Lifeline & Link-up
The North Carolina Utilities Commission and the Federal Communications Commission have established two programs to make telephone service more affordable. Under the plans, qualified low-income telephone customers receive a discount on the installation for new service and a discount on monthly local telephone service.
Who Qualifies?
Current recipients of Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families also known as Work First 9formerly Aid for Families with Dependent Children).
Link-Up
Provides for a discount of 50% of tariffed charges up to $30 for new installation at the subscriber’s principle place of residence.
Lifeline Program
Reduces the monthly local telephone bill for lowincome customers.
How to Apply for these Programs?
If you do not have service and want to apply for both Link-Up and Lifeline:
• Contact the local telephone company and place an application for service.
• A Link-Up application form will be mailed to you.
• Take the form to the appropriate agency – either the Department of Social Services or the Social Security Administration – for approval.
• Once the form is completed by the agency, the agency will mail the form to your serving telephone company.
• Your service will be installed when your telephone company receives the a approved form. At that time the credit for Link-Up will be applied and the monthly Lifeline discount will begin. If you request service to be installed before the approved form is received, the service will be provided without the Link-Up credit. Your monthly Lifeline discount will begin only when the approved form has been received.
If you have service and want to apply for the Lifeline discount:
• Contact the appropriate agency – either the Department of Social Services or the Social Security Administration.
• The Social Services caseworker or the SSA representative will complete the Lifeline form for you and mail it to the local telephone company.
• When the telephone company receives the approved application, the discount for Life line will begin.
Call your Social Services caseworker your SSA representative or your local telephone company for more information about these programs.
The Lifeline program is supported by the federal and state universal service support mechanisms. Link- Up is supported by the federal universal service support mechanism.