Lifeline
Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service
Upcoming Dates
Manage Your Account
Access USAC’s single sign-on dashboard. Lifeline service providers can log into the National Verifier, NLAD, and LCS using One Portal.
Use these links to directly access:
How It Works
Lifeline is a federal program that offers a monthly benefit of up to $9.25 towards phone or internet services for eligible subscribers (up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands).
Eligible Consumers
A consumer can qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, or if they participate in SNAP, Medicaid, or other federal programs. See the full list of qualifying factors.
Eligible Services
Lifeline subscribers can apply their benefit to home or mobile phone service or to high-speed broadband.
The Process
These steps will help service providers navigate the process to join Lifeline as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC).
Become an ETC
Create a Compliance Plan
Obtain a Study Area Code
Obtain a 498 ID
Announcements
National Verifier Enhancements
Nov 11, 2026
On December 10, 2026, USAC will release several system enhancements to the National Verifier. These updates include visual and content improvements to the screens consumers see when required to submit proof of eligibility documentation, as well as updated document review messaging and descriptions. These changes will be available for service providers to test in the staging...
Read MoreIssues in Lifeline Systems: Resolved
Nov 4, 2026
USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected issues with Lifeline systems, including the National Verifier and...
Read MoreIssues in Lifeline Systems
Nov 4, 2026
USAC is aware that users are experiencing issues performing transactions in Lifeline systems, including the National Verifier...
Read MoreIntermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems: Resolved
Nov 4, 2026
USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected intermittent issues performing transactions with Lifeline systems, including the...
Read MoreIntermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems
Nov 4, 2026
USAC is aware that users are experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in Lifeline systems, including the National...
Read More