Annual renewal · Updated April 2026
Lifeline recertification — don't lose your benefit.
Every year, you need to confirm you still qualify for Lifeline. If you miss the 60-day window, you lose the benefit — and you may lose your phone number. Here's how to recertify in about five minutes, and how to make sure you never miss it again.
Set a renewal reminder (free).
Tell us when you first enrolled in Lifeline. We'll email you 60 / 30 / 7 days before your recertification deadline so you don't lose the benefit.
Three ways to recertify.
Pick whichever fits. Online is fastest; phone is easiest if you want help.
Fastest
Online
Log in at CheckLifeline.org with the email or Lifeline ID USAC sent you. Confirm your household info, upload any requested documents. Takes 5-10 minutes.
Easiest
By phone
Call USAC's Lifeline Support Center at 1-855-359-4299, Monday-Sunday 9am-9pm Eastern. They'll walk you through recertification on the call. Have your Lifeline ID or phone number ready.
If you prefer paper
By mail
Fill in the recertification form USAC mails to you, include photocopies of any requested proof-of-eligibility documents, and return in the provided envelope. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
Some states have a separate recertification.
If you live in a state with a stacking Lifeline supplement, you'll recertify that benefit separately from the federal one. The state PUC (public utility commission) sends its own notice — don't ignore it.
California LifeLine renewal
California — $28.25/mo combined benefit
Lifeline (Digital Access for All) renewal
New Jersey — $19.25/mo combined benefit
New Mexico Lifeline renewal
New Mexico — $12.75/mo combined benefit
NY Lifeline Telephone Service renewal
New York — $10.25/mo combined benefit
Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP) renewal
Oregon — $21.50/mo combined benefit
PA Lifeline (Chapter 63) renewal
Pennsylvania — $15.25/mo combined benefit
Fondo Universal de Servicios renewal
Puerto Rico — $14.25/mo combined benefit
LITE-UP Texas renewal
Texas — $12.35/mo combined benefit
Vermont Universal Service Fund (VTLite) renewal
Vermont — $16.25/mo combined benefit
Wisconsin Lifeline renewal
Wisconsin — $17.75/mo combined benefit
Lifeline recertification — FAQ.
Already missed your recertification?
If your benefit has already stopped, you can reapply — but you will be without service while that goes through, and there is no guarantee of approval. A cheap prepaid plan covers the gap.
Check eligibility first. Lifeline is free and it beats anything on this list. Only pay if you genuinely do not qualify — see the current rules.
These are paid plans, not Lifeline. We earn a commission if you sign up through these links — it costs you nothing extra and does not change what we recommend. Full disclosure.
Lyca Mobile
T-Mobile networkBest for: Households that call family abroad. Month-to-month and multi-month unlimited plans, sold in 3-month and 6-month blocks. The longer blocks bring the effective monthly cost down but are paid in full up front.
Watch out for: As an MVNO, data can be slowed during network congestion ahead of T-Mobile's own customers
Mint Mobile
T-Mobile networkBest for: Readers who can pay for several months at once. Sold in 3-, 6-, and 12-month blocks paid in full up front. The longer the block, the lower the effective monthly cost. Introductory pricing on your first term is typically lower than the renewal rate.
Watch out for: You pay for the whole 3, 6, or 12 months at once — the advertised monthly price is not a monthly bill
Metro by T-Mobile
T-Mobile network (first-party)Best for: Readers who want in-person support. Standard month-to-month prepaid plans at several data tiers, paid monthly rather than in multi-month blocks. Some plans bundle perks like streaming subscriptions.
Watch out for: Costs more per month than the MVNO options on this page