Step 7 Payment Process

Submit the FCC Form 497

Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that have provided eligible consumers with Lifeline Program-supported service must file the FCC Form 497 (Lifeline and Link Up Worksheet) in order to receive reimbursement for providing service at discounted rates.

ETCs must file one FCC Form 497 for each month for which they are claiming support. ETCs may file either quarterly or monthly. This is not a consumer application for the Lifeline Program-supported service. If you are an eligible consumer and think that you may qualify for the program-supported service, contact your telecommunications company directly.

FCC Form 497 should be submitted online, or sent to the address, fax number, or email address below. ETCs are encouraged to use the online FCC Form 497.

USAC
Customer Operations
2000 L Street NW, Suite 200
Washington, DC 20036
Fax Number: (866) 873-4665
Email: Lifeline Filings

Payment Process and Status

Lifeline Program support is paid each month based on an ETC's actual FCC Form 497 support claims.

The Lifeline Program's disbursement tool enables companies to use various search methods to locate payment data for any month beginning in January 2004.

If you have questions about Red Light or the Debt Collection Improvement Act, visit the Contributors section of our website. If you have questions regarding the status of a disbursement, a remittance statement, or an invoice received, please contact Billing, Collections, and Disbursements.