FCC teams with Iowa to sniff out fake phone subsidy claimants
Published Date: 8/10/2026
Notice
Summary
In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended ("Privacy Act"), this document announces a new computer matching program the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission or Agency) and the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will conduct with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline, which is administered by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about this program is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Iowa SNAP Checks Lifeline Eligibility
If you apply for Lifeline in Iowa, the FCC/USAC will check whether you are enrolled in SNAP with the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services to verify your Lifeline eligibility. This matching program starts on September 9, 2026 and runs for 18 months, and the FCC says using the National Verifier will reduce fraud, reduce compliance costs for providers, and improve service for Lifeline subscribers.
Personal Data Shared for Verification
The National Verifier will send the last four digits of your Social Security number, your date of birth, and first and last name to the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services, which will reply "yes" or "no" on whether you are enrolled in Iowa SNAP. This data sharing begins September 9, 2026 and continues for 18 months for the stated purpose of verifying Lifeline eligibility.
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Department and Agencies
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