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

Announcements

May Lifeline Newsletter

  • New Lifeline Benefit Flyers in Spanish
  • FCC Form 481 Filing Now Open – Deadline: July 1, 2025
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: RAD Annual Agreement
  • June 2025 Webinar: RAD 101
  • ...

Read More
FCC Form 481 Due by July 1, 2025

All service providers participating in the Lifeline and/or High Cost programs must file and certify the FCC...

Read More
May Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Monthly System Maintenance, May 16

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, May 16 from 10 p.m....

Read More
April Lifeline Newsletter

  • New Continued Eligibility Status Report in NLAD
  • ...

Read More
Updated Lifeline Income Qualifications for 2025

USAC has updated its forms, systems, and resources to reflect the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines which were...

Read More