News from the MS Foundation:
If the cost of phone service is keeping you disconnected, you may be able to benefit from one of several government-supported programs that offer help to qualified consumers. The federal Universal Service Fund (USF) supports the Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up America programs. These programs provide monthly discounts to income-eligible consumers on basic telephone service charges and initial installation or activation for telephone service at the primary residence. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), with the help of the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), administers the USF.
Lifeline Assistance provides discounts on one basic monthly service at the primary residence for qualified telephone subscribers. These discounts can be up to $10.00 per month, depending on your state. Federal rules prohibit qualifying low income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline service at the same time.
Link-Up America pays one-half (up to a maximum of $30) of the initial installation fee for one traditional, wireline telephone or the activation fee for one wireless telephone for a primary residence. It also allows participants to pay the remaining amount they owe on a deferred schedule, interest-free. Federal rules prohibit qualifying low income consumers from receiving more than one Link-Up discount at a primary residence. Qualifying consumers may be eligible for Link-Up again only after moving to a new primary residence.
The Lifeline and Link-Up programs are available to qualifying consumers in every state, territory, and commonwealth. Eligibility criteria vary by state. States that have their own Lifeline program may have their own criteria. For states that rely solely on the federal Lifeline and Link-Up program eligibility criteria, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in designated assistance programs. For more information go to www.lifeline.gov.
SafeLink Wireless® and Assurance Wireless are also part of the Lifeline program, and offer a free cell phone with a limited number of free minutes each month. SafeLink is provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc. and Assurance Wireless is provided by Virgin Mobile USA. Eligibility requirements which vary by state also apply to the wireless programs.
For more information go to www.safelinkwireless.com or to www.assurancewireless.com. Consumers who are already receiving another Lifeline service may not qualify for a wireless program.
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