The Lifeline program is a government assistance program that provides discounted or free telephone services to low-income households. The program is jointly run by the federal government’s Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the state of Indiana, and is supported by telephone companies across the state. This program provides financial assistance to low-income households so they can have access to a telephone for emergency purposes.
The main components of this benefit are discounts on existing service and help in establishing a new account. This benefit is known as Link-Up and is regulated by the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor. Residents who want to apply for assistance need to contact their phone company directly for an application.
Every service provider in the state, including both large companies like AT&T and smaller providers like Safelink, participates in the program. This means that both wireless and standard phone service providers will offer a discount to those who meet the qualifications. This means that if you only have access to cable service and you qualify for the Lifeline discount program, you will still be able to receive the discount.
Telephone companies charge customers differently depending on how much money the customer is willing to pay upfront. The more money a customer is willing to pay, the less they will be charged per month. This is how savings are passed on by local telephone companies. If you no longer have a landline and only use a cell phone, you may be eligible for discounts on your cell phone bill.
In order to qualify for the program, applicants’ income must meet certain targets. If someone in the family is receiving public assistance, such as unemployment benefits or food stamps, they may still be eligible for child care assistance. In Indiana, all applications for lifeline service must be submitted directly to the phone company. The phone company will review the applications and make the determination of whether the applicant is eligible for the program. There is also help with paying for internet or devices (laptops, computers, etc.) to get online, and learn more about help from the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program.
If you receive benefits from Indiana or the federal government, you will get a discount. If you are low-income, you may qualify for programs like the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Medicaid, Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Section 8 Temporary Assistance to Needy Families. Even if your children get free lunches at school, you may still qualify. Although they are entitled to the savings, they will still need to go through the formal process of requesting and applying for the money.
If a family does not receive government aid, they may still be able to get help with their phone bills. This means that the total household income needs to be at least 150% of the amount that the federal government has determined is necessary to cover basic living expenses. The most recent thresholds can be provided by the Department of Health and Human Services or your phone company. You will need to provide evidence that this is true.
Applying for phone bill assistance in Indiana
Again, contact your telephone company to apply for Lifeline or to get more information. As part of the process, you will need to provide proof of everything, including your income or any benefits you receive, such as SSI or a pension. You can only enroll either a home or cell phone, not both, and it doesn’t matter how many people live in the home. A student can only be enrolled for one residency unit.
The discount will only be for one year and it will cost less than $15 a month. The cost to connect a phone may be only 50% of the connection fees. So customers will still need to pay for their monthly phone bills, and this is not a free program.
If you think you have been unfairly denied enrollment in Lifeline, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor may be able to help. They make sure that everyone is given the same opportunities and that they are not being treated unfairly. The FCC regulates many state and federal programs, including Lifeline. This Indiana service may help pay for telephone bills together.
Applying for and phone number for phone bill help in Indiana
The organization, known as OUCC, can be called at 1-888-441-2494. Market Street, we also have a satellite office in the suburbs. We have an office at 115 W. Market Street, as well as a satellite office in the suburbs. If you have questions, it is best to call first to get answers.