Upcoming Dates

06/10
2026
June 2026 Monthly Webinar
07/08
2026
July 2026 Monthly Webinar

See full calendar

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

New Lifeline Instructional Videos

Jun 2, 2026

USAC has released a new series of “how to apply for Lifeline” videos, optimized for mobile learning. The instructional video modules serve as a comprehensive resource for consumers seeking to understand how to apply for the benefit. These new videos aim to promote consumer awareness and understanding by sharing key information about the application process, including what...

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Lifeline Newsletter – May 2026

May 28, 2026

  • Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by Sinlaku Weather Events Ends on June 11
    • ...

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Ad-Hoc System Maintenance

May 22, 2026

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Tuesday, May 26, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....

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May Monthly System Maintenance

May 20, 2026

USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, May 22, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m....

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Lifeline Newsletter – April 2026

Apr 30, 2026

  • Improved Consumer Experience on LifelineSupport.org
  • FCC Form...

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Read more announcements