Link-Up & Lifeline - What Consumers Should Know
What are Link-Up & Lifeline?
Link-Up is a federal/state program that helps eligible households reduce the cost of installing telephone service. This program pays some of the cost of connecting local telephone service to your home or activating service.
Lifeline is a federal/state program that offers eligible consumers a discount on their monthly local telephone bill. The Lifeline Assistance Program allows individuals and families a discount on monthly service charges for basic telephone services. This program is made available to those who meet certain eligibility requirements.
How much can I save?
Link-Up: Link-Up will pay a 50% discount or up to a maximum of $30.00 of an eligible consumers home telephone installation fees. An additional discount may apply to residents of federally recognized tribal lands.
Lifeline: A consumer can save between $16.00 and $18.39 on their basic service monthly bill. These benefits apply to basic local telephone service charges that are purchased as measured service (including local usage), or as flat rate service.
How do I know if I am eligible?
Eligibility is based on participation in one or more of the following state sponsored programs:
- Transitional Aid to Families with Dependent Children (TAFDC)
- Emergency Aid to the Elderly, Disabled and Children (EAEDC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- MassHealth (Medicaid)
- Food Stamps Benefits
- Fuel Assistance
- Low income individuals living on tribal lands who participate in:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Tribally administered Block Grant Program
- Head Start Program (under income qualifying eligibility provision only)
- National School Lunch Program (free meals program only)
What proof of eligibility do I need to provide?
Eligibility is determined by a relevant government agency in accordance with guidelines on file with the agency.
You will be asked for proof of your eligibility by submitting a form signed under penalty of perjury that you receive benefits from one of the qualifying programs listed above. Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received.
Are there any restrictions?
Link-Up does not cover the cost of wiring inside your home.
Lifeline can only be applied to one wireline or wireless telephone per household and it can only be used for the primary telephone line. You must establish telephone service prior to applying for the Lifeline discount. The name on the telephone bill must match the name of the household member participating on the eligible program. In addition, unlimited toll and long distance calling plans do not qualify for the Lifeline discount.
How do I apply?
Contact your local telephone carrier to obtain information about Link-Up & Lifeline.
Some Massachusetts carriers that offer Link-Up and Lifeline service are:
- Verizon www22.verizon.com/ or call 800-870-9999
- RCN www.rcn.com/ or call 800-746-4726
- Granby Telephone Company www.gogtt.net/ or call 413-467-9911
- Richmond Telephone www.richmondtelephone.com/ or call 413-698-2255
- Taconic Telephone (also known as Fairpoint Communications) www.fairpoint.com/ or call 800-822-6642
- Safelink (dba TracFone Wireless) www.tracfone.com or call 1-800-867-7183
How do I continue to receive Lifeline benefits?
Eligibility is reviewed periodically. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements or when proof of eligibility is not received. In the event that your Lifeline discount is cancelled, your carrier will default your service to a non discounted rate. Customers who are no longer eligible for Lifeline benefits should notify their service provider to inquire about the most beneficial rate plan for them.
Other Useful information
- There are other options that can help you save money, including free toll blocking, waived deposit with toll blocking and voluntary limit on long distance calling (toll control).
- Being a Lifeline or Link-Up customer does not protect you from being disconnected if you fail to pay your telephone bill.
- Lifeline and Link-Up discounts cannot be applied to an outstanding balance owed to your telephone company.
