28 Mar How Lifeline Phone Service is Connecting Americans to Essential Services
Since 1985, Lifeline has helped low-income Americans stay connected with the phone service they need. Now FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler proposes expanding the program to help pay for broadband Internet.
The CCLP supports a Lifeline for a broadband program that adopts minimum standards to ensure consumers know their options and can easily compare them. We also want a portable benefit that makes it easier for customers to move from one provider to another.
Access to Emergency Services
Connecting with friends and family and receiving emergency services is crucial to life. That’s why more than 1 in 5 American households qualify for free phone service through the federal government’s Lifeline program.
Lifeline is a government-funded discount on wireless and wireline voice and data services available to qualifying low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and Tribal land. It’s administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Using Lifeline is as simple as meeting specific income requirements or participating in an eligible government assistance program. Only one Lifeline benefit per household is allowed, and it’s vital to recertify your eligibility each year to maintain your discount. The best way to find out if you qualify is to download the Lifeline application and review your financial information with a representative from your service provider. This will require you to provide your tax return or pay stubs.
Access to Healthcare
The Lifeline program, such as the Lifeline program in Oklahoma , discounts eligible low-income consumers for wireless and landline phone service. The Universal Service Administrative Company manages it (USAC). Lifeline can help you get connected to jobs, family and emergency services. It is available in every state, territory, commonwealth, and Tribal land. You qualify if you meet income requirements or participate in an eligible government assistance program like Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, and certain Tribal programs. To maintain your Lifeline discount, you need to recertify your eligibility annually. You can recertify by downloading a Lifeline application and submitting it with proof of eligibility. Lifeline is a free government service that can save you up to $9.25 monthly on your wireless service. It is a great way to keep in touch and stay safe with family and friends, regardless of income. It is also a reliable and affordable service that gives you the peace of mind to make it through the day.
Access to Education
Since 1985, Lifeline Phone Service has provided a discount on phone service to low-income Americans , so they can afford to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. The program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) and overseen by the Federal Communications Commission. For low-income households, Lifeline is a critical resource for connecting to education and employment opportunities. For many, it also offers a sense of security, helping to protect their families from predators and danger. The federal government has taken several steps to make Lifeline more inclusive and accessible, including expanding eligibility to broadband. But, currently, the program’s benefits need to be more adequate to support 21st-century connectivity needs.
Access to Communication
Lifeline provides a monthly discount for home phone or broadband services if you’re eligible. It also offers a one-time discount of up to $100 on an internet-capable device for low-income households. You may qualify if enrolled in state or federal benefit programs like SNAP, TANF welfare, Medicaid, and HEAP. Depending on the program, you must provide proof of income, child support, and other information. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a similar program that provides a discount of up to $30 per month on broadband services for qualifying households, up to $75 if you live on qualified Tribal lands. You can apply for ACP and Lifeline at the same time.
Access to Employment
Lifeline Phone Service is a program that helps low-income households stay connected to important information, healthcare and jobs. It’s been around since 1985 and has helped millions of Americans in need get a free government cell phone or discount on their wireless service. The Lifeline program is available to people eligible for federal assistance or with a household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This includes those who receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), Medicaid, SSI, or Veterans and Survivors Benefits. You can also qualify if you are pregnant, differently abled or blind, caretaking for an older adult, or have a disability. You may need proof of income or participation in these programs to verify eligibility for Lifeline. Lifeline and the ACP help reduce the cost of monthly phone or broadband services for eligible consumers in Oklahoma. You may also receive a one-time discount of up to $30 (up to $75 for those living on Tribal land) toward an internet-capable device like a smartphone or tablet if you qualify. These discounts are managed through the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC).
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