Facts About the Telephone Assistance Program (Lifeline and Link-Up)

What is Lifeline and Link-Up? The Lifeline telephone discount program provides eligible telephone subscribers certain discounts on the basic monthly telephone service charge. The Link-Up program provides eligible consumers a discount on the hook-up fee. Eligible subscribers living on or near tribal lands may qualify for additional discounts.

Who is eligible? You may qualify for discounts if you are an adult (18 years or older), receive Medicaid services, and have telephone service in your name. If you live on or near Tribal Lands, you may qualify if you have income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in any of the following qualifying assistance programs: Medicaid; Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance; Tribally-Administered Temporary assistance for Needy Families (TTANF); Head Start (those meeting its income qualifying standard); National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program (those meeting its income qualifying standard); Food Stamps; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 89); Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); and Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.

How do I apply? Contact your local Office of Public Assistance and ask for a DISCOUNT COUPON FOR TELEPHONE SERVICES (attachment). Fill out the coupon and drop it off at your local Office of Public Assistance. After eligibility is verified, your name will be sent on to your local telephone provider. Look for a rate reduction in about two months.

I do not have a phone, can you help? If you are an adult, receive Medicaid services, and have no phone, you may qualify for the Link-Up program, as well as the Lifeline program. Please contact your phone company and place an order for service, then submit your DISCOUNT COUPON FOR TELEPHONE SERVICES (attachment) to your local Office of Public Assistance.

What if I have questions? Contact your local Office of Public Assistance (attachment)

Updated 9/2008