The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is participating in National Lifeline Awareness Week, Sept. 10–14, 2018, reminding low-income consumers that Lifeline Assistance (for phone or internet) helps you stay connected to family, friends, and community and emergency services. Information will be available at PSC outreach events in several Florida communities this month and is also available online.
Making communications services more affordable for low-income consumers, the federal Lifeline program provides a $9.25 monthly discount. The Lifeline benefit can only be used toward phone (landline or wireless) or internet (broadband), but not both. One discount is allowed per household. Lifeline customers must recertify their program eligibility every year. More information on program eligibility, rules, and key messages is available on the Federal Communications Commission’s website.
“In this day and age, it’s very difficult to function without a phone,” said PSC Chairman Art Graham. “We want consumers to know that if they already participate in an approved federal assistance program, they probably qualify for Lifeline and can easily apply for their discount.”
To participate in Lifeline, consumers must have an income at or below 135 percent of the federal Poverty Guidelines, or they (or someone in their household) must participate in one of these federal assistance programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
You will need to show a card, letter, or official document, as proof that you participate in one of these programs when you apply for Lifeline. An application is available here to help you determine eligibility.
Joining other states in celebrating National Lifeline Awareness Week, Florida’s outreach events will help raise awareness and increase participation in the Lifeline program. PSC representatives will be available to help qualified residents who want to apply for Lifeline.
More information on National Lifeline Awareness Week can be found here.
For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.
