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Important Information about Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up America Programs
"Yes, You Can Afford Telephone Service … and BTC Can Show You How."
Federal and state lawmakers believe that every person in America should have access to quality, affordable telecommunications service. In fact, they’ve created a system to do just that. If you participate in social programs, such as food stamps, Medicaid, the national school free-lunch program, or supplemental security income, or if your household income is below a certain threshold level, you may qualify for a discount on your telephone bill.
This "universal service" system includes:
- Lifeline assistance — provides discounts for basic monthly local telephone service
- Link-Up — reduces the cost of initiating new telephone service
- Toll Limitation Service — allows you to control your long-distance charges
- Additional discounts are available for eligible consumers living on tribal lands.
Link-Up America is available to qualified residential customers only. If you qualify for Link-Up America, you will receive a 50% discount off the regular one-time installation charge to connect telephone service at your home. Lifeline assistance is available to qualified residential customers to assist with their monthly local dial tone service.
Eligibility for these programs varies by federal and/or state guidelines. To find out whether you qualify for either Lifeline or Link-Up America assistance, customers must fill out standard forms available at the BTC office and other state and local government offices in the area. While BTC participates in these federal- and state-based support programs, we are not responsible for determining who qualifies for these programs, and therefore who will receive assistance. Customers must meet specific, pre-determined regulations in order to obtain assistance with their local telephone service. Qualifying is wholly dependent upon these guidelines.
The FCC lists full details and state-specific Lifeline contact information, at www.lifeline.gov. Or, you can call toll-free, 1-888-641-8722, if you have questions about the Lifeline, LinkUp, and TLS discounts. For additional information about these programs or to apply for assistance, please call or stop by the BTC office.
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