Lifeline-linkup
Assistance
No one should be without telephone service because they can't afford it. Access to a telephone provides access to vital emergency services and community resources. If you need help paying for your telephone services, there is help. You may qualify for Lifeline or Link Up programs through Midstate Communications if you receive benefits such as Food Stamps, Medicaid, or other similar programs. You can save money and stay connected with Midstate Communications and Lifeline and Link Up.
What type of discount is available?
Lifeline assistance lowers the cost of basic, monthly local telephone service. Eligible consumers can receive up to $8.25 per month in discounts. Eligible residents of Indian reservations or tribal lands can receive up to an additional $25 in Lifeline support, but must pay at least $1 for basic monthly service.
Link Up reduces the cost of initiating new telephone service. Eligible consumers can receive a 50% discount off of the one-time costs associated with initiating telephone service, up to a maximum of $30. Eligible consumers also qualify for a deferred payment schedule for remaining costs of up to $200. Eligible low-income consumers living on tribal lands are eligible for an additional discount of up to $70 to cover 100% of the charges between $60 and $130.
Toll Limitation Service (TLS) support allows eligible consumers who wish to avoid incurring large long distance fees to choose toll blocking or toll control at no cost.
Eligibility
Eligibility for Lifeline, Link Up, and TLS support varies by state. Individuals who reside in states that have their own discount programs qualify for federal Lifeline, Link Up, and TLS support if they meet the eligibility criteria established by their state. In states that do not provide state support, an individual is eligible if he or she participates 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 Program's free lunch program
In addition, a consumer may be eligible if his or her household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Residents of Indian reservations or tribal lands qualify if they participate in any of the programs listed above, have a household income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participate in one of these programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) general assistance
- Head Start (income eligible)
- Tribal TANF
