Program Glossary & Definitions
Confused by government acronyms? Use this guide to understand the terms used in Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity, and tablet benefit programs.
Agencies & Systems
FCC (Federal Communications Commission)
The U.S. government agency that regulates communications and oversees the Lifeline program fund. They set the rules for eligibility and benefits.
USAC (Universal Service Administrative Co.)
A non-profit designated by the FCC to administer the Universal Service Fund. They run the National Verifier system that checks your application.
National Verifier (NV)
A centralized database system that checks whether an applicant is eligible for Lifeline or other benefits by verifying ID and income data.
Programs & Eligibility
Lifeline Program
A federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone or internet service. In some states, it serves as the base qualification for receiving a free device.
FPL (Federal Poverty Guidelines)
Income levels issued annually by the HHS. To qualify for Lifeline by income, your household usually must be at or below 135% of these guidelines.
SNAP / EBT
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. An active EBT card is one of the most common documents used to prove eligibility for a free tablet.
Tribal Lands Benefit
Enhanced support for residents on federally recognized Tribal lands, offering deeper monthly discounts and sometimes different device options.
Application Terms
Household Worksheet
A form used to determine if you are an “independent economic household” if multiple families live at the same address.
Recertification
The annual process where you must confirm you still qualify for the benefit. Failure to recertify results in service deactivation.
Non-Usage Rule
A rule stating that if you do not use your free service (make a call, use data) for 30 days, your provider may cancel your account.