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

Nationwide Telecommunications Provider and its CEO Plead Guilty to Massively Defrauding Federal Government Programs...

Issa Asad, 51, of Southwest Ranches, Fla., and Q Link Wireless LLC, of Dania Beach, Fla., pleaded guilty today to conspiring to defraud and commit offenses against the United States in connection with a years-long scheme to steal over $100 million from the Lifeline program. Read more in the DOJ's Press Release.

Read More
October Monthly Maintenance Reminder

National Verifier System Maintenance

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance...

Read More
FCC Waives Program Rules for Milton Weather Events and Future Emergency or Major Disaster...

On October 9, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an...

Read More
Applications Open for Consumers Qualifying Through FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program

On October 10, USAC updated its systems and application to allow consumers who receive FEMA's Individuals and...

Read More
October Monthly Maintenance Reminder

NLAD System Maintenance

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for...

Read More