THE MICHIGAN LIFELINE AND LINK-UP AMERICA PROGRAM(Managed by Lifeline Administration Service)1-866-321-2323Universal Service Discounts for Low Income Consumers WHAT IS LIFELINE? • The Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program attempts to make telephone service more affordable for low-income households throughout Michigan. • Lifeline Service is a residential basic local exchange service offering available only to qualifying low-income consumers for which the consumers pay reduced charges. BENEFITS • There are three primary benefits available to qualifying consumers: • Reduced Charges-There is a monthly discount in local telephone service charges. In most cases, the discount is $11.25 per month. For customers aged 65 or older, the discount is $12.35 per month. • Option to Elect Toll Blocking in Lieu of a Service Deposit- This is an option to block out-going long distance service, free of charge. If the qualifying low-income consumer voluntarily elects toll blocking, the telephone company will not collect a service deposit in order to initiate Lifeline Service. • Reduction in Local Telephone Line Installation Service Charges-Pursuant to the Link-Up America Program, a qualifying customer receives a 50% reduction up to $30 on local telephone line installation service charges. There is also an interest free deferred payment schedule for up to one year for connection charges up to $200. ELIGIBILITY • Lifeline Service is available to certain low-income consumers whose household income does not exceed 150% of federal poverty standards. • The maximum income amount varies depending on the number of people in the household. 2009 INCOME GUIDELINES
WHAT IS LIFELINE?
• The Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program attempts to make telephone service more affordable for low-income households throughout Michigan.
• Lifeline Service is a residential basic local exchange service offering available only to qualifying low-income consumers for which the consumers pay reduced charges.
BENEFITS
• There are three primary benefits available to qualifying consumers:
• Reduced Charges-There is a monthly discount in local telephone service charges. In most cases, the discount is $11.25 per month. For customers aged 65 or older, the discount is $12.35 per month.
• Option to Elect Toll Blocking in Lieu of a Service Deposit- This is an option to block out-going long distance service, free of charge. If the qualifying low-income consumer voluntarily elects toll blocking, the telephone company will not collect a service deposit in order to initiate Lifeline Service.
• Reduction in Local Telephone Line Installation Service Charges-Pursuant to the Link-Up America Program, a qualifying customer receives a 50% reduction up to $30 on local telephone line installation service charges. There is also an interest free deferred payment schedule for up to one year for connection charges up to $200.
ELIGIBILITY
• Lifeline Service is available to certain low-income consumers whose household income does not exceed 150% of federal poverty standards.
• The maximum income amount varies depending on the number of people in the household.
2009 INCOME GUIDELINES
# of Household Members
Gross Monthly Income
Gross Annual Income *
1
$1,354
$16,248
2
$1,821
$21,852
3
$2,289
$27,468
4
$2,756
$33,072
5
$3,224
$38,688
6
$3,691
$44,292
7
$4,159
$49,908
8
$4,626
$55,512
For more information, please call 1-866-321-2323.
Lifeline Administration Service processes applications on behalf of Waldron Telephone Company
• We do not process applications for AT&T or Verizon.
• To contact AT&T, please call 1-800-621-8650.
• To contact Verizon, please call 1-800-483-4000.
