During these difficult times, access to reliable telephone service and internet connection are more important than ever. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Lifeline Telephone and Broadband Assistance Program sets up eligible Pennsylvania households with low cost telephone and broadband services. Read on for more details about the program, a list of eligibility criteria, and instructions on how to apply. If you have any questions, please contact the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9743 or LifelineSupport@usac.org to get the help you need.
What is the Lifeline Program?
The PUC Lifeline program aids eligible low-income residents with a discount on their monthly telephone and/or broadband service. Eligible consumers can take advantage of one benefit per household and apply the discount to telephone service, internet service, or a combined telephone/internet service plan. This program, a federal government benefit provided by the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC), saves households an average of $7.25 on their monthly basic service, giving many Pennsylvania residents access to affordable telephone and internet service.
Who is eligible?
Low-income households as well as residents who participate in certain federal programs are eligible for the Lifeline Program. Consumers that earn an income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines are eligible for this benefit. Additionally, anyone who participates in specific federal programs in the state of Pennsylvania — including Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and other programs — may qualify for the program as well. Each applicants’ eligibility is confirmed by an Eligibility Verification conducted by the USAC. Please note that participants in the program are required to reconfirm their eligibility annually.
Please visit their website to review the most updated federal poverty guidelines, the full list of qualifying federal programs, and other eligibility requirements for the PUC Lifeline Program. Some eligibility requirements may be suspended due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact your provider or call Lifeline Support at 1-800-234-9743 for more information.
How can I apply?
There are several ways you can apply for the Lifeline Program:
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Contact your current service provider to ask if they are a Lifeline Provider and, if so, how you can apply.
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Visit their website and click “Apply Now” to apply online.
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Visit their website and click “How to Apply” to download a paper application.
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Call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9743 to receive a paper application in the mail.
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If none of the above options work for you, then call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-9743 and they will help you with your application.
In this time when communication is key, having a reliable and secure internet and telephone connection is critical for everyone. For many consumers, affordable services are just an application away. Please review this brochure to learn more about the Lifeline Program. If you have any questions, call 1-800-234-9743 or email LifelineSupport@usac.org to speak with someone at the Lifeline Support Center.