Upcoming Dates

08/12
2026
August 2026 Monthly Webinar
09/09
2026
September 2026 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

Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by Bavi Weather Events

Jul 9, 2026

On July 8, 2026, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order that temporarily waives the non-usage, de-enrollment for non-usage, recertification, and de-enrollment for failure to recertify requirements under the Lifeline rules for participants in the Affected Disaster Areas in Guam and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (“Affected...

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Lifeline Newsletter – June 2026

Jun 30, 2026

  • WCB Public Notice: FCC Form 481 Due July 1, 2026
    • ...

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Reminder: Form 481 Due July 1, 2026

Jun 25, 2026

The 2026 annual FCC Form 481 filing window deadline is Wednesday, July 1, 2026. The FCC Form...

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June Monthly System Maintenance

Jun 24, 2026

USAC will perform a scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, June 26, from 10 p.m. to 3...

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California Subscribers Continued Eligibility Slated for August

Jun 16, 2026

Under direction of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and pursuant to the FCC OIG Advisory Regarding...

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Read more announcements