There are some important rules to follow when using your free Lifeline phone. You must use it once per month and fill out information forms about your income and the number of people in your household. You must use the phone at least once per month, or the providers will send you a letter and turn it off after 15 days. It is not permitted to transfer the phone to another person, and you cannot lie on any questionnaires or forms related to the program.
Assurance Wireless Lifeline service must be used at least once every 30 days.
The Assurance Wireless Lifeline program is supported by the federal Universal Service Fund and offers free services to qualified users, like the California freedom plan. The eligibility requirements for Lifeline vary based on household income and participation in public assistance programs. To be eligible, you must provide proof of income and program participation. You may have one wireless or wireline phone account per household and must reside at the same address. You may also be a resident of a nursing home or homeless shelter.
The FCC has rules governing how service providers must use the Lifeline program. They must only reimburse subscribers who used the service at least once in the last 30 days. Inactive subscribers must be de-enrolled from the program within 15 days. Sprint delivered wireless Lifeline services to millions of households under the brand Assurance Wireless. According to the FCC, the carrier had 885,000 inactive subscribers or nearly 30% of its total Lifeline base.
It is against the law to lie on any Lifeline-related forms or questionnaires.
For example, if you have a tattoo or use electrolysis, you must answer questions honestly. Do not lie about other things such as acupuncture, needle injuries, syphilis, gonorrhea, or other illegal steroids. If you have a job that involves sex, you must also answer questions truthfully about it. Also, do not lie about your sexual history or sex trade occupation if you want to qualify for the Lifeline program.
The law makes lying against the government a crime. According to 18 USC SS 1001, lying is a felony if you make materially false or fraudulent statements. It applies to federal court and other proceedings under oath, like congressional hearings. If you lie on a Lifeline-related form or questionnaire, you may be subject to prosecution under the law.
It is a non-transferable service.
If you are concerned that the service you currently use will be discontinued, you can switch to another provider. If you can’t get another plan from your current provider, you can file a formal complaint with the Federal Communications Commission. However, you will have to go through a lengthy process of bureaucratic red tape before your complaint is heard. Another option is to switch your Lifeline service to a different provider. The fastest and most convenient way to change your provider is by switching to a new one.
A new rule introduced by the Wireline Competition Bureau will help ensure that eligible carriers provide Lifeline services to eligible low-income consumers. The new order will require carriers to adhere to minimum service standards for Lifeline-supported services and establish the National Eligibility Verifier to make independent eligibility determinations. The new minimum service standards will go into effect on December 1, 2016, and the minimum support amount will be implemented 60 days after the PRA approves the plans.
Customers can only transfer their Lifeline service to another phone if they have proof of eligibility. In some cases, a phone number cannot be transferred. To get a discount, you need to prove your eligibility. To get Lifeline, you must be low-income and a member of an eligible program. You must stay with one phone company for at least six months to be eligible. You will have to re-apply for the program if you use multiple phone companies. Using false information to obtain Lifeline is strictly prohibited, as it can lead to fines, imprisonment, and de-enrollment.
