Announcements
September 18, 2024
September Monthly Maintenance Reminder
National Verifier System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, September 20 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 21.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll or transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
September 11, 2024
September Monthly Maintenance Reminder
NLAD System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for NLAD starting Friday, September 13 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 14.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
September 4, 2024
Additional System Maintenance
USAC will conduct an additional system maintenance to the National Verifier staging environment starting on Wednesday, September 4 from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET.
The production environment will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for the National Verifier are available on the USAC.
August 30, 2024
Applications Open for Survivor Benefit
On August 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that compliance with the rules allowing survivors to receive emergency Lifeline support under the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 is required. Under the SCA, survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes can get discounted phone, internet, or bundled service through the Lifeline program. Starting on September 4, survivors can apply for the survivor benefit.
What is the survivor benefit?
Survivors who qualify for the survivor benefit can receive:
- Emergency Lifeline support for up to 6 months
- Up to a $9.25 per month discount for phone, internet, or bundled services
Survivors can participate in the Lifeline program, if they attempt a line separation request and can confirm they qualify using one of the methods below:
- Based on the existing Lifeline program qualification requirements,
- If their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG),
- Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),
- Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, or
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Survivors will need to provide a document from their service provider showing proof of an attempted line separation request. Survivors cannot successfully complete their application for emergency Lifeline support without this document.
How can survivors apply?
Starting September 4, survivors can apply for the survivor benefit online at LifelineSupport.org or by mailing in a completed paper application.
USAC will host a webinar on how consumers can apply for the benefit on September 12 at 3 p.m. ET. Consumer advocacy groups are encouraged to attend to learn how survivors can apply for the benefit.
August 29, 2024
August Lifeline Newsletter
- FCC Announces Updated Lifeline Minimum Service Standards
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Obtaining Consent and Consumer Certifications
- September Webinar: Account Management in Lifeline Systems
- September Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
August 29, 2024
FCC Announces Effective Date for Safe Connections Act Rules
On August 29, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Public Notice announcing that compliance with the rules allowing survivors to receive emergency Lifeline support under the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 is required. On September 4, the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) will update its systems to reflect this enrollment opportunity for survivors.
Lifeline Support for Survivors
Starting on September 4, survivors experiencing financial hardship can apply for emergency Lifeline support online at LifelineSupport.org or by mailing in a completed paper application.
- Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of up to $9.25 on voice, internet, or bundled services for up to six months.
- After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25 for qualifying internet or bundled services or $5.25 per month for voice-only service.
Survivors can participate in the Lifeline program if they attempt a line separation request and can confirm they qualify using one of the methods below:
- Based on the existing Lifeline program qualification requirements,
- If their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG),
- Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),
- Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, or
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Survivors will need to provide a document from their service provider showing proof of an attempted line separation request. Survivors cannot successfully complete their application for emergency Lifeline support without this document.
Resources
Providers should refer to the SCA Report and Order and the Lifeline program rules for all policies and regulations.
For more information, please review our Safe Connections Act webpage and the Safe Connections Act: Emergency Lifeline Support for Survivors webinar.
August 28, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues performing transactions in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and submitting applications in the National Verifier.
The issues have been resolved and full connectivity was restored at 11:35 a.m. ET.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
August 28, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline Systems Update
USAC is aware that users are not able to perform transactions in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and submit applications in the National Verifier. USAC is actively working on resolving the issue.
Program stakeholders may also visit the system dashboard to view the current status of USAC program systems.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
August 28, 2024
Issues in Lifeline Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing issues with Lifeline systems and is actively working on a resolution. An update will be provided soon.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.
August 21, 2024
August Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, August 23 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 24.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
July 31, 2024
July Lifeline Newsletter
- Voice-Only Phase-Out and Minimum Service Standards Continue at Current Levels
- Upcoming RAD Registration and Email Communication Enhancements
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: RAD Annual Agreement
- August Webinar: RAD 101
- August Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
July 29, 2024
Keep Companies Near Me Information Up to Date
Providers should maintain up-to-date and accurate information with USAC, including details on where they offer Lifeline-supported service. This information is used in USAC’s Companies Near Me tool to help consumers find and sign up with providers that offer service in their area.
Consumers rely on the tool to find a list of every service provider that participates in the program for a given state. Each provider listing includes the provider’s website, customer support phone number, and type of service offered.
Requesting Companies Near Me Updates
Providers should email LifelineProgram@usac.org with the subject line ‘Companies Near Me Update’ to provide the following:
- Updates to website URL, customer support phone number, and type of service offered.
- Updates to ZIP codes where Lifeline-supported service is offered.
USAC may also periodically contact providers to confirm the accuracy of information displayed on the tool.
July 17, 2024
July Monthly Maintenance Reminder
National Verifier System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, July 19 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 20.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll or transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
July 10, 2024
July Monthly Maintenance Reminder
NLAD System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance for NLAD starting Friday, July 12 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 13.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
July 9, 2024
Emergency Lifeline Support for Survivors
On November 15, 2023, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a Report and Order implementing the Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 to help survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes. The SCA helps survivors by requiring mobile providers to separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account; protects the privacy of survivors by requiring service providers to omit records of calls and text messages to domestic violence hotlines from consumer-facing call and text message logs; and helps survivors experiencing financial hardship get discounted phone or internet service. Under the SCA, survivors of domestic violence will be able to qualify and receive emergency Lifeline support for up to six months.
What is Lifeline?
Lifeline is a federal program, administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), an independent not-for-profit organization designated by the FCC. The Lifeline program is dedicated to making phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households and provides eligible consumers with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month.
Consumers can qualify for Lifeline based on their household income, participation in certain federal assistance programs such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid, or participation in certain Tribal Assistance programs (only available to households that live on Tribal lands).
Lifeline Support for Survivors
Survivors experiencing financial hardship will be able to apply for emergency support starting in August 2024 (the exact timing is still to be determined). Qualifying survivors can receive a discount of $9.25 on phone or internet service for up to six months. After six months, they may apply for the standard Lifeline benefit of up to $9.25 for qualifying internet service or $5.25 per month for phone service.
Survivors can qualify for Lifeline based on the existing program qualification requirements, or can receive emergency support from Lifeline under the SCA if they suffer from financial hardship and can demonstrate or self-certify that their household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Survivors can also qualify for emergency support if they participate in any of the following additional eligibility programs:
- Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC),
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast Program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district, or
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year.
Survivors will also need to provide a valid documentation from their phone company provide they made a completed line separation request to receive emergency support from Lifeline. Once a survivor asks their phone company to separate their line, the phone company has two business days to comply and must respond with either an email, text message, or letter acknowledging the survivor’s request. The line separation document must include the survivor’s name, a date from within the last twelve months, and the name of the phone company.
The request to separate a line does not need to be successfully completed by the phone company, who may be unable to complete the request because of some technical infeasibility, but proof of the request itself must be provided to qualify for emergency communications support.
Privacy Protection
USAC works to ensure the privacy of all consumer data in its systems and will apply heightened scrutiny to survivors’ data. When survivors apply, they will be able to decide how we can reach them – either by mail or email, and can change their status anytime by contacting the Lifeline Support Center. Only a limited group of designated personnel will have access to survivors’ information. USAC is making system updates to flag and protect survivors’ entries and treat survivors’ information with greater sensitivity.
Reaching Survivors
USAC is working to identify and establish relationships with survivor support organizations and aims to leverage these relationships to improve and expand accessibility to emergency Lifeline support. As USAC works alongside these organizations, we hope to receive feedback that will guide program enhancements.
Evaluating Program Effectiveness
In 2025, USAC will send a survey to survivor support organizations to examine the impact and effectiveness of the support offered to survivors. This survey aims to gather feedback on survivors’ experiences in the Lifeline program and insights into their specific telecommunications needs.
Contact USAC
If your organization has additional resources or references, or would like to partner with USAC in providing emergency support to survivors, please contact USAC at LifelineProgram@usac.org.
July 1, 2024
FCC Extends Form 481 Deadline to July 10
On June 28, 2024, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released an Order extending the deadline for service providers to file and certify this year’s FCC Form 481. This extension permits filing until July 10, 2024 due to a problem in the Form 481 filing system that was impacting some service providers.
All service providers participating in the Lifeline and/or High Cost programs must file and certify the FCC Form 481 on an annual basis. This form collects financial, and operations information used to validate service provider support. Service providers can log into One Portal to access and certify the FCC Form 481.
June 28, 2024
USAC System Dashboard Update
On June 28, USAC launched a system dashboard that program stakeholders can use to determine the status of USAC program systems. The dashboard uses a color code to identify outages, issues and scheduled maintenance for Lifeline’s systems including the National Verifier, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), FCC Form 555, and USAC enterprise tools including the One Portal log in process and Open Data.
The dashboard will be maintained and updated by USAC staff as system information is made available. USAC will continue to issue maintenance reminder bulletins and system outage notices to service providers.
June 27, 2024
June Lifeline Newsletter
- Safe Connections Act Background and Upcoming System Changes
- New Consumer Email Field in NLAD
- Reverification Update
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Advertise Lifeline
- July Webinar: Lifeline Common Audit Findings
- July Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
June 19, 2024
June Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, June 21 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 22.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.
May 30, 2024
May Lifeline Newsletter
- Reminder: New PO Box Address for Lifeline Support Center
- FCC Form 481 Due July 1, 2024
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Available Resources for Service Providers
- June Webinar: Using the Lifeline Claim System (LCS)
- June Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
May 28, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues performing transactions in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV) and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). The connectivity issues began this afternoon around 4:20 p.m. ET.
The issue has been resolved and full connectivity was restored at 5:30 p.m. ET. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
May 24, 2024
National Verifier Access Through One Portal
USAC is aware that service providers may not be able to access the National Verifier through One Portal. As a reminder, providers have the option of logging into their National Verifier account at GetInternet.gov.
USAC is working to restore National Verifier access through One Portal and will provide an update soon. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
May 23, 2024
FCC Reminders Regarding the Lifeline Program
On May 23, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) shared a letter to eligible telecommunications carriers (ETC) thanking them for their support throughout the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and encouraging greater involvement in the Lifeline program as the ACP winds-down. The letter also reminds ETCs of their advertising obligations, per FCC’s rules at 47 C.F.R. § 54.405(b).
Service providers should utilize outreach materials and methods designed to reach eligible households that do not currently receive service. For example, service providers may:
• Post notices at public transportation stops and agencies, shelters, and soup kitchens,
• Run public service announcements,
• Provide information booths at central locations,
• Provide customer service to program participants who have disabilities on an equal basis by using telecommunications relay services (TRS), text telephone (TTY), and speech-to-speech (STS) services, and
• Provide outreach materials in braille.
USAC recommends that Lifeline service providers proactively review their advertising material periodically to ensure the outreach is accurate, up-to-date, and includes necessary information for consumers.
Service providers can also coordinate their outreach efforts with government agencies that administer any of the relevant government assistance programs such as social service agencies, Tribal organizations, community centers, public schools, and nursing homes. Lifeline resource materials are available on the LifelineSupport.org Community Education webpage.
The Bureau also released a Public Notice reinforcing these points and reminding ETCs of their obligations to ensure compliance with the Commission’s usage requirements, pass through of the full Lifeline benefit, and properly update any Lifeline compliance plans.
May 23, 2024
FCC Encourages State Partners to Boost Lifeline Awareness
On March 23, 2024, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) shared a letter with state partners thanking them for their support throughout the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and encouraging involvement in raising awareness of the Lifeline program as the ACP winds-down.
We encourage state partners to raise awareness of the Lifeline program to help eligible households stay connected. USAC has several resources tailored for state partners to assist in reaching eligible households, learn more on USAC’s State and Federal Partners page. State partners can also contact the FCC at Outreach@fcc.gov to request Lifeline program training, enrollment process information, or inquire about outreach initiatives.
May 23, 2024
May Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, May 24 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 25.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) functions that require the National Verifier will also be affected (e.g., enroll of transfer transactions). We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV are available on the USAC website.
April 30, 2024
April Lifeline Newsletter
- Coming Soon: New P.O. Box Address for Lifeline Support Center
- Reverification Group Two: On-Hand Documentation Deadline Approaching
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: RAD Annual Agreement
- May Webinar: Navigating USAC Systems
- May Maintenance Schedule
View full newsletter
April 24, 2024
Ad-hoc System Maintenance
USAC will be conducting an ad-hoc system maintenance to the following staging environments starting on Monday, April 29 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. ET:
- National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
- Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
- Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
The production environments will not be affected. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NLAD and NV are available on the USAC website.
April 17, 2024
April Monthly Maintenance Reminder
System Maintenance
USAC will perform a scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, April 19 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, April 20.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
• National Verifier Portal
• National Verifier Carrier API
• National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
• Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
• Representative Accountability Database (RAD)
• Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS)
We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NLAD and NV are available on the USAC website.
April 15, 2024
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected intermittent issues with Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the Representative Accountability Database (RAD) and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) that began this morning.
All systems have been restored, we apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
April 15, 2024
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing unexpected intermittent issues with Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the Representative Accountability Database (RAD) and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) that began this morning. Intermittent issues may be occurring in other systems as well.
USAC is actively working on resolving the issues. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
April 12, 2024
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected intermittent issues with Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), and the Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS) that began this morning.
All systems have been restored, we apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
April 12, 2024
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing unexpected intermittent issues with Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), and the Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS) that began this morning. Intermittent issues may be occurring in other systems as well.
USAC is actively working on resolving the issues. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
April 4, 2024
Access Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing access issues with Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV), NV Carrier API, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), and the Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS) that began this morning around 10:10 a.m. ET. The access issues were resolved at 1 p.m. ET.
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
April 4, 2024
Access Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing access issues with Lifeline and ACP systems as of 10:10 a.m. ET today. The systems impacted are Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV), NV Carrier API, National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), Representative Accountability Database (RAD), Lifeline Claims System (LCS), and the Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS).
USAC is actively working on restoring access and will send an update soon. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.
March 29, 2024
RESOLVED: USAC Systems Experiencing Intermittent Connectivity Issues
Several USAC systems are experiencing intermittent connectivity issues. Our team is working to resolve the issues. We apologize for the inconvenience.
March 29, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing issues performing transactions in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV), National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD), and Representative Accountability Database (RAD). The connectivity issues began this morning around 3:40 a.m. ET.
USAC is actively working on resolving the issues and will share further updates as they become available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
March 28, 2024
March Lifeline Newsletter
- Adjusted Lifeline Income Qualifications for 2024
- Reverification Group Two Updates
- Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Advertise Lifeline
- April Webinar: Navigating Account Functions in NLAD
- April Maintenance Schedule
- System Maintenance
View full newsletter
March 27, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users were experiencing issues performing transactions in the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV) and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) since 4:00 a.m. ET today.
The issue was resolved at 9:00 a.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
March 27, 2024
Connectivity Issues in Lifeline and ACP Systems
USAC is aware that users are experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems, including the National Verifier (NV), NV Carrier API, and National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). The intermittent issues began around 4:00 a.m. ET.
USAC is actively working to resolve the issue and will share an update as soon as possible. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.