How you may qualify for special broadband and phone service

Sep 24, 2021 at 09:19 am by robmtchl

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Lifeline is an FCC program designed to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. The program provides eligible low-income subscribers a monthly discount of up to $9.25 off their monthly service. Eligible low-income subscribers on Tribal lands receive a monthly discount of up to $34.25. 

Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on communication services for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family, and emergency services. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.  

Households that qualify for Lifeline also qualify for the Emergency Broadband Benefit, they simply need to opt-in with their current Lifeline provider or contact a different participating provider and choose an eligible plan to start receiving the monthly benefit.  

Qualifying households can receive both the Lifeline and Emergency Broadband Benefit at the same time. They can be applied to the same qualifying service or separately to a Lifeline service and an Emergency Broadband Benefit service with the same or different providers.   

While the ongoing pandemic continues to affect our community, please share information about Lifeline with your family, friends, and neighbors.