Lifeline

The federal Link Up assistance, which helped low-income individuals with the initial connection of their telephone service, is no longer available.

Apply online on the Lifeline website or contact NCTC at (615) 666-2151.

Note: Your telephone company is not responsible for determining who qualifies for these programs or who receives assistance. Consumers must meet specific criteria in order to obtain assistance with their local telephone and/or broadband service, and qualifying is dependent upon government-established guidelines.

You are eligible for Lifeline benefits if you qualify for and receive one of the following benefits:

• SNAP
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• The Veteran’s Pension or Survivor’s Pension benefit.

Additionally, consumers at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines will continue to be eligible for a Lifeline program benefit. (state determinations o income will no longer be accepted.)

There are no changes to the eligibility criteria for Tribal programs.

Some state-level allowances and stipulations may apply. Please check with your local telecommunications provider for information about benefits that may be available at the state level.

No, consumers are allowed only 1 Lifeline program benefit per household.

You have the choice (where applicable) of applying your benefit to one of 3 types of services offerings:

• Fixed or mobile broadband
• Fixed or mobile voice-only
• Bundles of fixed or mobile voice and broadband

Note: Lifeline can only be used for 1 source of communication – mobile (cellphone) or fixed (landline).

If you qualify for Lifeline, you will receive a credit of $5.25 (Tennessee) and $8.25 (Kentucky) each month on your bill.