Are you in need of a telephone but worried about the cost?
You may be eligible for two programs that can reduce the cost of telephone service
What are Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up?
Lifeline and Link-Up are public programs administered by federal and state governments and implemented by local telephone companies like TCT. Link-Up helps eligible customers receive a discount on the installation of telephone service in their homes. Lifeline, also known in Wyoming as the Telephone Assistance Program, reduces the cost of monthly telephone service bills for similarly qualified subscribers.
La programma Lifeline reduce el costo básico de servicio telefón. El servicio Link-Up reduce el costo de instalación de un nuevo servicio de telefón. Hay los requisitos y la elegibilidad que de¬bes cumplir. Para más información co¬municar por favor con estas agencias.
How do I qualify for these assistance programs?
You may be qualified if your household income is no more than 135 percent of the federal poverty income guidelines or if you participate in any of the following programs:
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (or Section 8)
• Food Stamps
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• National School Lunch Free Lunch Program (NSL)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Program (BIA General Assistance, Tribally Administered TANF, Head Start, or NSL)
Additional Assistance is available to residents of Tribal Lands
If you live on or even near tribal lands such as the Wind River Reservation, you may be eligible for additional assistance through enhanced Lifeline and Link-Up programs.
How do I apply?
Customers interested in these programs must first qualify by participating in one of the public assistance programs listed in this brochure and then fill out an application for Lifeline or Link-Up. Customers who already participate in one of the programs listed on the previous page should contact a Wyoming Department of Family Services (“DFS”) field office in Greybull, Cody, or Powell for an application and to verify certain DFS identification information. Using information that DFS has about your participation in qualifying assistance programs, DFS will assist you with a Lifeline and Link-Up Application. Applications are also available on the TCT website. DFS and TCT will work together to certify you for each of these programs.
Are there other ways I can reduce my telephone bill?
TCT offers toll limitation service, which can block incoming and outgoing toll telephone calls to help consumers limit their monthly per-call fees. There is a minimum monthly charge for toll limitation options.
In addition, TCT offers selective call rejection and a variety of long distance calling plans which, while offered for a fee, may further reduce your phone bill.
Who can I contact for more information?
For more information, or to find out if you qualify for these programs, contact TCT at 1-800-354-2911, your lo¬cal DFS office, the Wyoming Public Service Commission at 1-307-777-7427, or the Federal Communications Commission at 1-888-CALL-FCC. You may also visit the following websites:
www.lifelinesupport.org
www.tctwest.net
