Important Notification Regarding Lifeline Recertification

Subscribers will receive a letter from USAC requesting the documentation needed to recertify their eligibility in Lifeline Unlimited. The letter will provide details on what documentation is needed for Lifeline Unlimited recertification and how they can submit it to USAC. They will be required to submit documentation within 60 days.

Subscribers could be asked to recertify any or all of the following:

• Proof of eligibility
• Proof of social security number
• Proof of date of birth
• Lifeline Unlimited application form
• Proof of emancipated status
• One-per-household worksheet
• Proof of valid address
  
  

Send requested by mail to:

USAC Lifeline Support Center
PO BOX 7081
London, KY 40742

Alternatively, you can take your documentation to a GCI retail store and we will mail your information for you.

Call with questions about recertification:

907-770-3022 to speak to a GCI Lifeline Unlimited representative OR
800-234-9473 Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (ET) to speak to a USAC representative

Lifeline Recertification vs. Reverification

Recertification is an annual requirement for Lifeline Unlimited subscribers to ensure they are still eligible for the Lifeline benefit. In order to maintain GCI Lifeline Unlimited phone service, customers must complete USAC’s recertification process and have a valid recertification on file.

Reverification is a one-time process to confirm that all existing Lifeline Unlimited subscribers meet the National Verifier's eligibility standards. Reverification will reset a subscriber’s anniversary date. Subscribers will be recertified one year after the date that they are successfully reverified.

Lifeline Program Overview

Lifeline Unlimited is a government benefit program that enables qualified low-income consumers to receive discounted wireless or landline phone service. However, qualifying consumers may only obtain one Lifeline Unlimited benefit per “household.” You cannot transfer your Lifeline Unlimited service to any other person.

For purpose of the Lifeline Unlimited Program, a household is defined as “any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses as an economic unit.” A violation of the one-per-household limitation constitutes a violation of the Federal Communications Commission’s regulations governing the Lifeline Unlimited Program and will result in the customer’s de-enrollment from the program.

GCI does not charge an initial installation or activation fee. These calling plans include the required “supported services” defined in state regulation at 3 AAC 53.499(13).

Only “eligible” consumers qualify for the Lifeline Unlimited benefit.  

Mobile Lifeline Unlimited service includes unlimited nationwide minutes per month. Lifeline Unlimited Wireline service includes unlimited local calling only.  

With Mobile Lifeline Unlimited service, you get unlimited Nationwide Long-Distance minutes to call anywhere in Alaska on GCI’s network to the Lower 49. Long Distance for Wireline is not included, and service prices are as follows:

Directory Assistance calls: $1.50 each

In-State Long Distance calls: $0.10 per/minute

Out of State Long Distance calls: $0.14 per/minute

Lifeline is a federal program that ensures qualifying low-income customers have access to high-quality voice services. GCI's Lifeline plan includes unlimited nationwide talk, text and 12GB of full-speed data in Alaska. If the included 12GB of full-speed data is exceeded, customers will continue to have access to data at a basic level of service, which varies by market, for the remainder of the billing cycle. The basic level of service is up to 1.5Mbps (download) and 750Kbps (upload), and in extended markets, 128Kbps (upload/download). Tethering/mobile hotspot requires compatible device, and includes up to 4 GB per line per month. After 4GB, tethering speed slowed to max of 256Kbps and in extended markets 128Kbps for the rest of bill cycle. Terms and conditions, including Federal eligibility requirements, and additional charges and fees apply.

Availability

Find out if GCI Wireless or Local Lifeline Unlimited services are available in your area.

Eligibility

Only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. To qualify for Lifeline Unlimited service, an applicant may be eligible via Income or Program Eligibility. 

Income Eligibility

To qualify on the basis of income, the applicant’s annual household income must be at or below 135% of the applicable federal poverty guidelines for Alaska for a household of that size.

Income guidelines for 2023.

More on Lifeline Eligibility and Qualifications

To qualify on the basis of program eligibility, the applicant must provide proof of participation in one of the following authorized public assistance programs: 

Food/Health 

• Food Stamps
• Medicaid

General Assistance 

• Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Children and Seniors 

• Head Start Program (if you qualify under income criteria)

Housing/Home Energy 

• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) 

PLEASE NOTE: Proof of program participation for Lifeline Unlimited Service based on participation in one of these programs. Acceptable documentation includes: (I) current or prior year’s statement of benefits from a qualifying program; (II) a notice or letter of participation in a qualifying program; (III) program participation documents; or (IV) another official document demonstrating that the customer, one or more of the customers’ dependents or the customer’s household receives benefits from a qualifying assistance program. All documentation must provide a date of service. To apply for Lifeline Unlimited service, customers must complete a Lifeline Unlimited application form and present the required documentation discussed above. Applications are available at any of GCI’s retail stores, or prospective customers may call Customer Service at 1-800-800-4800. 

MAKING A FALSE STATEMENT TO OBTAIN LIFELINE UNLIMITED BENEFITS IS A PUNISHABLE OFFENSE

Consumers must fully understand that if they make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline Unlimited service they can be punished by fine or imprisonment or can be barred from the Lifeline Unlimited Program. 

LIFELINE UNLIMITED PHONE SERVICE IS NON-TRANSFERABLE

Lifeline Unlimited service cannot be transferred or conveyed to any other person. If someone else wants Lifeline Unlimited service, they must independently apply and qualify on their own.