What is Lifeline and how do I qualify?

What is Lifeline and how do I qualify?   

A resident is qualified if the current total household income is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. A resident is also qualified if they are currently receiving: Medicaid, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program support, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Health Benefit Coverage under Child Health Plan (CHIP) under Chapter 62 support, National School Lunch Program - Free Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

The Lifeline program is administered in Texas by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas and is combined with other state government funding that reduces the monthly cost of phone or broadband service for qualifying low-income Texas households. If you qualify, you could get the following benefit of the program with a participating service provider in your area:

Lifeline reduces the basic monthly telephone rate up to $12.75 for those who qualify. This program does not cover the cost of additional services such as caller ID or voice messaging. In addition, a reduction for installation of local telephone service may be available to these customers through the Link-Up program.

You can apply for Lifeline Discounts by calling toll free 1-866-454-8387. 

*The information on this webpage is provided by the Public Utilities Commission of Texas.