How to Receive Lifeline Program Benefits
California residents have two different programs available to qualifying low-income consumers. There is a federal program where consumers apply to the National Verifier and a state program where consumers apply to the California LifeLine administrator. The programs are separate and independent of each other.
Qualifying consumers must apply to each program separately. Below provides guidance on how to apply for each program and where to learn more about program qualifications.
What is the National Lifeline National Verifier?
The National Verifier is Lifeline’s centralized application system. It determines whether consumers are eligible for Lifeline. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) manages the National Verifier and provides customer service to consumers through the Lifeline Support Center.
Step 1. Apply for federal Lifeline
To determine if you qualify for Lifeline benefits, visit https://www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify/.
You may apply online or print an application at www.lifelinesupport.org.
TIP: If you apply online, jot down the information provided or if apply via mail, make a copy of the application. The information you provided to the National Verifier is needed in Step 2.
Because the National Verifier determines Lifeline eligibility, TDS cannot receive your Lifeline application.
Step 2. Contact TDS
If the Lifeline National Verifier approves your application and you receive a Lifeline Application ID (ex. Qxxxxx-xxxxx). contact TDS at 1-888-CALL-TDS (1-888-225-5837).
You will need to provide TDS the exact information you entered on the Lifeline application. This may include:
- Your legal name, date of birth, last four digits of your social security number, which may include a child/dependent if qualifying through someone else.
- The National Verifier assigned Lifeline Application ID
If your enrollment is approved, the Lifeline benefit discounts will be applied to your bill within two billing cycles. If enrollment fails, you will receive a letter advising you about your next steps.
For information or questions about the National Verifier process or questions about your application, please visit USAC at www.lifelinesupport.org or contact USAC at 1-800-234-9473.
You may qualify for California State discounts in addition to the federal program discounts or in place of the federal program.
Participation in the federal criteria (i.e., SNAP, Medicaid) or criteria established by California (i.e., Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may qualify you for the California LifeLine program.
The California LifeLine program has additional eligibility criteria and a separate application process.
For general information regarding the California Lifeline Program, visit CA Lifeline Program Qualifications, or contact the California LifeLine Call Center at 1-877-858-7463.
You can apply online or print a paper application at CA Lifeline Application Process.
If your application is approved, the California LifeLine program Administrator will inform TDS and LifeLine benefit discounts will be applied to your bill within two billing cycles.
Call TDS if you have questions about the federal or state program eligibility or general Lifeline questions. To contact TDS, call 1-888-CALL-TDS (1-888-225-5837). You may also request to chat online with a TDS advisor.
