About Low Income:

• Overview of the Program
• Overview of the Process
• Individual Outreach
• Understanding Audits
• Filing Appeals
• Training Events

Low Income Tools:

• Latest News
• Calendar/Reminders
• Required Forms
• Disbursement Data
• Rules and Orders
• Tips and Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Compliance - Whistleblower Hotline
• Submitting A Complaint

Step 6: Submit Lifeline and Link Up Worksheet (Form 497)

Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that have provided eligible consumers with Lifeline discounts file the Lifeline and Link Up Worksheet (Form 497) with USAC to receive support that reimburses them for providing service at discounted rates.

PLEASE NOTE:  This is not a consumer application for the Lifeline discount.  If you are a low income consumer and think that you may qualify for the Lifeline discount, please contact your phone company directly or see USAC's Low Income Consumers page for more information.

Download Form 497 and Instructions for Completing Form 497:

• FCC Form 497 Online* NEW!
• FCC Form 497 Online Instructions NEW!
• FCC Form 497 Excel Version with Calculations* [ , 150k ]
• FCC Form 497 PDF [ , 40kb ] -REVISED
• FCC Instructions for Completing FCC Form 497 [ , 24k ]- REVISED

*ETCs are encouraged to use the online FCC Form 497 or the Excel Version with Calculations.  Both contain validations including automatic totals and standard rounding procedures.