The FCC until last year allowed consumers to self-certify, without requiring documentation, that they met federal poverty guidelines.

WSJ: Millions Improperly Claimed U.S. Phone Subsidies

Over three-quarters of the center's families fall below federal poverty guidelines, which means that even simple things like basic prescriptions for chronic treatable diseases can be unaffordable.

NPR: Imagining More Widely Available Health Care

The program is open to people who meet federal poverty guidelines or are on food stamps, Medicaid or other assistance programs, and only one Lifeline subscriber is allowed per household.

WSJ: Millions Improperly Claimed U.S. Phone Subsidies