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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

Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved

Nov 14, 2024

USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected intermittent errors with Lifeline systems, including the National Verifier and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) that began in the late afternoon on November 13.

The issue has been resolved and full connectivity was restored on November 13 at 7:40 p.m. ET. We apologize...

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Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems

Nov 13, 2024

USAC is aware that users are experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in Lifeline systems, including the National...

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December 12 Upcoming System Changes to NLAD

Nov 13, 2024

On December 12, USAC will make updates to its systems that include changes to the address update...

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Ad-hoc System Maintenance

Nov 12, 2024

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting on Thursday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m....

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October Lifeline Newsletter

Oct 31, 2024

  • FCC Response to Recent Disasters
  • Reminder: Continued Eligibility...

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Read more announcements