The FCC is temporarily waiving some Lifeline eligibility rules to ensure consumers receiving federal disaster assistance for the Hawaii wildfires can easily apply for and enroll in the low-cost communications program for phone and broadband service. The FCC deployed personnel to Hawaii to determine the impact to public safety and emergency alerting communications capabilities, and granted requests for special temporary authority. It waived various rules and filing deadlines, and obtained information for damage assessment and analysis. The Commission said the latest action supplements its efforts towards disaster relief efforts needed because of the significant power outages and property damage caused by the fires.
The Lifeline program offers qualifying low-income consumers discounts on fixed or mobile voice or broadband internet access service, as well as on bundled service. Qualifying low-income consumers can receive a $9.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported broadband internet access service or a $5.25 monthly discount on Lifeline-supported voice service.
Applicants may qualify for the Lifeline program by participating in a qualifying federal assistance program (Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit) or by having an income at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Consumers can confirm their eligibility for Lifeline through the National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier.
The FCC is now waiving the Lifeline eligibility requirements to permit households to enter the Lifeline program if they are receiving individual assistance from FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) due to the impacts of the Hawaii Wildfires. The waiver is good for six months. The Wireline Competition Bureau may extend the waiver if there’s evidence of continuing need.
To implement this waiver, the FCC directs the Lifeline program administrator, USAC, to put procedures into effect that will allow consumers in the affected areas to enroll in the Lifeline program through their participation in FEMA’s IHP. USAC will ensure that its eligibility verification systems will allow it to receive documentation showing that a household is participating in FEMA’s IHP as a result of the Hawaii wildfires.
By Leslie Stimson, Inside Towers Washington Bureau Chief
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