The Lifeline Assistance (Lifeline) program offers assistance to qualified residential telephone consumers and is designed to ensure that basic telephone service remains affordable for all Florida residents.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible for savings if you receive benefits under one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
In addition, if you live on a federally recognized tribal land and are eligible for benefits through the Bureau of Indian Affairs for Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Subsidy or the National School Lunch Program, you qualify for Tribal Link-Up and expanded Lifeline Assistance.
You may also be eligible for benefits if your household income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Check with your local telephone company for details.
What benefits are provided?
The Lifeline Assistance program offers a $9.25 credit per month for broadband and $5.25 per month for stand-alone voice service.
Phone companies cannot disconnect Lifeline customers for non-payment of long distance or other toll charges. However, your long distance service can be blocked. Customers who subscribe to toll blocking will not have to pay a deposit.
How do I apply?
You may apply for Lifeline through your local telephone company. The number is located in the front section of your phone bill. You may also apply for Lifeline by visiting the PSC’s Lifeline Web page at http://www.floridapsc.com/lifeline-assistance-program to obtain a printed application. Then, mail or fax it to the address or fax number for your telephone company listed on the PSC web site. If you are having difficulty obtaining these services, you may contact the PSC at 1-800-342-3552 for assistance and a free brochure that further outlines these programs.