Announcements
February 2, 2026
Recertification Begins February 16, 2026
Recertification is an annual requirement for all active Lifeline subscribers that ensures they are still eligible for the benefit.
Beginning on Monday, February 16, 2026, USAC will initiate automated eligibility database checks to verify eligibility for Lifeline subscribers who are due for recertification. Database checks will be run daily throughout the year.
Once initiated, recertification will include subscribers in all states who qualified through the National Verifier process and are enrolled in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). This includes California broadband-only consumers who qualified through the National Verifier process and are already enrolled in NLAD. USAC will announce when recertification will begin for the remaining California consumers who were previously determined eligible by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at a later time.
What This Means for Subscribers
- Subscribers Who Pass the Automated Check: No action is required for their 2026 recertification.
- Subscribers Who Fail the Automated Check: These subscribers will need to take action and manually recertify their continued eligibility. USAC will send outreach either by email or mail with further instructions on how to complete the process.
Starting February 16, USAC will conduct outreach to subscribers who fail the automated eligibility checks. Subscribers will have a 60-day window to recertify through a manual process. Subscribers that fail to recertify during this window will be automatically de-enrolled.
If a subscriber receives an email or letter in the mail from USAC, they must take action to recertify their benefit. Subscribers must complete the Lifeline Recertification Form (English or Spanish). In some cases, subscribers must provide additional income or eligibility documentation. USAC will notify subscribers if this is required.
What This Means for Service Providers
Service providers should regularly monitor the Recertification Subscriber Status Report in NLAD to identify subscribers undergoing recertification. This report is updated daily to reflect automated check results.
On January 27, 2026, USAC removed the ‘Anniversary Date’ column from the Recertification Subscriber Status Report. Service providers will no longer be able to see this column, as recertification is no longer based on a subscriber’s anniversary date.
Service providers are encouraged to educate their subscribers about USAC and the recertification process. However, service providers should avoid providing or estimating deadlines, as these are subject to change.
Training and Resources
USAC will host an Office Hours session for service providers on Recertification on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Providers can also visit USAC’s Recertification page to learn more.
January 29, 2026
Lifeline Newsletter – January 2026
- Reminder: FCC Form 555 Submission Window Closing Soon
- Reminder: FCC Order on California Effective February 1
- 2026 Recertification to Begin in February
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Commissions for Enrollment Representatives
- February Maintenance Schedule
- February 2026 Webinar: Lifeline Claims System 101
View full newsletter
January 29, 2026
Ad-Hoc System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, January 29, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
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.
January 27, 2026
Ad Hoc System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Tuesday, January 27, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
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.
January 23, 2026
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users may have been experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in the National Verifier, National Verifier Carrier API, and the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). The issue began around 9:30 a.m. ET and was resolved around 10:30 a.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
January 21, 2026
January System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, January 23, from 9 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, January 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)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
December 30, 2025
Lifeline Newsletter – December 2025
- Reminder: FCC Form 555 Due February 2, 2026
- Reminder: Keep Companies Near Me Information Up to Date
- Support Center: Operating Schedule Through Year-End
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Reimbursement for Offering Lifeline
- January 2025 Webinar: National Verifier 101
- January Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
December 17, 2025
Reminder: December System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Wednesday, December 17, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 18.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, December 19, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET on Saturday, December 20.
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)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
December 10, 2025
FCC Form 555 Now Open: Submit by February 2
The FCC Form 555 (Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier (ETC) Certification form) is now available for the 2025 filing year. Service providers must submit the form to USAC in One Portal by Monday, February 2, 2026, and must file a copy in the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System, Docket 14-171, and with relevant state and Tribal governments.
All Lifeline service providers are required to file the FCC Form 555 to report the results of non-usage de-enrollments and the annual recertification process.
Submissions
Service providers have the option to submit FCC Form 555 using either a single-entry or bulk data submission method. The bulk data submission method allows service providers to submit forms for multiple Study Area Codes (SACs).
All submissions must be certified by a 497 Officer for the filing to be complete.
Resources
For further details on the filing process, USAC encourages service providers to review the resources listed below:
- December Monthly Webinar: FCC Form 555
- FCC Form 555 Demo
- FCC Form 555 User Guide
- FCC Form 555 Supplemental Information
- FCC Form 555 FAQs
For technical support and additional information on completing the FCC Form 555 filing, email Form555@USAC.org.
December 9, 2025
December System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Wednesday, December 17, from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. ET on Thursday, December 18.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, December 19, from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET on Saturday, December 20.
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)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
December 8, 2025
Ad Hoc Maintenance, December 8
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Monday, December 8 from 9 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
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.
December 2, 2025
Ad Hoc System Maintenance, December 4
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, December 4, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Friday, December 5.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
November 24, 2025
Ad Hoc System Maintenance, November 24
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Monday, November 24 from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, November 25.
Users may experience intermittent issues with the production environments of the following systems:
- 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.
November 20, 2025
Lifeline November 2025 Newsletter
- FCC Form 555 Due February 2, 2026
- Support Center: Operating Schedule Through Year-End
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Obtaining Consent
- December 2025 Webinar: Completing the Annual FCC Form 555
- December Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
November 20, 2025
FCC Announces California to Participate in NLAD
On November 20, 2025, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an Order announcing that starting on February 1, 2026, the National Verifier and related federal processes will determine eligibility and perform duplicate checks for all consumers in California, and Lifeline service providers will use the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) to enroll eligible consumers.
How to Prepare
In coming weeks, USAC will send out additional details, announce an Office Hours session, and host a series of trainings to help California service providers gain access to relevant USAC systems, including how to establish application programming interfaces (APIs) with USAC for eligibility checks.
In the meantime, we encourage service providers in California to have their agents register in the Representative Accountability Database (RAD) as soon as possible to obtain a Representative ID. Obtaining a Representative ID is the first step in getting access to USAC systems. If USAC cannot automatically confirm an agent’s identity, they will be asked to submit documentation to confirm their information.
We also encourage service providers in California to review usac.org/Lifeline, our most recent webinar on Navigating USAC’s Systems, and the following pages:
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD): a registration system that validates the identities of service provider representatives.
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD): a system that allows service providers to enroll and manage consumers approved for the federal Lifeline benefit.
November 19, 2025
November Monthly System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, November 21, from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 22.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
November 17, 2025
November System Maintenance
Ad Hoc System Maintenance, November 19
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Wednesday, November 19 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 20.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
November 12, 2025
November System Maintenance
Ad Hoc System Maintenance, November 19
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Wednesday, November 19 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Thursday, November 20.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
November 6, 2025
Resolved: Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue
USAC is aware that users were experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal.
The issue has now been resolved. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
October 31, 2025
November System Maintenance
Monthly System Maintenance, November 21
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance starting Friday, November 21 from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 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)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
October 30, 2025
Update: Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue
USAC is aware that users have been experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal. The issue is ongoing and USAC encourages service providers to help consumers apply through the National Verifier consumer portal in the meantime.
USAC continues to actively work on a resolution. We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
October 29, 2025
October System Maintenance Reminder
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, October 30 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET on Friday, October 31.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
October 28, 2025
Update: Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue
USAC is aware that users have been experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal. The issue is ongoing and USAC is actively working on a resolution.
USAC will provide an update when the issue is resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
October 27, 2025
Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue
USAC is aware that users may be experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal. At this time the National Verifier Carrier API and National Verifier consumer portal are working properly. Consumers can continue submitting applications.
USAC is actively working on a resolution. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
October 22, 2025
October System Maintenance Reminder
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance starting Friday, October 24 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 25.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
October 21, 2025
Resolved: Lifeline Support Center Call Disruptions
USAC is aware that callers were experiencing longer than usual wait times to reach Lifeline Support Center staff by phone. The issue started on October 20th and has now been resolved.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
October 20, 2025
Lifeline Support Center Calls Disrupted
USAC is aware that the Lifeline Support Center is experiencing difficulties that may prevent callers from reaching support staff by phone. Consumers may be experiencing longer than usual wait times.
USAC encourages consumers to email us at LifelineSupport@usac.org for any support they may need while we work on a resolution.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide more information as it becomes available.
October 20, 2025
Resolved: Call Center Disruption
Thank you for your patience – this issue has been resolved. The phones for USAC’s Customer Service Center for E-Rate, Lifeline, High Cost, and Rural Health Care are currently experiencing disruptions. We are working to resolve the issue. If you need assistance, please contact USAC by email or create a ticket in EPC. We apologize for the inconvenience.
October 15, 2025
October Maintenance Reminder
Monthly and Ad Hoc System Maintenance, October 17
USAC will perform system maintenance starting Friday, October 17 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 18. Users will be unable to submit applications at this time.
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)
Monthly System Maintenance, October 24
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance starting Friday, October 24 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 25.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
Ad Hoc System Maintenance, October 30
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, October 30 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET on Friday, October 31.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
September 30, 2025
Lifeline Newsletter – September 2025
- PQA Requests for Information Are Going Out for Lifeline
- The FCC Releases Annual Public Notice: Conditional Forbearance on Lifeline Voice Obligations
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Ensuring Consumer Access Through Outreach and Advertising
- October 2025 Webinar: National Verifier 101
- October Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
September 23, 2025
Resolved: Intermittent Issues in the National Verifier
USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected intermittent errors with the National Verifier and National Verifier Carrier API that began around 7:15 a.m. ET.
The issue has been resolved and full connectivity was restored at 10:30 a.m. ET.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
September 23, 2025
Intermittent Issues in the National Verifier
USAC is aware that users are experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in the National Verifier and National Verifier Carrier API that began around 7:15 a.m. ET. USAC is actively working on a resolution.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
September 17, 2025
September Monthly Maintenance Reminder
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
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
September 5, 2025
Lifeline Claims System Issue Resolved
USAC is aware that users encountered difficulties with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). The issue has been resolved, and providers can start certifying their claims in LCS.
USAC is reviewing claims certified on or after August 27 and will reach out directly to affected providers with further information.
To ensure all providers have sufficient time, USAC has extended the claims filing deadline to September 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
September 4, 2025
Lifeline Claims System Issue Update
USAC is actively working to resolve the difficulties users are experiencing with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). Below are important updates on the issue:
- Claim Submission Guidance: Service providers can still log in, upload, and submit claims but should not certify them until USAC confirms the issue has been resolved. USAC is also evaluating the impact on service providers who have already certified their claims and will notify impacted providers if they have to certify again.
- Resolution Timeline: A fix is expected tomorrow, September 5. USAC will notify providers once the issue is resolved and when it is appropriate to certify claims.
- Possible Filing Deadline Extension: USAC is considering an extension to the filing deadline and will share more information soon.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
September 4, 2025
Lifeline Claims System Issue
USAC is aware that users are experiencing difficulties with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). Currently when service providers certify their claims, the 497 Officer information is not populating on the Lifeline Claims Worksheet. The issue began on August 27.
Service providers should refrain from certifying claims until USAC notifies providers that the issue has been resolved.
USAC is actively working on a resolution and will provide more information to providers as it becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
August 28, 2025
Lifeline Newsletter – August 2025
- Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) System Access Has Ended
- One Portal Updated Terms and Conditions
- Understanding the Standard Lifeline Benefit and Survivor Benefit
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Non-Usage
- September Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
August 27, 2025
Lifeline Mobile Application Issues Resolved
USAC is aware that consumers were unable to submit Lifeline applications using mobile devices earlier today.
The issue was resolved around 12:50 p.m. ET. Consumers and service providers can now submit applications using a mobile device. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
August 20, 2025
August Monthly Maintenance Reminder
Monthly System Maintenance, August 22
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, August 22 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 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.