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

Delays in Lifeline Application Document Reviews Resolved

USAC is aware that consumers may have been experiencing longer than usual document review times for their Lifeline applications.

The issue is now resolved, and document review times are back to normal levels.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

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Continued Eligibility for SCA Benefit and Upcoming System Changes to NLAD

On November 12, USAC will implement system changes to the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) production environment...

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Delays in Lifeline Application Document Reviews

USAC is aware that consumers may be experiencing longer than usual document review times for their Lifeline...

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National Verifier Portal Access Issues Resolved

USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues accessing the National Verifier Portal.

USAC is aware that users are experiencing issues accessing the National Verifier Portal and is actively working...

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