Lifeline
Lowering the monthly cost of phone or internet service
Upcoming Dates
Manage Your Account
Access USAC’s single sign-on dashboard. Lifeline service providers can log into the National Verifier, NLAD, and LCS using One Portal.
Use these links to directly access:
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).
Become an ETC
Create a Compliance Plan
Obtain a Study Area Code
Obtain a 498 ID
Announcements
Service Provider Payment System Unavailable 12/13/2025
Dec 4, 2025
Service providers will not be able to make payments using E-File on Saturday, December 13 from 6 p.m. until 10 p.m. ET due to maintenance on the Pay.gov system. We apologize for any inconvenience.
Read MoreAd Hoc System Maintenance, December 4
Dec 2, 2025
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, December 4, from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m....
Read MoreAd Hoc System Maintenance, November 24
Nov 24, 2025
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Monday, November 24 from 9 p.m. to 9 a.m....
Read MoreFCC Announces California to Participate in NLAD
Nov 20, 2025
On November 20, 2025, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an...
Read More