Staying connected is important, however, sometimes it is easier said than done. In order to make this more affordable for New Jersey residents, NJ SHARES works in partnership with Verizon New Jersey to provide enrollment assistance for the Lifeline Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program.
Serving as a liaison between Verizon and their customers, NJ SHARES offers guidance, provides information, answers questions, and assists in the applications process for these programs.
A federal program offering discounts to qualified low-income and categorically eligible customers to make residential telephone service and broadband (internet) more affordable.
A federal program providing a discount to qualified low-income and categorically eligible customers towards internet and internet connected devices.
The landline voice discount is up to $24.93. The broadband (internet) discount is $9.25.
Verizon NJ does not offer this discount on their wireless service through this program.
No, it is for residential customers only.
USAC approves or denies all applications.
The discount will appear in 1-2 billing cycles after notifying Verizon of the approved application from USAC.
It will appear on the phone bill listed as USA Lifeline Plan offering a credit (CR) to the account.
A package or bundle cannot be on the account in order to receive the voice discount. The broadband (internet) discount can be received if the customer has FiOS internet service along with a package or bundle on the account.
If the customer is subscribed to the traditional voice line only and not digital voice (FiOS VoIP) and do not have a package or bundle on the account then they are eligible to get the Lifeline voice (telephone) discount. If the customer is subscribed to FiOS internet (NOT DSL or High Speed) then they are eligible to get the Lifeline broadband (internet) discount.
Verizon NJ is following Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines. The FCC is a government agency and requires Verizon to recertify all customers who are on the Lifeline program each year. This helps to ensure the discount is going to those who truly need it.
No, the surviving spouse will have to call Verizon NJ to have the account changed to their name. Once the name is changed, the surviving spouse can contact NJ SHARES to receive a new Lifeline application to complete in his/her name.
Yes, as long as the service address matches the home (physical) address on the Lifeline application. There is an area for the billing (mailing) address to be filled in on the application if it is different from the service or home (physical) address.
It is preferred that one name appear on the bill. If someone has Power of Attorney for the customer, their name can be added to the bill. A copy of the Power of Attorney must be sent with application.
NJ SHARES does NOT have access to the Verizon NJ database and cannot access client information. Verizon NJ must be contact directly in order to make these changes.
The credit begins on the date you contact Verizon with the approval from USAC. There is not retro-active credit for past bills.
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