Phone
Special Services – Lifeline & Link-Up Programs
What are the Lifeline and Link-Up Programs?
Lifeline & Link-Up are federal programs offering telephone discounts to low-income consumers in all U.S. states and territories. The discounts cover both wire line and wireless phones. Those who qualify may receive discounts on telephone hook-up charges (Link-Up) and on monthly basic phone service (Lifeline).
- If the consumer moves and still qualifies, Link-Up assistance may also be available to help reduce telephone service connection charges at the new home.
- Link-Up does not reduce or eliminate any permissible security deposits.
- The named subscriber to the local communications service (rather than a member of the household) must qualify for participation.
- Link-Up and Lifeline are available for both wire line and wireless telephone services.
Who qualifies?
These programs are available to qualifying consumers in every state, territory, and commonwealth. Eligibility varies by state. In Kansas, you are eligible if you receive any of the following:
- Food Stamps
- General Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance to Families
- Medicaid
- United Tribes Food Distribution Program
- BIA General Assistance for Needy Families
- Head Start (only those meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Free School Lunch Program
- 150% of the federal poverty level*.
2008 Lifeline Poverty Level Guidelines
| Number in Family | Maximum Annual Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $15,600 |
| 2 | $21,000 |
| 3 | $26,400 |
| 4 | $31,800 |
| 5 | $37,200 |
| 6 | $42,600 |
| 7 | $48,000 |
| 8 | $53,400 |
| Each additional person add $5,400 | |
How can I sign up?
To apply for Lifeline and/or Link-Up, call Rainbow Communications office at 548-7511. For more information, contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 or by mail at FCC Get Connected 445 12th Street, SW Washington, DC 20554 You may also visit the FCC's web site. For a printable application please click here. (pdf)