LIFELINE & LINK-UP

Lifeline and Link-Up are federal programs that help income-eligible consumers afford local telephone service. The programs are administered by local telephone companies. Lifeline and Link-Up will not help with long distance costs, but ask your long distance provider about possible discounts.

How these programs can benefit you
Lifeline provides a monthly discount on basic local telephone service for eligible consumers. The Lifeline program is available for only one phone line per eligible home. Link-Up provides eligible consumers with discounts on connection charges for new local telephone service and may enable you to finance your portion of the connection charges interest-free for one year. The discount is available for only one telephone line per eligible home.

Are you eligible?
Consumers enrolled in one or more of the following assistance programs may qualify for Lifeline and Link-Up benefits*:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Food Stamps
• National School Lunch Program’s free lunch
• Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8

The following conditions are required for Lifeline and Link-Up eligibility:

• Telephone service must be listed in your name.
• You cannot be listed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
• Telephone service must be for your primary residence (not a business or second home).

*As of 6-22-05, a consumer will also qualify for Lifeline/Link-Up if his or her household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Information regarding the poverty guidelines is available from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services at www.hhs.gov or 1-877-696-6775.

How to apply
Simply call toll-free 1-866-290-1731 to see if you qualify and to request an application.
Also visit: www.lifeline.gov/lifeline_Consumers.html