Upcoming Dates

10/08
2025
October Monthly Webinar
11/12
2025
November Monthly Webinar

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

September Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Sep 17, 2025

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, September 19 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 20.

The production environment of the following systems are impacted:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API

    • USAC is aware that users encountered difficulties with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). The issue has been resolved,...

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Lifeline Claims System Issue Update

Sep 4, 2025

USAC is actively working to resolve the difficulties users are experiencing with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS)....

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Lifeline Claims System Issue

Sep 4, 2025

USAC is aware that users are experiencing difficulties with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). Currently when service...

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Lifeline Newsletter – August 2025

Aug 28, 2025

  • Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) System Access Has Ended