Upcoming Dates

09/10
2025
September Monthly Webinar
10/08
2025
October 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

Lifeline Mobile Application Issues Resolved

Aug 27, 2025

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.

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August Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Aug 20, 2025

Monthly System Maintenance, August 22

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, August 22 from 10 p.m....

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ACP User Systems Access Removal

Aug 5, 2025

On August 26, 2025, access to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems will end. USAC will remove...

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August System Notice

Aug 1, 2025

System Maintenance, August 3

USAC will perform an ad hoc system maintenance starting Sunday, August 3 from 9...

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July Monthly Newsletter

Jul 31, 2025

  • FCC Announces Updated Minimum Service Standards and Voice-Only Phase-Out Extension
    • ...

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Read more announcements