- Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation
Living alone can be isolating which is why the Department of Telecommunications wants you to know, no matter your income, there are ways for you to have a home phone, cell phone, or internet plan. A service called Lifeline is available to keep you connected by providing low cost and no cost programs for Massachusetts residents who qualify.
To commemorate availability of this government service, the Department of Telecommunications and Cable (DTC) and its partners—the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) and National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates (NASUCA)—are participating in Lifeline Awareness Week from September 14-18, 2020. The message this group wants the public to know is that this program is available for free to those who qualify by meeting income and other requirements.
You can qualify for Lifeline at no cost if your total household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, which vary depending on the size of your household. Some Lifeline service providers offer discounted or bundled packages of home, or wireless, phone service with internet access.
- See income guidelines and check your eligibility.
- Visit the USAC website and enter your zip code to locate an approved Lifeline service provider in your area.
- To apply online for this service visit: www.checklifeline.org/lifeline.
Additional telecommunications assistance programs may be available in your area, should you qualify, visit www.mass.gov/dtc for more information.
