New Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2014 Released

The Department of Health and Human Services released its annual update of the federal poverty guidelines ("FPG") for 2014.  This updates the income levels used to qualify applicants for Lifeline-supported service, although most subscribers qualify on the basis of participation in another government assistance program such as Food Stamps or Medicaid.  For purposes of Lifeline, the applicant must have an annual income at or below 135% of the FPG level for the number of persons in the household.

USAC has released an updated chart with the new dollar amounts for varying household sizes.  ETCs should update their income-based certification forms and other consumer information materials to reflect the updated FPG dollar thresholds.