Lifeline Linkup

Tribal LinkUp:

Tribal LinkUp provides a one-time discount for the connection or activation charge for new telephone or broadband service, and is only available on Federally Recognized Tribal Lands. Only one LinkUp discount is eligible per household.

Lifeline:

Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or broadband service, but not both. Only one Lifeline discount is eligible per household.

Eligibility:

You may qualify for LinkUp or Lifeline by meeting one of three criteria:

INCOME GUIDELINES

You can get Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.

FEDERAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS

You can qualify for Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participates in one of these federal assistance programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
• Tribal Programs (and live on federally recognized Tribal lands)

TRIBAL LIFELINE

Tribal Lifeline lowers monthly costs even further. You can qualify for Tribal Lifeline if you live on Tribal lands AND you or someone in your household participates in one of the following:

• Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Program History:

On January 01, 1998, the basic Lifeline and Linkup program was implemented. This program was designed to assist low-income consumers with the cost of basic telephone service. On October 01, 2001, the Enhanced Lifeline and Link-up rules were implemented. This “enhanced” program applies to low income consumers living on tribal lands.