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

FCC Waives Program Rules for Helene Weather Events

On October 2, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted an Order temporarily waiving the Lifeline eligibility requirements in section 54.409(a)-(b) to ensure that consumers who are participating in FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) because of Hurricane Helene, Tropical Storm Helene, and Post-Tropical Cyclone Helene (collectively, the Helene Weather Events), can apply for and enroll...

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Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by Hurricane Helene

On October 1, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an...

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September Monthly Maintenance Reminder

National Verifier System Maintenance

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance...

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September Monthly Maintenance Reminder

NLAD System Maintenance

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for...

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Additional System Maintenance

USAC will conduct an additional system maintenance to the National Verifier staging environment starting on Wednesday, September...

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