Lifeline and Link-Up Low Income Programs

What are the Lifeline and Link Up low-income telephone support programs?

Lifeline and Link Up are discount support mechanisms to ensure quality telecommunications services are available to all qualifying low-income consumers at just, reasonable and affordable rates. These two programs combine to provide low-income households with discounts for the installation of phone service (known as Link Up) and monthly phone bills (known as Lifeline) at their principal place of residence. The program applies to either a wire-line or wireless phone service provided by a participating carrier (eligible telecommunications carrier or ETC).

Low-income Oklahomans may apply for reduced cost wire-line or wireless phone service through designated telephone companies.

What Counties in Oklahoma qualify for the enhanced programs?

Basic Lifeline and Link-up are available throughout all of Oklahoma. The Federal Enhanced programs are available only on Tribal Lands, which includes all Oklahoma counties other than those listed below:

Counties in Oklahoma “Not” eligible for Federal Enhanced Lifeline/Link Up.

Beaver, Cimarron, Greer, Harmon, Jackson, Texas and Beckham county south of the North Fork of the Red River known as “the leased district.”

The basic Lifeline and Link Up are available in the above listed, non-tribal lands.

How do I qualify for these programs?

To be eligible for Basic or Federal Enhanced Lifeline/Link Up Support, You must be eligible for or a participant in at least one of the following programs:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
• Head Start Programs (under income qualifying eligibility provision only)
• The National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program
• Medical Assistance and/or Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP f/k/a Food Stamps) or the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• Participate in or receive assistance or benefits, as certified by the state Department of Rehabilitation Services, under a program providing vocational rehabilitation, including aid to the hearing impaired: or,
• Participate in or receive assistance or benefits, as certified by the Oklahoma Tax Commission, pursuant to the Sales Tax Relief Act, 68 O.S., 5011

How do I apply for these programs?

You will be required to fill out an application and show documentation of your qualification for at least one of the qualifying assistance programs.

You should contact your local telephone company for information on whether you qualify for the Lifeline/Link Up or the Federal Enhanced Lifeline/Linkup programs and how to apply. State Qualifying information is also available on the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) web site, www.lifelinesupport.org, in your local phone directory, or you can call USAC toll free at 1-888-641-8722.

What are the benefits of the Basic Lifeline/Link Up support programs?

Basic Lifeline discounts on phone bills can be up to $10.00 per month. The basic Link-Up program pays for one-half of your wire-line or wireless installation or activation fee, not including the handset, up to $30. Consumers living on tribal lands may qualify for additional Lifeline and Link-Up discounts. (see below)

What are the benefits of the Enhanced Lifeline/Link Up for Tribal Lands in Oklahoma?

Qualified Enhanced Lifeline consumers, as described, are provided with additional discounts on monthly basic phone service. Depending on current rates, eligible subscribers may receive local phone service for as little as $1 a month.

Eligible Federal Enhanced Link-Up consumers receive a one-time initial hook-up discount of up to 50% of the first $60 of your bill for a maximum of $30. Federal Enhanced Link-Up for qualified consumers with installation costs above $60, receive an additional discount of up to $70 for a maximum of $100. For example, an installation fee from $60 to $130 would only cost a consumer $30.

Oklahoma Designated Carriers List

Federal Program Website