The Florida Public Service Commission (PSC) is participating in National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 9–13, 2019, and reminds low-income consumers to apply for the Lifeline discount on phone and Internet service. Lifeline helps keep consumers connected to family, friends, and community, as well as important emergency services. Information will be available at PSC outreach events in several Florida communities this week 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 program can be a life changer for eligible veterans, unemployed workers, the homeless and disabled, older adults and other low-income Floridians. Those who already participate in an approved federal assistance program probably qualify for Lifeline and can easily apply for the 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 re-certify their program eligibility every year. More information on program eligibility, rules, and key messages is available on the Federal Communications Commission’s website.
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 statewide outreach events will help raise awareness and increase participation in the Lifeline program. PSC representatives will be available to provide applications for eligible residents.
More information on National Lifeline Awareness Week can be found here.
For additional information, visit floridapsc.com.
Follow the PSC on Twitter, @floridapsc.
