HARRISBURG, PA – As part of its mission to foster connectivity, this week, Sept.13 through Sept. 19, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is supporting a national effort recognizing Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week, a campaign to help income-eligible Pennsylvanians stay connected through the Lifeline Program.
“This week is an important reminder that there is support for digital connectivity and telephone access,” said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. “In today’s increasingly interconnected world, telecommunications services provide a vital lifeline to emergency services, friends and family. The Lifeline Program brings crucial financial assistance to income-eligible Pennsylvanians so those most in need can stay connected.”
Lifeline Program Benefits
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a $5.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying landline or wireless standalone voice service or a $9.25 per household, per month discount on your qualifying wireless or landline internet service or qualifying bundled telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider. The discount appears in the form of a reduction to the bill you pay your service provider.
The benefit can be used for voice (telephone), Broadband Internet Access Service (or BIAS, usually called internet service), or a combined telephone/internet service product from a landline or wireless provider.
A consumer qualifies for Lifeline if they are at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in specific federal programs, including: Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Veterans’ Pension and Survivor Benefit, Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Other Low-Income Broadband Programs Available
In addition to the Lifeline Program, several broadband providers offer their own low-cost or low-income programs to help PA consumers.
