If you have low income, you may be eligible for Link-Up and Lifeline Assistance – telephone savings programs that reduce the cost of phone service.
- Link-Up reduces the one-time cost of installing new telephone service (hook-up) with up to $30 off your install fee. Link Up does not cover the
cost of wiring inside a home. You may only receive the Link Up discount once, unless you move to a new residence. Consecutive discounts at the same
address are not allowed.
- Lifeline helps pay the monthly bill for basic telephone service with a credit of up to $13.50/month. The discount is available for
only one telephone connection per household. Lifeline does not apply to taxes, surcharges, and mileage charges.
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR A LIFELINE OR LINK-UP CREDIT?
To get these telephone savings programs, you must receive one of these government benefits:
Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
Food Stamps
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
National School Lunch (free program only)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
TennCare aka Medicaid
Additional eligibility criteria may apply to residents of federally recognized tribal lands
Or meet the income based standard:
Total household income at or below an amount determined by TRA 1-800-342-8359.
HOW DO YOU SIGN UP FOR THE CREDIT?
Proper documentation of your eligibility must be provided.
To apply based on public assistance programs: You must submit a copy of any
dated document which verifies your participation in one of the qualifying programs listed above.
To apply based on income: Fill out the form located here - Lifeline/Link Up Application. Proof of total household income may be required for income based qualification.
Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received. Please contact us for more information about Lifeline or mention Lifeline at sign-up.
RESTRICTIONS
Being a Lifeline or Link Up customer does not protect you from being disconnected if you fail to pay your telephone bill.
Lifeline and Link Up discounts cannot be applied to an outstanding balance owed to your phone company.
These programs will not assist on long distance charges or special features such as Caller ID or Call Waiting.
Lifeline Restrictions
Lifeline can only be used for the primary telephone line in a household. One wireless OR wireline telephone per household. You may purchase additional services available to a non-Lifeline customer. You must establish phone service prior to applying for the Lifeline discount. The name on the phone bill must match the name of the household member participating on the eligible program with the exception of the National School Lunch free Program
Linkup Restrictions
You must provide proof of eligibility before telephone service can be activated. Link Up can only be used for the charges for activating a primary telephone line or moving existing service to a new address. Charges related to wiring and telephone jacks within your home and wireless handsets are not eligible for the Link Up discount.
