FCC & Missouri Tag-Team to Verify Your Poverty for Cheap Internet
Published Date: 2/25/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Missouri’s Department of Social Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get affordable internet and phone service. This new computer matching program starts March 27, 2025, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these programs fair and on track. If you want to speak up, send your comments by March 27, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Missouri data-matching to verify Lifeline/ACP
Beginning March 27, 2025, the FCC and USAC will run a computer matching program with the Missouri Department of Social Services for 18 months to verify whether applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) in Missouri receive SNAP or Medicaid. The matching covers people who applied for or receive Lifeline/ACP, household members who enable eligibility, and minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian.
Personal data shared for eligibility checks
For the matching, the National Verifier will send the last four digits of applicants' Social Security Number, date of birth, and first and last name to the Missouri Department of Social Services, which will return a yes/no response on SNAP and Medicaid enrollment.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03050, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Mississippi’s Department of Human Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get affordable internet and phone service. This new matching program starts March 27, 2025, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and accurate. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by March 27, 2025.
Next: 2025-03052, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with North Carolina’s Health Department to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone services. This new computer matching program starts March 27, 2025, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these programs fair and accurate. If you’re involved, now’s the time to send your comments before the March 27 deadline!