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 7: Red Light Rule

Effective November 1, 2004, USAC began following new collections and disbursement policies when it implemented the "Red Light Rule." Under the Red Light Rule, USAC will not disburse any Federal benefits to an entity that shares the same taxpayer identification number (TIN) as an entity that has delinquent debt owed to the Commission or its reporting components until such debt is paid, formally appealed, or until other arrangements, satisfactory to the FCC, are made for payment. For Red Light Rule purposes, "entity" includes contributors, beneficiaries, or other organizations or individuals who are delinquent to the USF.

For additional information regarding the Red Light order, please refer to the public notice on the FCC's website.