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ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS |
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Lifeline/Link-Up Program Information |
The Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline/Link-up Program provides for discounted telephone service for Americans whose income falls below certain guidelines. Following is information about the program and how it works.
Eligibility Guidelines
If your income level falls at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you will qualify for discounted telephone service under the terms of the FCC's Lifeline/Link-Up Program. Consumers will also be eligible to receive the discount if they're receiving assistance from at least one of the following programs: Food Stamps, Medicaid, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
Tribal Lifeline Program
Another version of the Lifeline/Link-Up Program is the Tribal Program. It provides basic telephone service for just $1 per month to people of all races living on tribal lands and expands the eligibility requirements to also include those participating in Tribal Head Start (those meeting the incoming qualifying standard), Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) general assistance programs, Tribally administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TTANF) and the Tribal National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program.
Enrollment Information
We have contracted with NECA Services, Inc. (NSI) to perform many of the reporting and auditing functions required by the FCC for this program. To enroll in the Lifeline/Link-up Program, please call the number that corresponds to your serving company:
- Park Region Telephone: 866-290-1721
- Otter Tail Telcom: 866-290-1730
- Valley Telephone: 866-290-1729
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Minnesota TAP Program Information |
The Minnesota Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) may provide eligible persons with a monthly credit on their phone bills. You are eligible for the assistance if your are participating in one or more of the following programs:
- Medical Assistance
- Food Support (food stamps)
- Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
If you do not qualify under the above criteria, but live on a federally recognized reservation, you can also qualify if you participate in one of the following:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Head Start (only for those meeting the income qualifying standard)
- National School lunch Program's free lunch program
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