Announcements
November 20, 2024
November Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, November 22 from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 23.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
November 16, 2024
Ad-hoc System Maintenance, November 16
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting today, Saturday, November 16, from 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. ET on Sunday, November 17.
Users may experience intermittent performance issues with the following systems:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
The staging environments will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for the National Lifeline Accountability Database and National Verifier are available on the USAC website.
November 15, 2024
Ad-hoc System Maintenance, November 15
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting today, Friday, November 15, from 10 p.m. to 8:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 16.
Users may experience intermittent performance issues with the following systems:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
The staging environments will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for the National Lifeline Accountability Database and National Verifier are available on the USAC website.
November 15, 2024
Ad-hoc System Maintenance, November 19
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting on Tuesday, November 19, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET on Wednesday, November 20.
The following USAC websites will be temporarily unavailable:
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for the National Lifeline Accountability Database and National Verifier are available on the USAC website.
November 14, 2024
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved
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 for the inconvenience this may have caused.
November 13, 2024
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in Lifeline systems, including the National Verifier and the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). USAC is actively working on resolving the issues.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
November 13, 2024
December 12 Upcoming System Changes to NLAD
On December 12, USAC will make updates to its systems that include changes to the address update process in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and adding a timestamp to all NLAD transaction dates. These changes will be available in the staging environment on November 21 for service providers.
Address Update Process
In accordance with program rules, service providers must update a consumer’s address in NLAD within 30 days of learning the consumer’s new address. Service providers will now be able to successfully update a consumer’s address when the system detects an address failure or a duplicate address failure. When a service provider completes an update transaction in NLAD for a consumer’s address, the transaction will be successful. If there is an address failure, the service provider will receive a warning message that informs them of the failure, but the subscriber’s address will still get updated.
If there is an address failure that is associated with the update transaction, a continued eligibility application will be created in the National Verifier that a consumer must complete. The consumer will receive outreach that specifies they must complete this application to solve any address failures and verify that their address is correct. If they do not complete this application within 30 days, they will be de-enrolled from the program. Service providers may see increased activity on their “Continued Eligibility Status” reports because of address update transactions.
This new address update process will not apply for Safe Connection Act (SCA) subscribers. If a survivor’s address is updated and there is an address failure or duplicate address failure, then the update transaction will not be successful. The old process of completing an application in the National Verifier to resolve address failures will still apply for SCA subscribers.
NLAD Transaction Timestamp
The NLAD Transaction Date on the Detail Transaction Report will now include a time stamp for all transactions. This will show as “MM/DD/YYYY HH:MM” and will use the 24-hour time format. There will be no impact to the API except the NLAD Transaction Date column will now include the timestamp.
November 12, 2024
Ad-hoc System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting on Thursday, November 14, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. ET.
The staging environments of the following systems will be impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- National Verifier Carrier API
The production environments will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NLAD and National Verifier are available on the USAC website.
October 31, 2024
October Lifeline Newsletter
- FCC Response to Recent Disasters
- Reminder: Continued Eligibility for SCA Benefit and Upcoming System Changes to NLAD
- Support Center: Operating Schedule Through Year-End
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Available Resources for Service Providers
- November Webinars
- November Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter.
October 29, 2024
Ad-hoc System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting on Wednesday, October 30 from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET.
The staging environments of the following systems will be impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
The production environments will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NLAD and National Verifier are available on the USAC website.
October 24, 2024
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.
October 22, 2024
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 to allow Safe Connections Act (SCA) subscribers to complete the continued eligibility process. Part of these changes include updated NLAD error codes, a new SCA Subscriber Status Report, and new outreach types for both SCA subscribers and service providers. The error codes and new report will be available for service provider testing in the staging environment on October 29.
SCA Continued Eligibility Overview
As of September 4, 2024, under the Safe Connections Act (SCA), survivors who have attempted a line separation request with their service provider and are experiencing financial hardship can qualify and receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months. Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of up to $9.25 on phone, internet, or bundles services, and up to $34.25 if they live on qualifying Tribal lands.
After receiving the SCA benefit for three months (i.e., the survivor appeared on 3 snapshot reports), SCA subscribers who qualified for the benefit through an SCA specific method must undergo a continued eligibility process to show they qualify to receive the standard Lifeline benefit. These subscribers must demonstrate that they are eligible for Lifeline and will be contacted by USAC 75 days before their SCA benefit is meant to expire to complete the continued eligibility process. After the subscriber has received the benefit for six months, if an SCA subscriber does not successfully complete the continued eligibility process, USAC will de-enroll them from the Lifeline program within five business days.
If a subscriber qualified for the SCA benefit through one of the standard Lifeline qualifying methods or are enrolled as an SCA subscriber in an opt-out state (California, Oregon, or Texas) they will not undergo the continued eligibility process.
- If subscribers qualified for the SCA benefit through one of the standard Lifeline methods, they will remain enrolled in NLAD and will receive the standard Lifeline benefit (or enhanced Tribal benefit if they live on qualifying Tribal lands) after they have appeared on six snapshot reports. Their Lifeline recertification efforts will be handled through the standard annual recertification process.
- If subscribers are enrolled in an opt-out state as an SCA subscriber, after they have received the SCA benefit for six months (appeared on six snapshot reports) they will be de-enrolled from the program and will need to reapply for Lifeline through their state’s regular Lifeline application process.
SCA Subscriber Status Report
A new SCA Subscriber Status Report will enable service providers to track all SCA subscribers. The report will allow service providers to:
- Track the latest status of SCA subscribers, including when they enrolled or de-enrolled, how many snapshots they have appeared on, and the SCA group (SCA Eligibility, Lifeline Eligibility, Opt-Out States, or Former SCA Subscriber) with which they are associated.
- SCA Eligibility refers to SCA subscribers who qualified through SCA specific eligibility criteria.
- Lifeline Eligibility refers to SCA subscribers who qualified through Lifeline specific eligibility criteria.
- Opt-Out States refers to SCA subscribers in California, Oregon, or Texas. This does not include SCA subscribers who live in California and receive standalone broadband service.
- Former SCA Subscriber refers to subscribers who already received their SCA benefit for 6 months or who are no longer eligible for SCA.
- Identify subscribers that are undergoing the continued eligibility process and show an up-to-date continued eligibility status for these subscribers.
- The three continued eligibility status types will indicate where a subscriber is throughout the process (e.g., Confirmed Lifeline Eligibility, Confirming Lifeline Eligibility, Failed to Confirm Lifeline Eligibility).
We encourage service providers to check the SCA Subscriber Status Report in NLAD to stay updated on the status of their SCA subscribers.
SCA Consumer Outreach
SCA subscribers will receive outreach from USAC once they have received the SCA benefit for three months and have appeared on three snapshot reports. The outreach type (mail, email, text message, or robocall) they will receive depends on the preferred contact method they selected when applying for the SCA benefit.
Below is a summary of outreach SCA subscribers will receive once they have appeared on three snapshot reports.
- Qualified through an SCA specific method: These subscribers will undergo the continued eligibility process after they have received the SCA benefit for three months. They will receive outreach from USAC informing them about the process and they must complete it within 75 days, or they will be de-enrolled from the program after they have received the SCA benefit for six months.
- Qualified through a Lifeline specific method: These subscribers already demonstrated their Lifeline eligibility and will be sent outreach (after they have received the SCA benefit for three months) that informs them they will remain enrolled in Lifeline and start receiving a standard Lifeline benefit (or enhanced Tribal benefit if they live on qualifying Tribal lands). These subscribers will not undergo the continued eligibility process and do not have to take any action, although they may only be eligible for the reduced voice-only Lifeline benefit of $5.25 if they are on a qualifying voice-only plan.
- Enrolled in SCA through an Opt-Out State: These subscribers will receive outreach after they have received the SCA benefit for three months. This outreach will inform them when their SCA benefit ends, and that they will need to re-apply for Lifeline through their state’s application process. They will be de-enrolled from the program after they have received the SCA benefit for six months.
SCA Service Provider Outreach
Service providers will receive two different emails from NLAD to help track the status of their SCA subscribers undergoing the continued eligibility process. These notices will be sent to the ETC Administrator user role in NLAD, including any other user they’ve added as an email recipient on NLAD notices.
- The first email will indicate that one or more SCA subscribers are undergoing the continued eligibility process for a given SAC.
- The second email will indicate that subscribers have been de-enrolled from the program because they failed to successfully complete the SCA continued eligibility process.
Training and Resources
USAC will host office hours on SCA continued eligibility on November 6. To learn more about the SCA benefit, service providers can visit our Safe Connections Act page and consumers can visit our Survivor Benefit page.
October 22, 2024
Delays in Lifeline Application Document Reviews
USAC is aware that consumers may be experiencing longer than usual document review times for their Lifeline applications. We are actively working to resolve the issue and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
October 18, 2024
National Verifier Portal Access Issues Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues accessing the National Verifier Portal.
The access issues began yesterday afternoon around 4:30 p.m. ET. The issues have been resolved and full portal access was restored at 12:00 p.m. ET.
Program stakeholders may visit the system dashboard to view the current status of USAC systems.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
October 17, 2024
National Verifier Portal Access Issues
USAC is aware that users are experiencing issues accessing the National Verifier Portal and is actively working on a resolution.
Program stakeholders may also visit the system dashboard to view the current status of USAC program systems.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
October 16, 2024
Nationwide Telecommunications Provider and its CEO Plead Guilty to Massively Defrauding Federal Government Programs Meant to Aid the Needy
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.
October 16, 2024
October Monthly Maintenance Reminder
National Verifier System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, October 18 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 19.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll or transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
October 15, 2024
FCC Waives Program Rules for Milton Weather Events and Future Emergency or Major Disaster Declarations
On October 9, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order that temporarily waives the non-usage, de-enrollment for non-usage, continued eligibility, and annual recertification requirements under the Lifeline rules for participants affected by Hurricane Milton. The waiver period under this order is through December 15, 2024.
This order also provides relief to areas subject to future Emergency Declarations or Major Disaster Declarations signed by the President due to hurricanes, typhoons, tropical storms, tropical cyclones, and wildfires through the remained of calendar year 2024. For future Emergency Declarations or Major Disaster Declarations, the Lifeline non-usage and recertification requirements will be waived for 60 days after the incident date.
On October 10, 2024, the FCC adopted another Order temporarily waiving the Lifeline eligibility requirements in section 54.409(a)-(b) to ensure that consumers who are receiving FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) support because of Hurricane Milton and its immediate aftermath (collectively, the Milton Weather Events), can apply for and enroll in the Lifeline program. Affected consumers will be able to enroll using this waiver for six months, until April 10, 2025.
This order will also apply to any other hurricanes or tropical weather systems that result in a Presidential declaration of emergency or major disaster that occurs within the next six months.
Resources and Training
Consumers that have recently been affected by a disaster can refer to our Disaster Assistance page on LifelineSupport.org for more information on how they may qualify for Lifeline due to recent events. USAC will hold office hours on October 17 at 3 p.m. ET to provide more information on how consumers can qualify through IHP.
October 10, 2024
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 Households Program (IHP) support to qualify for Lifeline. Applicants will need to provide documentation showing that they are enrolled in IHP to receive the Lifeline benefit. This documentation must include:
- Their first and last name
- Enrollment date
- The name of the program
- Approval that they are receiving disaster assistance
Consumers that have recently been affected by a disaster can refer to our Disaster Assistance page on LifelineSupport.org for more information on how they may qualify for Lifeline. USAC will hold office hours on October 17 at 3 p.m. ET to provide more information on how consumers can now qualify through IHP.
October 9, 2024
October Monthly Maintenance Reminder
NLAD System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for NLAD starting Friday, October 11 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 12.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
October 4, 2024
FCC Waives Program Rules for Helene Weather Events
On October 2, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order temporarily waiving the Lifeline eligibility requirements in section 54.409(a)-(b) to ensure that consumers who are participating in FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) because of Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Helene, and Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene (collectively, the Helene Weather Events), can apply for and enroll in the Lifeline program. Affected consumers will be able to enroll using this waiver through April 2, 2025.
USAC is updating its systems and will begin accepting applications on October 10 for consumers who qualify through FEMA’s IHP. The Lifeline program allows eligible consumers to get up to $9.25 off the cost of phone, internet, or bundled services. Eligible consumers who live on qualifying Tribal lands can receive up to $34.25 per month.
Service providers are encouraged to inform impacted consumers about this upcoming opportunity and work to support relief efforts throughout the impacted areas of the Helene Weather Events.
October 1, 2024
Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by Hurricane Helene
On October 1, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order that temporarily waives the non-usage, de-enrollment for non-usage, and annual recertification requirements under the Lifeline rules for participants in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Virginia in the affected disaster areas.
The waiver period under this order is through November 30, 2024. Subscribers residing in the affected disaster areas and who are subject to the non-usage rule will have 30 days (beginning on December 1, 2024) to use their Lifeline service. If the subscriber does not use their service during the 30-day period, the 15-day notice period will begin on December 31, 2024.
September 26, 2024
September Lifeline Newsletter
- Lifeline Support for Survivors Now Available
- Enhancements to the Online Lifeline Application
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Keep the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) Up to Date
- October Webinar: National Verifier 101
- October Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
September 18, 2024
September Monthly Maintenance Reminder
National Verifier System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, September 20 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 21.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll or transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
September 11, 2024
September Monthly Maintenance Reminder
NLAD System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for NLAD starting Friday, September 13 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 14.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
September 4, 2024
Additional System Maintenance
USAC will conduct an additional system maintenance to the National Verifier staging environment starting on Wednesday, September 4 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
The production environment will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for the National Verifier are available on the USAC.
August 30, 2024
Applications Open for Survivor Benefit
On August 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that compliance with the rules allowing survivors to receive emergency Lifeline support under the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 is required. Under the SCA, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes can get discounted phone, internet, or bundled service through the Lifeline program. Starting on September 4, survivors can apply for the survivor benefit.
What is the survivor benefit?
Survivors who qualify for the survivor benefit can receive:
- Emergency Lifeline support for up to 6 months
- Up to a $9.25 per month discount for phone, internet, or bundled services
Survivors can participate in the Lifeline program, if they attempt a line separation request and can confirm they qualify using one of the methods below:
- Based on the existing Lifeline program qualification requirements,
- If their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG),
- Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),
- Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, or
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Survivors will need to provide a document from their service provider showing proof of an attempted line separation request. Survivors cannot successfully complete their application for emergency Lifeline support without this document.
How can survivors apply?
Starting September 4, survivors can apply for the survivor benefit online at LifelineSupport.org or by mailing in a completed paper application.
USAC will host a webinar on how consumers can apply for the benefit on September 12 at 3 p.m. ET. Consumer advocacy groups are encouraged to attend to learn how survivors can apply for the benefit.
August 29, 2024
August Lifeline Newsletter
- FCC Announces Updated Lifeline Minimum Service Standards
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Obtaining Consent and Consumer Certifications
- September Webinar: Account Management in Lifeline Systems
- September Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
August 29, 2024
FCC Announces Effective Date for Safe Connections Act Rules
On August 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that compliance with the rules allowing survivors to receive emergency Lifeline support under the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 is required. On September 4, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will update its systems to reflect this enrollment opportunity for survivors.
Lifeline Support for Survivors
Starting on September 4, survivors experiencing financial hardship can apply for emergency Lifeline support online at LifelineSupport.org or by mailing in a completed paper application.
- Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of up to $9.25 on voice, internet, or bundled services for up to six months.
- After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25 for qualifying internet or bundled services or $5.25 per month for voice-only service.
Survivors can participate in the Lifeline program if they attempt a line separation request and can confirm they qualify using one of the methods below:
- Based on the existing Lifeline program qualification requirements,
- If their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG),
- Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),
- Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, or
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Survivors will need to provide a document from their service provider showing proof of an attempted line separation request. Survivors cannot successfully complete their application for emergency Lifeline support without this document.
Resources
Providers should refer to the SCA Report and Order and the Lifeline program rules for all policies and regulations.
For more information, please review our Safe Connections Act webpage and the Safe Connections Act: Emergency Lifeline Support for Survivors webinar.
August 28, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues performing transactions in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and submitting applications in the National Verifier.
The issues have been resolved and full connectivity was restored at 11:35 a.m. ET.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
August 28, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline Systems Update
USAC is aware that users are not able to perform transactions in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and submit applications in the National Verifier. USAC is actively working on resolving the issue.
Program stakeholders may also visit the system dashboard to view the current status of USAC program systems.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
August 28, 2024
Issues in Lifeline Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing issues with Lifeline systems and is actively working on a resolution. An update will be provided soon.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
August 21, 2024
August Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, August 23 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 24.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
July 31, 2024
July Lifeline Newsletter
- Voice-Only Phase-Out and Minimum Service Standards Continue at Current Levels
- Upcoming RAD Registration and Email Communication Enhancements
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: RAD Annual Agreement
- August Webinar: RAD 101
- August Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
July 29, 2024
Keep Companies Near Me Information Up to Date
Providers should maintain up-to-date and accurate information with USAC, including details on where they offer Lifeline-supported service. This information is used in USAC’s Companies Near Me tool to help consumers find and sign up with providers that offer service in their area.
Consumers rely on the tool to find a list of every service provider that participates in the program for a given state. Each provider listing includes the provider’s website, customer support phone number, and type of service offered.
Requesting Companies Near Me Updates
Providers should email LifelineProgram@usac.org with the subject line ‘Companies Near Me Update’ to provide the following:
- Updates to website URL, customer support phone number, and type of service offered.
- Updates to ZIP codes where Lifeline-supported service is offered.
USAC may also periodically contact providers to confirm the accuracy of information displayed on the tool.
July 17, 2024
July Monthly Maintenance Reminder
National Verifier System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, July 19 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 20.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll or transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
July 10, 2024
July Monthly Maintenance Reminder
NLAD System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for NLAD starting Friday, July 12 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 13.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
July 9, 2024
Emergency Lifeline Support for Survivors
On November 15, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Report and Order implementing the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 to help survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes. The SCA helps survivors by requiring mobile providers to separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account; protects the privacy of survivors by requiring service providers to omit records of calls and text messages to domestic violence hotlines from consumer-facing call and text message logs; and helps survivors experiencing financial hardship get discounted phone or internet service. Under the SCA, survivors of domestic violence will be able to qualify and receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months.
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a federal program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), an independent not-for-profit organization designated by the FCC. The Lifeline program is dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households and provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month.
Consumers can qualify for Lifeline based on their household income, participation in certain federal assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, or participation in certain Tribal Assistance programs (only available to households that live on Tribal lands).
Lifeline Support for Survivors
Survivors experiencing financial hardship will be able to apply for emergency support starting in August 2024 (the exact timing is still to be determined). Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of $9.25 on phone or internet service for up to six months. After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25 for qualifying internet service or $5.25 per month for phone service.
Survivors can qualify for Lifeline based on the existing program qualification requirements, or can receive emergency support from Lifeline under the SCA if they suffer from financial hardship and can demonstrate or self-certify that their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Survivors can also qualify for emergency support if they participate in any of the following additional eligibility programs:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, or
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Survivors will also need to provide a valid documentation from their phone company provide they made a completed line separation request to receive emergency support from Lifeline. Once a survivor asks their phone company to separate their line, the phone company has two business days to comply and must respond with either an email, text message, or letter acknowledging the survivor’s request. The line separation document must include the survivor’s name, a date from within the last twelve months, and the name of the phone company.
The request to separate a line does not need to be successfully completed by the phone company, who may be unable to complete the request because of some technical infeasibility, but proof of the request itself must be provided to qualify for emergency communications support.
Privacy Protection
USAC works to ensure the privacy of all consumer data in its systems and will apply heightened scrutiny to survivors’ data. When survivors apply, they will be able to decide how we can reach them – either by mail or email, and can change their status anytime by contacting the Lifeline Support Center. Only a limited group of designated personnel will have access to survivors’ information. USAC is making system updates to flag and protect survivors’ entries and treat survivors’ information with greater sensitivity.
Reaching Survivors
USAC is working to identify and establish relationships with survivor support organizations and aims to leverage these relationships to improve and expand accessibility to emergency Lifeline support. As USAC works alongside these organizations, we hope to receive feedback that will guide program enhancements.
Evaluating Program Effectiveness
In 2025, USAC will send a survey to survivor support organizations to examine the impact and effectiveness of the support offered to survivors. This survey aims to gather feedback on survivors’ experiences in the Lifeline program and insights into their specific telecommunications needs.
Contact USAC
If your organization has additional resources or references, or would like to partner with USAC in providing emergency support to survivors, please contact USAC at LifelineProgram@usac.org.
July 1, 2024
FCC Extends Form 481 Deadline to July 10
On June 28, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order extending the deadline for service providers to file and certify this year’s FCC Form 481. This extension permits filing until July 10, 2024 due to a problem in the Form 481 filing system that was impacting some service providers.
All service providers participating in the Lifeline and/or High Cost programs must file and certify the FCC Form 481 on an annual basis. This form collects financial, and operations information used to validate service provider support. Service providers can log into One Portal to access and certify the FCC Form 481.
June 28, 2024
USAC System Dashboard Update
On June 28, USAC launched a system dashboard that program stakeholders can use to determine the status of USAC program systems. The dashboard uses a color code to identify outages, issues and scheduled maintenance for Lifeline’s systems including the National Verifier, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), FCC Form 555, and USAC enterprise tools including the One Portal log in process and Open Data.
The dashboard will be maintained and updated by USAC staff as system information is made available. USAC will continue to issue maintenance reminder bulletins and system outage notices to service providers.
June 27, 2024
June Lifeline Newsletter
- Safe Connections Act Background and Upcoming System Changes
- New Consumer Email Field in NLAD
- Reverification Update
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Advertise Lifeline
- July Webinar: Lifeline Common Audit Findings
- July Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
June 19, 2024
June Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, June 21 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 22.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
May 30, 2024
May Lifeline Newsletter
- Reminder: New PO Box Address for Lifeline Support Center
- FCC Form 481 Due July 1, 2024
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Available Resources for Service Providers
- June Webinar: Using the Lifeline Claim System (LCS)
- June Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
May 28, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues performing transactions in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV) and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). The connectivity issues began this afternoon around 4:20 p.m. ET.
The issue has been resolved and full connectivity was restored at 5:30 p.m. ET. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
May 24, 2024
National Verifier Access Through One Portal
USAC is aware that service providers may not be able to access the National Verifier through One Portal. As a reminder, providers have the option of logging into their National Verifier account at GetInternet.gov.
USAC is working to restore National Verifier access through One Portal and will provide an update soon. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
May 23, 2024
FCC Reminders Regarding the Lifeline Program
On May 23, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) shared a letter to eligible telecommunications carriers (ETC) thanking them for their support throughout the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and encouraging greater involvement in the Lifeline program as the ACP winds-down. The letter also reminds ETCs of their advertising obligations, per FCC’s rules at 47 C.F.R. § 54.405(b).
Service providers should utilize outreach materials and methods designed to reach eligible households that do not currently receive service. For example, service providers may:
• Post notices at public transportation stops and agencies, shelters, and soup kitchens,
• Run public service announcements,
• Provide information booths at central locations,
• Provide customer service to program participants who have disabilities on an equal basis by using telecommunications relay services (TRS), text telephone (TTY), and speech-to-speech (STS) services, and
• Provide outreach materials in braille.
USAC recommends that Lifeline service providers proactively review their advertising material periodically to ensure the outreach is accurate, up-to-date, and includes necessary information for consumers.
Service providers can also coordinate their outreach efforts with government agencies that administer any of the relevant government assistance programs such as social service agencies, Tribal organizations, community centers, public schools, and nursing homes. Lifeline resource materials are available on the LifelineSupport.org Community Education webpage.
The Bureau also released a Public Notice reinforcing these points and reminding ETCs of their obligations to ensure compliance with the Commission’s usage requirements, pass through of the full Lifeline benefit, and properly update any Lifeline compliance plans.
May 23, 2024
FCC Encourages State Partners to Boost Lifeline Awareness
On March 23, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shared a letter with state partners thanking them for their support throughout the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and encouraging involvement in raising awareness of the Lifeline program as the ACP winds-down.
We encourage state partners to raise awareness of the Lifeline program to help eligible households stay connected. USAC has several resources tailored for state partners to assist in reaching eligible households, learn more on USAC’s State and Federal Partners page. State partners can also contact the FCC at Outreach@fcc.gov to request Lifeline program training, enrollment process information, or inquire about outreach initiatives.
May 23, 2024
May Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, May 24 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 25.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll of transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV are available on the USAC website.