About Low Income:

• Overview of the Program
• Overview of the Process
• Site Visits
• Understanding Audits
• Filing Appeals
• Training Events

Low Income Tools:

• Latest News
• Calendar/Reminders
• Required Forms
• Disbursement Data
• Rules and Orders
• Tips and Best Practices
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Program Compliance - Whistleblower Hotline
• Submitting A Complaint

Step 6: Submit Lifeline and Link Up Worksheet (Form 497)

Eligible telecommunications carriers (ETCs) that have provided eligible consumers with Lifeline discounts file the Lifeline and Link Up Worksheet (Form 497) with USAC to receive support that reimburses them for providing service at discounted rates.

PLEASE NOTE:  This is not an application for low income consumers to apply for the Lifeline discount.  If you are a low income consumer and think that you may qualify for the Lifeline discount, please contact your phone company directly to apply or see USAC’s Low Income Consumers page for more information.

Download Form 497 and Instructions for Completing Form 497:

• FCC Form 497 Excel Version with Calculations* [ , 150k ] -REVISED
• FCC Form 497 Excel Version without Calculations [ , 150k ] -REVISED
• FCC Form 497 PDF [ , 40kb ] -REVISED
• FCC Instructions for Completing FCC Form 497 [ , 24k ]- REVISED

*ETCs are encouraged to use the FCC Form 497 Excel Version with Calculations.  It is imbedded with validations including automatic totals and standard rounding procedures.