Seniors across the country are suddenly losing a benefit they’ve relied on for years — the $9.25 Lifeline phone discount — and many have no idea why it’s happening. The problem isn’t late paperwork, income changes, or missed deadlines. Instead, thousands are being flagged for something called a “duplicate household”, a bureaucratic label that can instantly strip away their only affordable phone option.
For seniors living with adult children, roommates, or in shared housing communities, this glitch is becoming a financial and emotional burden. Here’s what you need to know about how the trap works — and how to fix it.
