California's Lifeline Program Mismanagement: Millions Paid for Deceased Individuals' Services

A recent report from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has revealed that California received approximately $3.8 million in federal funds to provide phone and internet services to over 94,000 deceased individuals between 2020 and 2025. This misallocation of resources occurred through the federal Lifeline program, which is designed to subsidize communication services for low-income Americans.

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds

The FCC's inspector general highlighted that California was the largest beneficiary among three states identified in the report, collecting significantly more funds than its counterparts. The Lifeline program, which spends nearly $1 billion annually, allows for reimbursements to service providers, but the report indicates a severe oversight in verifying the eligibility of recipients. Between 2020 and 2025, Lifeline providers in states that opted out of certain verification processes, including California, sought nearly $5 million in reimbursements for services rendered to deceased individuals.

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds

FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized California's management of the Lifeline program, stating, “Gavin Newsom’s California was by far the worst offender of these opt-out states.” In response to these findings, the FCC has revoked California's authority to conduct its own verification process for the Lifeline program, indicating a significant shift in oversight aimed at preventing future mismanagement.

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds

The report has drawn criticism regarding the effectiveness of the Lifeline program's oversight mechanisms. Critics argue that the failure to verify the eligibility of recipients before disbursing funds reflects a broader issue of accountability within state-managed programs. The lack of immediate comment from Governor Gavin Newsom's office raises questions about the state's commitment to addressing these concerns.

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds

While the FCC report indicates that California was the most significant offender, it does not provide detailed information about the specific processes that led to this oversight. Additionally, there is no information on how the state plans to rectify the situation or prevent similar occurrences in the future.

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds

• “Gavin Newsom’s California was by far the worst offender of these opt-out states,” — Brendan Carr, FCC Chair

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds

This report underscores the critical need for improved verification processes within federal assistance programs to ensure that funds are allocated appropriately and to prevent wasteful spending on services for individuals who are no longer living.

California took in millions for 94,000 dead people’s phone and internet service, bombshell FCC report finds