FCC and USAC Establishing Computer Matching Program to Verify Lifeline Eligibility

The Federal Communications Commission and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) are establishing a computer matching program to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of the Universal Service Fund (USF) Lifeline program. The categories of records involved in the matching program include, but are not limited to, a Lifeline applicant or subscriber’s full name; physical and mailing addresses; partial Social Security number or Tribal ID number; date of birth; qualifying person’s full name (if qualifying person is different from subscriber); qualifying person’s physical and mailing addresses; qualifying person’s partial Social Security number or Tribal ID number, and qualifying person’s date of birth. The National Verifier will transfer these data elements to the source agencies, which will respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the individual is enrolled in a Lifeline-qualifying assistance program.

Non-federal agencies participating in the program are: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration, Division of Family Resources; Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services, Division of Family Support; Michigan Department of Health and Human Services: and Puerto Rico Department of the Family.

Written comments are due on or before March 7, 2019. This computer matching program will commence on March 7, 2019, unless comments are received that require a contrary determination, and will conclude on August 5, 2020.