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

Announcements

Recertification Notice

Recertification is an annual requirement for Lifeline subscribers. USAC conducts recertification to ensure that active Lifeline subscribers, including those who also participate in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), are still eligible for the Lifeline benefit.

Starting Monday, May 1, 2023, USAC will initiate automated eligibility database checks to verify the eligibility...

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April 2023 Lifeline Newsletter

April Monthly Newsletter Headlines:

  • Enhancements to National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) Transaction History
  • Reminder: New P.O. Box Address for...

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March 2023 Lifeline Newsletter

March Monthly Newsletter Headlines:

  • New P.O. Box Address for ACP and Lifeline Customer Support Centers (CSC)
  • Adjusted Lifeline Income...

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Defendant Sentenced for Defrauding Lifeline

The Michigan Department of Attorney General announced on February 21, 2023, the sentencing of an individual who...

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March 2023 Monthly Maintenance Schedule

NLAD Maintenance The National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), and the Affordable Connectivity Claims...

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