Upcoming Dates

01/31
2025
FCC Form 555 Due January 31

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

Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by the California Wildfires

Jan 22, 2025

On January 16, 2025, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order that temporarily waives the annual recertification requirements and de-enrollment for failed recertification under the Lifeline rules for households receiving broadband-only Lifeline service in Affected Disaster Areas. “Affected Disaster Areas” are defined as areas covered by the California Wildfires...

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Reminder: FCC Form 555 Due January 31, 2025

Jan 22, 2025

The 2024 FCC Form 555 (Annual Lifeline Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Certification Form) is now available for completion...

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December Lifeline Newsletter

Dec 30, 2024

  • Reminder: Updated Minimum Service Standards Effective December 1, 2024

    • National Verifier System Maintenance

    USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance...

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Monthly Maintenance Notice

Dec 11, 2024

USAC will perform monthly maintenance on Friday, December 13 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday,...

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Read more announcements