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

Additional March Monthly Maintenance 

March 15 Additional System Maintenance

USAC will be conducting an additional monthly maintenance starting on Friday, March 15 from 10 p.m. to 2:00 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 16. National Verifier (NV) Portal, NV Carrier API, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), and the Affordable Connectivity...

Read More
February Lifeline Newsletter

  • Reverification Resumes for Group Two
  • 2024 Recertification Is Ongoing
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Keep NLAD Up to Date
  • March...

Read More
Recertification Notice

Recertification is an annual requirement for Lifeline subscribers. USAC conducts recertification to ensure that active Lifeline subscribers,...

Read More
February Monthly Maintenance Reminder

February 23 Systems Maintenance National Verifier (NV) Portal, NV Carrier API, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), Representative...

Read More
Group One Reverification Update

Group One De-Enrollment Window Closing
Reverification for Group One is nearly finalized. USAC is actively conducting outreach to...

Read More