Upcoming Dates

There are no upcoming dates at this time.

Resources

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).

1

Become an ETC

2

Create a Compliance Plan

3

Obtain a Study Area Code

4

Obtain a 498 ID

Get Started

Announcements

Ad-hoc System Maintenance, March 13

Mar 12, 2025

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting on Thursday, March 13, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. ET.

Users may experience intermittent performance issues with the following systems:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API
    • 2025 Recertification Is Ongoing
    • California Wildfires Waiver Expiring...

    Read More
February Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Feb 19, 2025

Monthly System Maintenance, February 21

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance...

Read More
Access and Transaction Issues in Lifeline Systems Update

Feb 12, 2025

USAC is aware that some users have encountered difficulties accessing and conducting transactions in certain Lifeline systems—including...

Read More
Access and Transaction Issues in Lifeline Systems Update

Feb 11, 2025

At this time USAC has restored access for some users; however, certain users may still experience difficulties...

Read More
Read more announcements