ST. PAUL, MN – State Representative John Ward (DFL – Brainerd) is encouraging low-income residents to apply for Lifeline discounts on basic telephone service. In a world of ever increasing connectivity, life without basic telephone service seems unthinkable. Despite this, many Americans do not have the means for even this basic service and in these hard economic times the need is growing.
Lifeline currently provides customers using traditional phone plans with a discount of $9.25 per month or an allotment of 250 free anytime minutes on participating pre-paid cellular plans. For landline customers in Minnesota, an additional discount of $3.50 per month is provided through the State Telephone Assistance Program.
“Having access to a phone is an essential way to stay connected in our daily lives and a service every American should have access to,” said Rep. Ward. “Without a telephone people are unable to contact emergency services if an accident happens or check in on loved ones.
“Telephone service can also be absolutely essential for job searching and staying in touch with an employer. I strongly encourage anyone who may be eligible for these discounts to apply.”
To qualify for discounts, telephone service must be in the applicant’s name, and they must participate in at least one of the qualifying public assistance programs: Medicaid/Medical Assistance, Food Support (food stamps), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Housing Assistance (Section 8), Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), National School Free Lunch Program. Qualifying income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. The level for a family of two is $20,939 and a family of four is $31,793.
For an application or more information contact your local phone company, visit www.puc.state.mn.us or www.lifeline.gov, call the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission at 651-296-0406 or 1-800-657-3782, or email consumer.puc@state.mn.us.
If residents have any additional questions about the application process, they can also contact Rep. Ward at (651) 296- 4333, or 1-800-683-4205, by mail at 375 State Office Building, 100 Martin Luther King Blvd., St. Paul, MN 55155 or via e-mail at rep.john.ward@house.mn.