Lifeline Program Overview

Lifeline 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 benefit per “household.” You cannot transfer your Lifeline service to any other person.

For purpose of the Lifeline 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 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). Lifeline rules require regular use of the service to prevent de-enrollment from the Lifeline program. 

Only “eligible” consumers qualify for the Lifeline 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. GCI doesn’t determine eligibility for the Lifeline benefit and requires a qualified application ID to start Lifeline service.

Lifeline applications should be submitted via USAC’s National Verifier (https://www.lifelinesupport.org/) using either Program or Income Eligibility or a paper form can be sent to:

USAC Lifeline Support Center
P.O. Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845

Apply via Program

To qualify with program eligibility, the applicant must attach proof of participation in one of the following authorized public assistance programs when completing the application: 

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) 
  
  

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. 

If a customer can’t apply online, applications are available at any of GCI’s retail stores, or prospective customers may call Customer Service at 1-800-800-4800. 

Apply via Income

To qualify via 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.

The applicant must provide proof of income eligibility that meets the household income criteria for Alaska. Proof of “household” income must be attached to the application in one of the following forms:

• Last year’s state, federal or Tribal tax return
• A current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub
• A statement of benefits from the U.S. Social Security Admin.
• A statement of benefits from the U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs
• A retirement or pension statement of benefits
• An unemployment or worker’s compensation statement of benefits
• A federal or tribal notice of letter of participation in general assistance
• A divorce decree or child support award
• Any other official document containing income information.
• If the documentation presented does not cover a full year, such as current pay stubs, the documentation must cover at least three consecutive months within the previous twelve months.

Lifeline Recertification

Each year USAC will check to confirm consumers still qualify for the Lifeline benefit.  If USAC can confirm the consumer still qualifies, there is nothing else required of the consumer. If USAC cannot confirm the consumer still qualifies, they will send an email or letter to help the consumer recertify. USAC may send additional reminders by email, mail, or pre-recorded messages. Consumers have 60 days to recertify once notified or they will lose their Lifeline benefit. USAC handles consumers’ recertification's and determines if they are approved. GCI can assist with answering questions or providing information but isn’t responsible for the consumer’s recertification approval, denial or extension. Notification may provide details on what documentation is needed for the consumer’s Lifeline recertification and how they can submit it to USAC. 

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 application form
• Proof of emancipated status
• One-per-household worksheet
• Proof of valid address
  
  

Customers can recertify at USAC’s National Verifier (https://www.lifelinesupport.org/) by clicking on the Recertify button

OR 

Send requested by mail to:

USAC Lifeline Support Center
P.O. Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845

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 representative OR
800-234-9473 Monday through Sunday 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. (ET) to speak to a USAC representative

 

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 program. 

LIFELINE PHONE SERVICE IS NON-TRANSFERABLE

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