Get Started

Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet services. Eligible consumers may receive up to $9.25 off their phone or internet service; eligible consumers living on Tribal lands may receive up to $34.25 off their phone or internet service.

What is your role?

Lifeline consumers must apply for Lifeline and then sign up with a participating phone or internet company, recertify annually, and keep their information up to date.

Note: Are you a consumer who wants to receive the Lifeline benefit? Click the Get Lifeline button below to visit our consumer website.

Get Lifeline

Service providers enroll qualified consumers in Lifeline systems, submit reimbursement claims, and file annual documentation to meet FCC reporting requirements.

USAC administers the Lifeline program following the FCC’s Rules and Orders. Specifically, USAC is responsible for recertifying subscribers, determining consumer eligibility, and managing the Lifeline Support Center.

This website is for service providers, state and federal partners, Tribal partners, and consumer advocates. If you are a consumer who wants to receive the Lifeline benefit, click the Get Lifeline button above to visit our consumer website.

Service Provider First Steps

The Lifeline program operates on a rolling basis, so service providers can complete the registration process and begin offering Lifeline discounts at any time. Below is an overview of the registration process; read our Service Provider Toolkit for a more detailed walkthrough.

Tribal Partners

Lifeline Tribal partners may work with USAC’s Lifeline team to increase program awareness and support eligible consumers and subscribers to complete program processes. Tribal partners include Tribal governments and government agencies and nonprofits serving Tribal communities.

For more information on Tribal consumers for Tribal partners, visit the Enhanced Tribal Benefit webpage, or email the USAC Tribal Liaison.

State and Federal Partners

Lifeline state and federal partners may work with USAC’s Lifeline team to increase program awareness, build and maintain database connections to qualify consumers for the Lifeline program, and support eligible consumers and subscribers to complete program processes.

For more information for state and federal partners, visit the State and Federal Partners webpage.

Affordable Connectivity Program

The Lifeline program is separate from the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), a long-term, $14 billion FCC program that helps low-income households pay for internet service and connected devices. Please note that consumers and service providers can participate in both programs. To learn about the program, service providers should visit our ACP webpage. Consumers can apply for the program at getinternet.gov.

Contact Us

Find the appropriate Lifeline program contacts by reviewing Lifeline’s Contact Us webpage.