional documentation when requested.

Lifeline Recertification with Assist Wireless
Lifeline subscribers

Annual Recertification is now easier than ever!

Recertify by Phone!

The Lifeline Administrator requires all Lifeline and/or ACP subscribers to recertify their program benefit eligibility every year. The easiest way to recertify (if additional documentation is not required) is by phone!

  • Get immediate confirmation!
  • Takes less than 10 minutes!
  • All you need is your Application ID!*

*If your application ID begins with the letter “D”, your renewal must be completed online or by mail.

What You Will Need to Renew

To renew/recertify your Lifeline/ACP service, you will need your application ID. Your Application ID will be texted to your device and is also located on the renewal form sent to you by the Lifeline Administrator, USAC.

Once you have your ID, you can call to renew your Lifeline/ACP service.

If you are required to provide additional proof of eligibility, you will not be able to use the renew by phone method, but can still renew online or by mail.

Assist Wireless Lifeline Recertification Checklist

Recertify by Phone

Recertifying by phone is the fastest option.

  • Get immediate confirmation!
  • Takes less than 10 minutes!
  • All you need is your Application ID!

If you are required to provide additional documentation renewal must be completed online or by mail.

Recertify Online

Follow the link below and log in or create an account via the National Verifier web portal to begin recertification.

  • Results are immediate!
  • Provide additional documents if necessary!

Recertify by Mail

Recertifying by mail is the slowest option.

  • You may continue to receive recertification reminders.
  • You can submit additional required documents.

Please send your completed Recertification Form to:

Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 7081
London, KY 40742

Need Help with Recertification?

Why Assist Wireless?

Are you trying to figure out “How to recertify my Lifeline service?”

Assist Wireless is an authorized provider for free mobile services and free phones. We care about our customers and will walk you through each step to take advantage of this government benefit.

To ensure you stay connected, Assist Wireless makes the renewal process as easy as possible. We supply the Lifeline recertification form and guide you through all the steps to renew Lifeline service from the comfort of your home.

Stay connected for work, school, and healthcare purposes with the nation’s number one Lifeline provider.

Satisfied Assist Wireless Customers

What Happens If You Don’t Recertify?

If you do not recertify your Lifeline/ACP eligibility, your Lifeline/ACP benefit will be discontinued.

If you are on a Lifeline-only plan, you will no longer have access to your free talk, text, and data. Customers who are on Lifeline+ACP plans and do not renew their Lifeline benefit will be transferred to the ACP-only plan for their state.”


Recertify your Lifeline/ACP eligibility to continue to receive your Lifeline discount on your monthly talk, text, and data! If you do not recertify, Assist Wireless will allow you to use your device as a pay-as-you-go option.

Having trouble recertifying? Contact the USAC support line.

Lifeline Recertification FAQS

Why should I recertify my Lifeline?

FCC rules state that all participating mobile carriers must check the eligibility of their Lifeline subscribers annually. Failure to do so means we must discontinue your Lifeline cell service.

If you are de-enrolled from the process, you may be unable to keep your existing number if you attempt to enroll in the Lifeline program later.

When do I need to recertify?

Fill out your ACP recertification form online or call any time within 90 days before your Lifeline anniversary date. Most people can renew their accounts within minutes unless additional documentation is required to confirm their eligibility.

Are there any exceptions to Lifeline recertification?

No. The FCC offers no exceptions to the Lifeline recertification rule. All subscribers will receive a letter to recertify annually.

Some states have state-wide databases of Lifeline subscribers accessible to Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETCs). A consumer may not be required to recertify manually if he or she resides in one of these states, as Lifeline administrator can recertify you via one of these universal databases.

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit

Pension Grant Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Participant’s name
  • Address
  • A decision about the participant’s monthly entitlement amount
  • Payment start date

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

FPHA award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Date of the award,
  • Name of the beneficiary, and
  • Award amount.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA, or on SSA letterhead.

  • Consumer’s name
  • Date
  • Eligibility Date
  • Claim number OR Other consumer identification number
  • Payment amount

SNAP / Food Stamps / CalFresh

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Lifeline Program

Due to sharing many of the same eligibility requirements those currently enrolled in the lifeline program may qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also.