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
The FCC Releases Annual Public Notice: Conditional Forbearance on Lifeline Voice Obligations
Jul 22, 2026
On July 9, 2026, the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) issued a Public Notice announcing a list of counties in which conditional forbearance, where certain service providers will no longer be required to offer Lifeline-supported voice service, applied. The conditional forbearance is effective September 8, 2026.
This...
Read MoreAd-Hoc System Maintenance on 7/23
Jul 21, 2026
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, July 23, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....
Read MoreJuly Monthly System Maintenance
Jul 15, 2026
USAC will perform monthly system maintenance on Friday, July 17, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET.
The...
Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by Bavi Weather Events
Jul 9, 2026
On July 8, 2026, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an...
Read MoreLifeline Newsletter – June 2026
Jun 30, 2026
- WCB Public Notice: FCC Form 481 Due July 1, 2026 ...