The Department of Health and Human Services released an update to the federal poverty guidelines (“FPG”) for 2015 for the 48 states and DC, Alaska, and Hawaii. In order to qualify for the Lifeline program, an applicant must have an annual income at or below 135% of the FPG level for the number of persons in his or her household, unless the applicant’s state has set a higher threshold.

USAC released a chart that provides income levels and the corresponding household size that can be used to determine what incomes meet the 135% FPG standard. ETCs should update their income-based certification forms and other consumer information materials to reflect the updated FPG income thresholds.