Upcoming Dates

02/11
2026
February 2026 Monthly Webinar
02/17
2026
Recertification Office Hour

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

Recertification Begins February 16, 2026

Feb 2, 2026

Recertification is an annual requirement for all active Lifeline subscribers that ensures they are still eligible for the benefit.

Beginning on Monday, February 16, 2026, USAC will initiate automated eligibility database checks to verify eligibility for Lifeline subscribers who are due for recertification. Database checks will be run daily throughout the...

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Lifeline Newsletter – January 2026

Jan 29, 2026

  • Reminder: FCC Form 555 Submission Window Closing Soon

    • USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, January 29, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....

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Ad Hoc System Maintenance

Jan 27, 2026

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Tuesday, January 27, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....

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Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved

Jan 23, 2026

USAC is aware that users may have been experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in the National Verifier,...

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Read more announcements