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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

March Lifeline Newsletter

Mar 27, 2025

  • Disaster Assistance Waiver Applications Ending Soon
  • Lifeline Benefit: Key Differences Between Standard and Survivor Support
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Obtaining Consent and Consumer Certifications
  • April Webinar: How to Apply for Lifeline

    • NLAD System Maintenance 

    USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for NLAD starting Friday, March 28 from 10 p.m....

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March Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Mar 20, 2025

National Verifier System Maintenance 

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting...

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Ad-hoc System Maintenance, March 13

Mar 12, 2025

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance starting on Thursday, March 13, from 5 p.m. to 6 p.m....

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February Lifeline Newsletter

Feb 27, 2025

  • 2025 Recertification Is Ongoing
  • California Wildfires Waiver Expiring...

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Read more announcements