LIFELINE LOW INCOME ASSISTANCE FOR TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS AND SERVICES
YOU MAY QUALIFY, APPLY NOW

• Download the Lifeline Application (PDF)
• Visit www.lifeline.gov for more information

Every person in America should have access to quality, affordable telecommunications service.  This principle of “Universal Service “ has been the goal of the telecommunications industry for decades.  In 1934, Congress made the goal a law and reaffirmed it in 1996 by establishing policies for the “preservation and advancement of Universal Service.”

To achieve the Universal Service goal, telephone companies have access to a fund that is generated by contributions from the telecommunications providers in the United States.  Telephone companies draw from the fund to provide two programs that support telecommunications services nationwide.  Lifeline Assistance Program (Lifeline) and Link-Up America (Link-Up) are part of the Fund’s Low-Income Program and are described in detail below.

Lifeline and Link-Up support provide discounts to eligible low-income consumers to help them establish and maintain telephone service.

What type of discount is available?

Link-Up reduces the cost of initiating (starting) new telephone service.  Eligible consumers can receive a 50% discount off the one-time costs associated with initiating telephone service, up to a maximum of $30.00.  Eligible consumers also qualify for a deferred payment schedule for remaining costs of up to $200.00.

Lifeline assistance lowers the cost of basic monthly local telephone service.  Eligible consumers will receive a $8.25 discount off their normal monthly local service charge.  Lifeline service is limited to one line per household at the customer’s primary residence.

How do I know whether I am eligible?

Eligibility for Lifeline and Link-Up support depends on eligibility.  Individuals are eligible if he or she participates (or the household) in one of the following programs:

• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
• Medicaid
• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• National School Lunch Free Lunch Program (household children)

In addition, a consumer may be eligible if his or her household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines:

2005 Estimated Income Requirements for a Household at or Below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

Persons in                              48 Contiguous   Family Unit                              States and D.C.

1                                                                     $12,920

2                                                                     $17,321

3                                                                     $21,722

4                                                                     $26,123

5                                                                     $30,524

6                                                                     $34,925

7                                                                     $39,326

8                                                                     $43,727

For each additional Person, add        $4,401

How do I apply for Lifeline and Link-Up Service and receive the discounts?

• Visit or call your local telephone company.
• Contact Lifelink Certification, LLC if you do not know your telephone company or you wish to contact a company that can help you through the application process.  Call toll free in Arkansas at 1-866-886-5465 or write to P O Box 1714, Malvern, AR  72104. You will receive assistance or an application in the mail.
• Fill out attached certification form and mail to Lifelink Certification, LLC at P O Box 1714, Malvern, AR  72104.