Lifeline Program
Lifeline programs provide a monthly benefit for income-eligible households to help ensure that they can afford communications services, either through a participating wireline, wireless, or broadband provider. Eligible customers can receive Lifeline assistance for only one type of service – landline, wireless, or broadband – per household. The benefits vary depending on the service selected.
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
Lifeline services are offered by participating local telephone carriers to consumers with a household income at or below 135 percent of the federal income guidelines or who participate in at least one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
- Medicaid;
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8; or
- Veterans Pension.
Applicants will need to provide proof of program participation or income eligibility.
Are there any restrictions?
Lifeline benefits may be applied to only one type of service – landline, wireless or broadband – and are limited to one line per household. Customers receiving lifeline benefits must also reverify their eligibility annually. Other restrictions may apply. Check with your broadband provider for Lifeline availability.
Can I get more information?
More information is available visiting any of the following links: lifelinesupport.org, getinternet.gov, puco.ohio.gov or calling our office at (419) 739-2200
Affordable Connectivity Program
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more.
The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Eligible households can also receive a one-time discount of up to $100 to purchase a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers if they contribute more than $10 and less than $50 toward the purchase price.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount per household.
Who Is Eligible for the Affordable Connectivity Program?
A household is eligible if a member of the household meets at least one of the criteria below:
- Has an income that is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines; or
- Participates in certain assistance programs, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, SSI, WIC, or Lifeline;
- Participates in Tribal specific programs, such as Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribal TANF, or Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations;
- Is approved to receive benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision in the 2019-2020, 2020-2021, or 2021-2022 school year;
- Received a Federal Pell Grant during the current award year; or
- Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program.
Can I get more information?
More information is available visiting: affordableconnectivity.gov or calling our office at (419) 739-2200
