FCC aims to ensure 'only living and lawful Americans' get Lifeline benefits
Summary
The article reports that the FCC is pursuing nationwide eligibility changes to ensure Lifeline benefits reach only living and lawful Americans, due to alleged fraud in California. An NPRM proposes new verification steps, including SSN collection and SAVE checks, and would curb state opt-out processes; California disputes the framing, while a Democrat commissioner warns the plan could exclude eligible users. The Inspector General found substantial deceased-subscription claims, intensifying regulatory scrutiny of the Lifeline program.