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
FCC Form 555 Now Open: Submit by February 2
Dec 10, 2025
The FCC Form 555 (Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Certification form) is now available for the 2025 filing year. Service providers must submit the form to USAC in One Portal by Monday, February 2, 2026, and must file a copy in the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System, Docket 14-171, and with relevant state and...
Read MoreDecember System Maintenance
Dec 9, 2025
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Wednesday, December 17, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m....
Read MoreAd Hoc Maintenance, December 8
Dec 8, 2025
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Monday, December 8 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
The production...
Service Provider Payment System Unavailable 12/13/2025
Dec 4, 2025
Service providers will not be able to make payments using E-File on Saturday, December 13 from 6...
Read MoreAd Hoc System Maintenance, December 4
Dec 2, 2025
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, December 4, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m....
Read More