Lifeline
Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service
Upcoming Dates
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 2026
Feb 25, 2026
USAC has updated its forms, systems, and resources to reflect the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines which were released by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) last month. These guidelines are used to determine if a consumer can qualify for Lifeline based on their income. Consumers qualify for the Lifeline benefit if their income is at...
Read MoreAd – Hoc System Maintenance
Feb 23, 2026
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, February 26, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....
Read MoreNew NLAD De-Enrollment Codes
Feb 19, 2026
USAC is updating the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) de-enrollment codes, including adding new codes and removing...
Read MoreFebruary Monthly System Maintenance
Feb 18, 2026
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, February 20, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET...
Read MoreRecertification Begins February 16, 2026
Feb 2, 2026
Recertification is an annual requirement for all active Lifeline subscribers that ensures they are still eligible for...
Read More