Afford-A-Phone A Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up America Outreach Campaign

What Are Lifeline and Link-Up?
The Lifeline telephone discount program, also known as "Lifeline Assistance", gives people with low incomes a discount on the basic monthly service for either their wireline or wireless phone. The Link-Up America program pays for a portion of your wireline or wireless installation or activation fee excluding the handset.

How Much Are the Discounts?
Federal Lifeline discounts on phone bills range from $5.25 to $10.00 per month, depending on your state of residence. Some states give matching discounts, so you may save even more, depending on where you live. The federal Link-Up America program pays for one-half of your wireline or wireless installation or activation fee, not including the handset, up to $30. Consumers living on tribal lands may qualify for additional Lifeline and Link-Up discounts.

Who Qualifies to Receive Lifeline and Link-Up Discounts?
Qualifications to participate in these two programs can vary by state. Some states have their own Lifeline program and criteria. For those states that rely solely on the federal Low-Income program, applicants must participate in one of the following programs: Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), federal public housing assistance, or in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Additionally, consumers living on tribal lands may qualify for further discounts if they receive Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, a Head Start (income-qualifying standard) subsidy, or participate in the National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program.

How Can I Sign Up?
You can sign up for Lifeline and/or Link-Up by contacting your local telephone company. If you run into any problems, contact your telephone company, your state regulatory agency, and/or the FCC. The National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners Web site, www.naruc.org, includes all state public service commissions. To contact the FCC, call 1-888-CALL-FCC (1-888-225-5322)-voice, or 1-888-TELL-FCC (1-888-835-5322)-TTY, or write FCC, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554.