Telephone Discount Program

Lifeline is a federal program that helps limited income consumers pay for their telephone and internet services by providing a monthly discount. The cost of the program is shared by all telephone customers. In Maryland the program is called Tel-Life.

You are eligible for Lifeline if you or your dependent meet one of the below criteria:

Earn 135% or less of the federal poverty limit OR

Participate in one of these programs

Food Supplemental Program (SNAP)

Medicaid

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension

Certain Tribal Programs

You will sign up through a Lifeline provider company directly. Many companies advertise their Lifeline services, or you may find a list at www.lifelinesupport.org. When you sign up for Lifeline, you will need to provide the following information:

 

Full legal name

 

Date of birth

 

Last four digits of Social Security number

 

Address

You will also need to provide one of the following to verify identity:

 

Valid ID

 

Social Security card

 

Medicaid card

 

Prior year’s tax return

 

Other proof of identity or address Proof of income:

 

Proof of annual gross income

 

Proof of program participation (SNAP, Medicaid, etc.)

You can apply Lifeline assistance to one of these options:

 

Existing voice-fixed (home phone)

 

Existing voice-mobile (cell phone)

 

Standalone broadband internet (mobile or fixed)

 

Existing or new bundles of voice (fixed or mobile) and broadband internet

The term “fixed” to refers to a phone or broadband service that is wired to your home, like a landline telephone or DSL internet.

The term “mobile” is used to refer to voice or broadband service that moves with you-it is “mobile”, like a cell phone or a smartphone.

The term “broadband” refers to internet services. A cell phone may have voice- only services. If it has mobile broadband, you can access the internet on the cell phone.

No. The Lifeline program does not cover the cost of devices. A customer must pay for the device, unless the provider offers you a free phone at its expense. Wireless providers often provide free cell phones.

Every mobile phone is a cell phone. A cell phone offers voice and text services, and sometimes picture and video messaging. A smart phone is a cell phone plus an operating system, so the device can perform many functions of a computer. A smart phone has a touchscreen and an operating system that lets you download applications (apps). It also lets you access the internet, store data, and use emails and social network accounts. Phone companies sell different types of data plans with their phones-the more data you can use, the more you pay, and it can really add up quickly.

No. You may choose to apply your discount to broadband or bundled services, but it is not automatic.

Lifeline service providers must meet the following minimum standards:

 

Mobile phone: At least 1000 minutes per month provided

 

Mobile internet: Speed of 3G or better and usage of at least 4.5G per month provided

 

Home internet: Speed of 25/3Mbps and usage of at least 1024GB per month provided

 

Bundled services: At least one of the services (voice or internet) must meet the minimum standards for that service

Key Lifeline rules include:

 

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A household is any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. A household is not permitted to receive Lifeline service from more than one provider. Violation of the one-per-household rule will result in de-enrollment.

 

A resident in a group home, nursing home, assisted living, or similar facility can be certified as one household.

 

There is an annual re-certification requirement.

 

A Lifeline customer cannot transfer the benefit to any other person.

 

If your Lifeline supported-service is free, use it at least once every 30-days. If you don’t, you will get a 15-day notice to use it or it will get turned off.

You may transfer your benefits to a different provider at any time. To do this, simply contact the new provider and ask them to transfer your Lifeline benefit. The provider will need the following information to complete your request:

 

Full legal name

 

Date of birth

 

Last four digits of Social Security number

 

Address

 

Phone number

 

You consent (verbal or written)

First, you should contact the provider to try and resolve the problem. If you are not satisfied, there are other agencies you can contact.

Office of the Attorney General of Maryland
Consumer Protection Division
200 St. Paul Place
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-528-8662: Consumer Mediation Unit
Hotline Email: consumer@oag.state.md.us

If you have a complaint about deceptive or misleading advertising or contracts or you have a complaint about a wireless or broadband provider contact the Office of the Attorney General.

Maryland Public Service Commission
Office of External Relations
6 St. Paul Street, 16th Floor
Baltimore, MD 21202
410-767-8028
File a complaint online: www.psc.state.md.us

The Maryland Public Service Commission certifies Lifeline providers and has regulatory authority over landline voice providers. It does not have regulatory authority over wireless or broadband providers.

Universal Service Administrative Company
www.usac.org
For general information on the Lifeline program.