Commissioners intend for the changes to ensure only eligible recipients receive aid through the program.
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr announced that the commission will be voting next month on reforms to the Federal Lifeline Program to prevent fraud. The program exists to provide a discount on phone and internet services to low-income Americans.
However, the FCC has discovered abuse of this system, which has resulted in approximately $5 million in fraudulent payments to ineligible recipients. The agency stated that 81 percent of the fraud discovered took place in California.
“The agency will be taking a comprehensive look at the FCC’s nearly $1 billion dollar a year Lifeline program,“ Chairman Carr stated. “It should go without saying that only beneficiaries that are both living and here legally should qualify for benefits under this program.”
Proposed changes to help safeguard the Lifeline program include enhancing requirements to ensure the appropriate participants receive aid, improving program integrity and efficiency, and streamlining program rules to minimize stakeholder confusion.
The FCC is expected to vote on the reforms during the next Open Meeting on February 18.
As the Lord Leads, Pray with Us…
- For Chairman Carr as he presides over discussions on the proposed changes to the Lifeline program.
- For the members of the FCC who will be voting on the proposed reforms on February 18.
Sources: Federal Communications Commission
