Are there universal programs available to help make telephone service more affordable for low-income customers? How is eligibility for such programs determined, and where can I apply?

Federal and state lawmakers believe that every person in America should have access to quality, affordable telecommunications service. In fact, they’ve used the universal service system to do just that. If you participate in social programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, the national school free-lunch program, or supplemental security income, or if your household income is below a certain threshold level, you may qualify for a discount on your telephone bill.
This “universal service” system includes:

• Lifeline assistance – provides discounts for basic monthly local telephone service
• Link-Up – reduces the cost of initiating new telephone service
• Toll Limitation Service – allows you to control your long-distance charges
• Additional discounts are available for eligible consumers living on tribal lands.

Link-Up America is available to qualified residential customers only. If you qualify for Link-Up America, you will receive a 50% discount off the regular one-time installation charge to connect telephone service at your home. Lifeline assistance is available to qualified residential customers to assist with monthly local dial tone service.
Eligibility for these programs varies by federal and/or state guidelines. To find out whether you qualify for either Lifeline or Link-Up America assistance, you need to fill out standard forms available at our office, as well as at state and local government offices in the area. While we participate in these federal- and state-based support programs, we are not responsible for determining who qualifies and, therefore, who will receive assistance. Customers must meet specific, pre-determined regulations to obtain assistance with their local telephone service. Qualifying is wholly dependent upon these guidelines.
The Universal Service Administrative Co. lists full details and state-specific Lifeline contact information, at www.lifelinesupport.org. Or, you can call toll-free, 1-888-641-8722, if you have questions about the Lifeline, LinkUp, and TLS discounts. For more information about these programs or to apply for assistance, you can call our office at 615-529-2955.