The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is reminding low-income families that they can stay connected to local resources and emergency services through telephone assistance programs. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) declared September 10 – 16, 2012, National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week across the country.
Lifeline telephone assistance is available to customers who have a household income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level. Customers enrolling in Lifeline must show proof of income eligibility or enrollment in qualifying programs. The FCC requires customers to annually reverify their eligibility with their Lifeline provider.
Lifeline customers receive up to a $9.25 discount on their monthly basic telephone service rate. Federal law prohibits households from receiving multiple benefits. Customers may receive Lifeline benefits for either their landline or cellular phone service, but not both.
Lifeline is also available to those who participate in other state or federal low-income assistance programs, including Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, general assistance, Ohio Works First, Supplemental Security Income, Section 8 Public Housing Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Programs or the National School Free Lunch Program.
Customers should contact their local telephone service provider to apply for participation in the Lifeline program. For more information about Lifeline or other low-income assistance programs, visit the PUCO website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov.
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