RESIDENTIAL TELEPHONE SERVICE

Tel-Assistance & Lifeline Service

The Tel-Assistance or Lifeline program allows reduced rate telephone service to qualified low-income households or customers. The monthly cost for Tel-Assistance or Lifeline program is lower than other local telephone services offered. The Department of Health and Human Resources establishes procedures governing eligibility for Tel-Assistance & LifeLine Service. In order to qualify for Tel-Assistance & Life Service, a customer must be certified by the Department of Health and Human Resources.

Administration

The program is administered at the state and local levels by the Office of Family Support and the DHHR.

Eligibility

1. The individual must be 18 years or older and be a participating member of at least one of the following benefit programs: Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI or WV Works/TANF, Unemployment Compensation, LIEAP and TRIP.
2. The individuals income must be at or below the income level established for Social Security Supplemental Income Eligibility.
3. All income in the household is counted toward eligibility.
4. The telephone bill does not have to be in the name of the payee of the benefit program. Any adult member of the benefit group may apply.
5. All interested parties must request an application form from your county DHHR.

Link Up America

Link Up America is a national consumer education and outreach program designed to promote Universal Service to low-income households and get individuals who currently do not have telephone service onto the telephone network. The Link Up America program is offered only in association with the installation of a single residential exchange service at the principal place of residence of customers who meet certain eligibility requirements.

Administration

The program is administered at the State level by the Office of Family Support, Projects Unit.

Eligibility

1. The individual must be 18 years or older and have an active WV Works/TANF, Food Stamp, Medicaid or SSI case, Unemployment Compensation, LIEAP or TRIP.
OR
2. Monthly gross income not to exceed current SSI income maximum for one or two person households plus the $20.00 unearned income disregard.

All interested parties are encouraged to contact your local DHHR or FiberNet to see if you qualify for either program.

For more information regarding this program please refer to the following web sites:

www.fcc.gov
www.lifelinesupport.org
www.universalservice.org