Upcoming Dates

06/10
2026
June 2026 Monthly Webinar
07/08
2026
July 2026 Monthly Webinar

See full calendar

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

WCB Public Notice: Reminder, FCC Form 481 Due July 1, 2026

Jun 8, 2026

On June 5, 2026, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Public Notice reminding Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETC) participating in the Lifeline programs in accordance with 47 C.F.R. § 54.422 (Lifeline/High Cost and Lifeline-only) of the need to file Form 481 by July 1, 2026 to receive Lifeline support.

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Ad-Hoc System Maintenance

Jun 8, 2026

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Tuesday, June 9, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....

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New Lifeline Instructional Videos

Jun 2, 2026

USAC has released a new series of “how to apply for Lifeline” videos, optimized for mobile learning....

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Lifeline Newsletter – May 2026

May 28, 2026

  • Relief to Lifeline Participants Affected by Sinlaku Weather Events Ends on June 11
    • ...

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Ad-Hoc System Maintenance

May 22, 2026

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Tuesday, May 26, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m....

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Read more announcements