Announcements

October 31, 2025
November System Maintenance

Ad Hoc System Maintenance, November 7 

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Friday, November 7 from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 8.

The production environments of the following systems are impacted:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API

Monthly System Maintenance, November 21

USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance starting Friday, November 21 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, November 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) 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.

October 30, 2025
Update: Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue

USAC is aware that users have been experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal. The issue is ongoing and USAC encourages service providers to help consumers apply through the National Verifier consumer portal in the meantime. 

USAC continues to actively work on a resolution. We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing.

October 29, 2025
October System Maintenance Reminder

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, October 30 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET on Friday, October 31. 

The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API
  • National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
  • Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
  • Representative Accountability Database (RAD) 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

October 28, 2025
Update: Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue

USAC is aware that users have been experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal. The issue is ongoing and USAC is actively working on a resolution.

USAC will provide an update when the issue is resolved. We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause.

October 27, 2025
Lifeline National Verifier Login Issue

USAC is aware that users may be experiencing difficulties accessing the National Verifier service provider portal. At this time the National Verifier Carrier API and National Verifier consumer portal are working properly. Consumers can continue submitting applications. 

USAC is actively working on a resolution. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

October 22, 2025
October System Maintenance Reminder

USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance starting Friday, October 24 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 25

The production environments of the following systems are impacted:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.

October 21, 2025
Resolved: Lifeline Support Center Call Disruptions

USAC is aware that callers were experiencing longer than usual wait times to reach Lifeline Support Center staff by phone. The issue started on October 20th and has now been resolved.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

October 20, 2025
Lifeline Support Center Calls Disrupted

USAC is aware that the Lifeline Support Center is experiencing difficulties that may prevent callers from reaching support staff by phone. Consumers may be experiencing longer than usual wait times.

USAC encourages consumers to email us at LifelineSupport@usac.org for any support they may need while we work on a resolution. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will provide more information as it becomes available.

October 20, 2025
Resolved: Call Center Disruption

Thank you for your patience – this issue has been resolved. The phones for USAC’s Customer Service Center for E-Rate, Lifeline, High Cost, and Rural Health Care are currently experiencing disruptions. We are working to resolve the issue. If you need assistance, please contact USAC by email or create a ticket in EPC. We apologize for the inconvenience.

October 15, 2025
October Maintenance Reminder

Monthly and Ad Hoc System Maintenance, October 17 

USAC will perform system maintenance starting Friday, October 17 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 18. Users will be unable to submit applications at this time.

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)

Monthly System Maintenance, October 24

USAC will perform scheduled monthly system maintenance starting Friday, October 24 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 25

The production environments of the following systems are impacted:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API

Ad Hoc System Maintenance, October 30

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, October 30 from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m. ET on Friday, October 31.  

The production environments of the following systems are impacted, and users will not be able to perform transactions:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API
  • National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)
  • Lifeline Claims System (LCS)
  • Representative Accountability Database (RAD)

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.

September 30, 2025
Lifeline Newsletter – September 2025
  • PQA Requests for Information Are Going Out for Lifeline
  • The FCC Releases Annual Public Notice: Conditional Forbearance on Lifeline Voice Obligations
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Ensuring Consumer Access Through Outreach and Advertising
  • October 2025 Webinar: National Verifier 101
  • October Maintenance Schedule

View full newsletter

September 23, 2025
Resolved: Intermittent Issues in the National Verifier

USAC is aware that users were experiencing unexpected intermittent errors with the National Verifier and National Verifier Carrier API that began around 7:15 a.m. ET.

The issue has been resolved and full connectivity was restored at 10:30 a.m. ET.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

September 23, 2025
Intermittent Issues in the National Verifier

USAC is aware that users are experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in the National Verifier and National Verifier Carrier API that began around 7:15 a.m. ET. USAC is actively working on a resolution.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

September 17, 2025
September Monthly Maintenance Reminder

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, September 19 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, September 20.

The production environment 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)

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Note: All scheduled maintenance dates for NV and NLAD are available on the USAC website.

September 5, 2025
Lifeline Claims System Issue Resolved

USAC is aware that users encountered difficulties with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). The issue has been resolved, and providers can start certifying their claims in LCS.

USAC is reviewing claims certified on or after August 27 and will reach out directly to affected providers with further information. 
  
To ensure all providers have sufficient time, USAC has extended the claims filing deadline to September 10 at 11:59 p.m. ET. 
  
We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

September 4, 2025
Lifeline Claims System Issue Update

USAC is actively working to resolve the difficulties users are experiencing with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). Below are important updates on the issue: 

  1. Claim Submission Guidance: Service providers can still log in, upload, and submit claims but should not certify them until USAC confirms the issue has been resolved. USAC is also evaluating the impact on service providers who have already certified their claims and will notify impacted providers if they have to certify again. 
  2. Resolution Timeline: A fix is expected tomorrow, September 5. USAC will notify providers once the issue is resolved and when it is appropriate to certify claims.
  3. Possible Filing Deadline Extension: USAC is considering an extension to the filing deadline and will share more information soon. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may be causing. 

September 4, 2025
Lifeline Claims System Issue

USAC is aware that users are experiencing difficulties with the Lifeline Claims System (LCS). Currently when service providers certify their claims, the 497 Officer information is not populating on the Lifeline Claims Worksheet. The issue began on August 27. 

Service providers should refrain from certifying claims until USAC notifies providers that the issue has been resolved. 

USAC is actively working on a resolution and will provide more information to providers as it becomes available. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

August 28, 2025
Lifeline Newsletter – August 2025
  • Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) System Access Has Ended
  • One Portal Updated Terms and Conditions
  • Understanding the Standard Lifeline Benefit and Survivor Benefit
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Non­-Usage
  • September Maintenance Schedule

View full newsletter

August 27, 2025
Lifeline Mobile Application Issues Resolved

USAC is aware that consumers were unable to submit Lifeline applications using mobile devices earlier today. 

The issue was resolved around 12:50 p.m. ET. Consumers and service providers can now submit applications using a mobile device. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.

August 20, 2025
August Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Monthly System Maintenance, August 22

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, August 22 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, August 23

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.

August 5, 2025
ACP User Systems Access Removal

On August 26, 2025, access to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) systems will end. USAC will remove ACP user access to the Affordable Connectivity Claims System (ACCS) and the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and will also remove ACP reporting capabilities. Service providers who participated in both the ACP and Lifeline will continue to have access to their Lifeline workflows and Lifeline data in NLAD.

Service providers may submit downward revisions in ACCS until August 26 at 5 p.m. ET. After that date, providers should email Form497@usac.org to submit downward revisions. 

What was the ACP?
The ACP provided a discount of up to $30 per month for broadband services for eligible consumers. Consumers who lived on qualifying Tribal lands received enhanced support of up to $75 per month toward broadband services. The ACP ended on June 1, 2024.

If service providers have questions about the ACP system access removal, please email LifelineProgram@usac.org with the subject line ACP System Access Removal. 

August 1, 2025
August System Notice

System Maintenance, August 3

USAC will perform an ad hoc system maintenance starting Sunday, August 3 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. ET

The production environments of the following systems are impacted: 

  • 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.

July 31, 2025
July Monthly Newsletter
  • FCC Announces Updated Minimum Service Standards and Voice-Only Phase-Out Extension
  • SCA Emergency Benefit Available for Survivors
  • Compliance Reminder: Maintaining Existing Subscriber Information in NLAD
  • August Maintenance Schedule

View full newsletter

July 16, 2025
July Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Monthly System Maintenance, July 18

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, July 18 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 19. 

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.

June 26, 2025
June Lifeline Newsletter
  • USAC Webinars Page Enhancements
  • New RAD Acceptable Documentation Guide
  • Reminder: FCC Form 481 Deadline Approaching
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: Consumer Qualification for Lifeline
  • July Maintenance Schedule

View full newsletter

June 24, 2025
June System Notice

Ad-Hoc System Maintenance, June 26

USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, June 26 from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. ET on Friday, June 27.

The production environments for the below systems will be impacted:

  • National Verifier Portal
  • National Verifier Carrier API
  • National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD)

Users will not be able to submit applications via the National Verifier Portal or National Verifier Carrier API. NLAD transactions will also be impacted during this time. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

June 18, 2025
June Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Monthly System Maintenance, June 20

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, June 20 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, June 21

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.

June 17, 2025
Reminder: Accurate and Complete Consumer Email Addresses Required on Lifeline Applications

USAC reminds users of the National Verifier that per the National Verifier Terms and Conditions, users must provide accurate and complete consumer email addresses on all Lifeline applications. Correct and accurate consumer email addresses enable USAC to deliver important and timely application updates, recertification notices, and other account-related outreach. Inaccurate or placeholder email addresses are not permitted and will prevent consumers from receiving important USAC communications.

Providers Using the Application Programming Interface (API): Service providers with API connections to the National Verifier should ensure their workflows and procedures clearly reflect the requirement that consumers must provide accurate and complete email addresses. Service provider representatives who assist consumers with Lifeline applications should also emphasize this requirement to consumers. To ensure accurate email addresses are provided, the following practices are prohibited:

  1. The use of placeholder or invalid emails (e.g., the insertion of “none@noemail.com” on an application).
  2. The creation of multiple email addresses for the purpose of repeatedly using them on different consumer Lifeline applications.

Failure to provide accurate and complete consumer email addresses can result in Representative ID and/or API lockouts. 

Consumer and Consumer Advocates: Consumers and consumer advocates helping with online Lifeline applications should also enter accurate and complete emails when creating an account online and applying for Lifeline. If a consumer does not have regular access to their personal email account, they have the option to include a secondary, non-personal email address to receive notices (e.g., the email address of someone authorized to receive USAC communications on behalf of the consumer). 

If a consumer changes their email address, the consumer will need to update their Lifeline account with the new email.

May 29, 2025
May Lifeline Newsletter
  • New Lifeline Benefit Flyers in Spanish
  • FCC Form 481 Filing Now Open – Deadline: July 1, 2025
  • Lifeline Program Compliance Reminder: RAD Annual Agreement
  • June 2025 Webinar: RAD 101
  • June Maintenance Schedule

View full newsletter

May 14, 2025
FCC Form 481 Due by July 1, 2025

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 operational information, which USAC uses to validate service provider support. The filing window is now open and service providers can log into One Portal to access and certify the FCC Form 481. Filings are due by July 1, 2025.

USAC’s High Cost team will host a webinar on May 20th at 1 p.m. ET where service providers can learn more about how to file an FCC Form 481 and changes to the form for the current filing window. For more information on the filing process, please visit our File FCC Form 481 page.

May 14, 2025
May Monthly Maintenance Reminder

Monthly System Maintenance, May 16

USAC will perform scheduled monthly maintenance starting Friday, May 16 from 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. ET on Saturday, May 17

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.

All announcements can be found in the Announcements Archive.

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