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
October Monthly System Maintenance
Oct 14, 2026
USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance on Friday, October 16, from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 17.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National...
Reminder: Ad-Hoc System Maintenance on October 10
Oct 7, 2026
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m....
Read MoreAd-Hoc System Maintenance on October 10
Oct 1, 2026
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Saturday, October 10, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m....
Read MoreCalifornia Continued Eligibility Issues: Update
Sep 30, 2026
USAC is aware that certain outreach and reporting issues affected the California continued eligibility process.
- Reminder: Maintain Accurate Designation Orders
- Review Latest...