Lifeline
Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service
Manage Your Account
Access USAC’s single sign-on dashboard. Lifeline service providers can log into the National Verifier, NLAD, and LCS using One Portal.
Use these links to directly access:
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).
Become an ETC
Create a Compliance Plan
Obtain a Study Area Code
Obtain a 498 ID
Announcements
Updated Lifeline Income Qualifications for 2025
Apr 24, 2025
USAC has updated its forms, systems, and resources to reflect the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines which were released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) earlier this year. Consumers qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Service...
Read MoreNew Continued Eligibility Status Report in NLAD
Apr 17, 2025
On May 21, USAC will implement a new updated, streamlined, and unified Continued Eligibility Status Report in the National...
Read MoreApril Monthly Maintenance Reminder
Apr 16, 2025
Monthly System Maintenance, April 18
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, April 18 from 10 p.m....
Scheduled Maintenance on USAC.org
Apr 10, 2025
USAC will perform scheduled maintenance on USAC.org on Thursday, April 17 from 9 p.m. – midnight. During...
Read MoreApril System Notice
Apr 9, 2025
Ad-Hoc System Maintenance, April 11 USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Friday, April 11 from 10 p.m. to...
Read More