FCC-Tennessee Data Match Ensures Fair Play in Low-Income Connectivity Programs
Published Date: 2/25/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Tennessee’s Department of Human Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program, 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 accurate. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by March 27, 2025.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Tennessee SNAP checks for Lifeline/ACP
Starting March 27, 2025, the FCC and USAC will run a computer matching program with the Tennessee Department of Human Services for 18 months to verify whether applicants and subscribers to Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are enrolled in SNAP in Tennessee. The National Verifier will send applicant/subscriber data to Tennessee, which will return a "yes" or "no" on SNAP enrollment to determine Lifeline/ACP eligibility.
Personal ID data sent to Tennessee DHS
The matching program will transfer the last four digits of applicants' Social Security numbers, date of birth, and first and last name from the FCC's National Verifier to the Tennessee Department of Human Services so Tennessee can check SNAP enrollment and reply yes/no. This transfer will occur as part of the verification process that begins March 27, 2025 and runs for 18 months.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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