Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program News
NOTE: Changes to Lifeline program effective April 2nd.
Are there any restrictions?
Lifeline can only be applied to one "wireline" or "wireless" telephone per household and it can only be used for the primary telephone line. You must establish telephone service prior to applying for the Lifeline discount. The name on the telephone bill must match the name of the household member participating in the eligible program. A violation of the one-per- household requirement would constitute a violation of the Federal Communications Commission's rules and result in the consumers' de-enrollment from the program, and potentially, prosecution by the United States government.
How to Receive Lifeline Discount Telephone Assistance
To ensure that telephone service is available and affordable for low income telephone subscribers, the Federal Communications Commission, administered by the TRA, established the Lifeline Telephone Assistance Programs. Now with additional ways to qualify, the Lifeline program is even more available to those who need it most.
- Lifeline will save you up to $12.75/per month on the local service portion of the telephone bill. This program will not assist with long distance charges or special features such as Caller ID or Call Waiting.
Who is eligible for Lifeline?
- You automatically qualify if you are enrolled in any ONE of the following public assistance programs: Food Stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), National Free School Lunch, or live in Section 8 Federal housing (Section 8 only. HUD and other federal programs may not automatically qualify).
How Do You Apply?
There are two ways to apply depending on how you qualify.
- If you qualify for any public assistance program, call your local telephone service provider. If local telephone company is participating, they will provide you with a Lifeline application or request proof that you receive one of the above benefits.
OR...
- If you "DO NOT" receive public assistance, you may qualify if your total household gross monthly income is equal or less than the amounts found in the Gross Monthly Income table (bottom of page), click here TRA Lifeline Application to download an application. The application is an Adobe PDF document (Adobe Reader can be downloaded free of charge from Adobe's web site). Print the TRA application, fill it out, attach proof of your gross monthly income, and mail it to:
Tennessee Regulatory Authority
Consumer Services Division
460 James Robertson Parkway
Nashville, TN 37243-0505
1-877-691-2969 (voice)
1-888-276-0677 (TTY)
615-741-8953 (fax)
Gross Monthly Income Table Use To Qualify Based On Income
| # of Household Members | *Monthly Income 135% of the Federal Poverty Level |
| 1 | $1,257 |
| 2 | 1,702 |
| 3 | 2,147 |
| 4 | 2,593 |
| 5 | 3,039 |
| for each additional person add | 446 |
* BASED ON THE 2012 FEDERAL REGISTER FOR POVERTY LEVEL INCOME STANDARDS (PLIS).
The TRA encourages qualifying Tennessee residents to apply for the Lifeline telephone assistance program and take advantage of the available discount. For more information concerning the TRA's telephone assistance programs, please contact the TRA at 1-877-691-2969.
