Lifeline offers three primary benefits to qualifying consumers.

   Reduced Charges - Households receive a monthly discount in their local telephone services charges. In most cases, the discount is $11.25 per month.

   Option to Elect Toll Blocking in Lieu of a Service Deposit - Consumers have the option of blocking outgoing long distance toll calls free of charge. If the applicant elects this option, the local telephone company will not collect a service deposit  in order to initiate Lifeline service.

   Reduction in Local Telephone Line Installation Service Charges - Pursuant to the Link-Up America Program, a qualifying customer is eligible for a 50% reduction on local telephone line installation service charges.

ELIGIBILITY

Lifeline and Link-Up services are available to certain low-income consumers who meet the following criteria:

• Applicant's household incomes does not exceed 150% of current federal poverty standards. Documentation of income is required.

Or

• Enhanced Tribal Lifeline applicants may be eligible if they live on or near a federally recognized reservation and participate in one of the following programs:

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance Programs

  • Tribally Administered TANF

  • Head Start Programs (if you satisfy the income qualifying standard's)

  • National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program

The maximum income amount varies according to the number of people in the household. The application must be completed by the person in whose name the phone is listed, and the phone number listed must be the applicant's primary residence.