February 2, 2026
Recertification Begins February 16, 2026
Recertification is an annual requirement for all active Lifeline subscribers that ensures they are still eligible for the benefit.
Beginning on Monday, February 16, 2026, USAC will initiate automated eligibility database checks to verify eligibility for Lifeline subscribers who are due for recertification. Database checks will be run daily throughout the year.
Once initiated, recertification will include subscribers in all states who qualified through the National Verifier process and are enrolled in the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). This includes California broadband-only consumers who qualified through the National Verifier process and are already enrolled in NLAD. USAC will announce when recertification will begin for the remaining California consumers who were previously determined eligible by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) at a later time.
What This Means for Subscribers
- Subscribers Who Pass the Automated Check: No action is required for their 2026 recertification.
- Subscribers Who Fail the Automated Check: These subscribers will need to take action and manually recertify their continued eligibility. USAC will send outreach either by email or mail with further instructions on how to complete the process.
Starting February 16, USAC will conduct outreach to subscribers who fail the automated eligibility checks. Subscribers will have a 60-day window to recertify through a manual process. Subscribers that fail to recertify during this window will be automatically de-enrolled.
If a subscriber receives an email or letter in the mail from USAC, they must take action to recertify their benefit. Subscribers must complete the Lifeline Recertification Form (English or Spanish). In some cases, subscribers must provide additional income or eligibility documentation. USAC will notify subscribers if this is required.
What This Means for Service Providers
Service providers should regularly monitor the Recertification Subscriber Status Report in NLAD to identify subscribers undergoing recertification. This report is updated daily to reflect automated check results.
On January 27, 2026, USAC removed the ‘Anniversary Date’ column from the Recertification Subscriber Status Report. Service providers will no longer be able to see this column, as recertification is no longer based on a subscriber’s anniversary date.
Service providers are encouraged to educate their subscribers about USAC and the recertification process. However, service providers should avoid providing or estimating deadlines, as these are subject to change.
Training and Resources
USAC will host an Office Hours session for service providers on Recertification on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. Providers can also visit USAC’s Recertification page to learn more.
January 29, 2026
Ad-Hoc System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Thursday, January 29, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
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.
January 27, 2026
Ad Hoc System Maintenance
USAC will perform an ad-hoc system maintenance on Tuesday, January 27, from 9 p.m. to 10 p.m. ET.
The production environments of the following systems are impacted:
- National Verifier Portal
- National Verifier Carrier API
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.
January 23, 2026
Intermittent Issues in Lifeline Systems Resolved
USAC is aware that users may have been experiencing intermittent issues performing transactions in the National Verifier, National Verifier Carrier API, and the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD). The issue began around 9:30 a.m. ET and was resolved around 10:30 a.m.
We apologize for the inconvenience this may have caused.
