The Lifeline and Link Up programs are government assistance programs supported by the Universal Service Fund to provide discounts to low-income households for landline and wireless telephone service and equipment. The Lifeline Assistance program provides discounts of up to $10 per month on basic monthly service for landline telephone service. The Link Up program provides a one-time discount (up to a maximum of $30) for an installation fee of a landline phone line or the activation fee of a wireless phone.

These programs are available to qualifying consumers in every state. Qualifying low-income consumers are only allowed to enroll in one program per household. To qualify for the Lifeline or Link Up programs, consumers cannot have a household income above 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or they must participate in one of the following programs:

• Medicaid
• Food Stamps
• Supplemental Security Income
• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• The National School Lunch Programs Free Lunch Program

To determine your eligibility for the Lifeline Program, contact your phone company or the Arkansas Public Service Commission. The Arkansas Department of Human Service verifies eligibility and you can contact DHS at (800) 482-8988 with questions.

To apply for Lifeline or Link Up, visit LifelineSupport.org or call the Universal Service Administrative Company toll-free at (888) 641-8722.

More information on the programs can be obtained by visiting FCC.gov/Lifeline