2820.1 The District of Columbia Lifeline Service Program is a program designed to operate in conjunction with the Federal Lifeline Program, to provide a low monthly recurring rate to qualifying residential subscribers for basic local exchange service.

2820.2 In order to qualify for the Lifeline service, customers must show that they either:

(a) Fall below one hundred thirty-five percent (135%) of the Federal Poverty income guidelines for a household of that size; or

(b) Participate in one of the following federal assistance programs: Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program; Supplemental Security Income; Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8); or Veterans or Survivors Pension Benefit.

2820.3 Each ETC shall file tariffs implementing a Lifeline service that is consistent with both FCC and Commission regulations.

2820.4 Lifeline subsidies shall not be available to customers on a retroactive basis.

2820.5 When the entity responsible for certifying Lifeline customers notifies an ETC that a customer no longer qualifies for Lifeline service, the Lifeline rate will revert to the serving ETC's standard tariffed retail rate.

2820.6 Lifeline service is only available at the qualifying customer's principal residence. An applicant for Lifeline service may report only one (1) address in the District of Columbia as the principal place of residence. Post office boxes are not acceptable designations of residence. Where applicable, an apartment number must be provided.

2820.7 Each household receiving lifeline service is limited to one (1) lifeline service. The lifeline service is non-transferable to any other person or household.

2820.8 Participants in the District's Lifeline Program are eligible to receive Toll Restriction Service at no charge.

2820.9 District of Columbia residents who meet all eligibility requirements shall not be denied Lifeline service because of unpaid toll charges.

SOURCE: Final Rulemaking published at 50 DCR 8198 (October 3, 2003); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 56 DCR 7644 (September 25, 2009); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 58 DCR 8585,

8594 (October 7, 2011); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 59 DCR 12141 (October 19, 2012); as amended by Final Rulemaking published at 63 DCR 14856 (December 2, 2016).