Telephone service is essential to staying connected with family and friends, seeking emergency services, and connecting with community resources. However, many low-income families need help to afford phone and broadband internet services. Fortunately, the government offers a program to help eligible households with these costs. It is called Lifeline. The program provides discounts on telecommunications and broadband services. The provider options vary by location, but most significant national and regional carriers participate in the program.
Eligibility
Since 1985, the federal Lifeline program has provided discounted cell phone service for low-income households. The program is available through various companies from local Missouri providers such as Eligible recipients can choose from different plans, including free smartphones with unlimited talk, text, and data. The Missouri State Universal Service Fund also offers additional discounts for eligible residents.
To qualify for the free Lifeline service in Missouri, you must be an independent household with an income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. This includes all members of the household, whether they are adults or children. Eligible households can receive one Lifeline benefit per household, which can be a wireless or home phone or a discount landline or broadband internet service.
You can enroll in Missouri Lifeline online through Assist Wireless, the leading provider of free government phones and cell phone service. The company has an easy-to-use website that guides you through determining your eligibility for the program. To determine eligibility for Missouri Lifeline, enter your information and click the “Check Eligibility” button. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the Missouri Lifeline program. This agency is responsible for data collection, maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for low-income telephone and internet services.
Benefits
As the economy in Missouri continues to sour, it is becoming increasingly important for families and individuals to have affordable communication services. Thankfully, the state offers several programs to help provide low-income families access to wireless and Internet services. These services can be lifesavers for those struggling to keep up with the ever-changing job market or those with health issues requiring them to stay in contact with their doctors. The federal Lifeline program has existed since 1985, offering a discount on phone and broadband services to eligible households. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) administers the program and is funded by the FCC. The federal program also includes the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which provides a monthly discount on broadband services and a one-time discount on an internet-capable device for those who qualify. A variety of Missouri Lifeline providers offer a wide range of plans to meet the needs of any household. Some providers even offer a free cell phone and unlimited talk, text, and data! Typically, you will need government assistance to qualify for the program.
Costs
The costs associated with lifeline service vary from state to state. Some states require a consumer to apply for a state and federal aid program to receive both the state and federal Lifeline discount (intended to prevent duplicate support). Other states, however, allow ETCs to access a state database that makes eligibility determinations independently of the National Verifier (intended to avoid the need to re-enroll consumers who change addresses or programs). Eligible households can choose from any provider offering Lifeline-subsidized phone services. These providers, called carriers, must partner with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to handle data collection and maintenance, eligibility verification, and support calculation. A list of participating providers can be found on the USAC website.
The federal Lifeline program provides a monthly subsidy to help eligible low-income households pay for voice or broadband internet services. The discount can be used to purchase a landline or wireless service or a bundled voice and broadband Internet package. The cost of the service depends on where you live and how much your household earns.
Requirements
The Lifeline program provides assistance with telephone service costs, installation fees, and other expenses for eligible low-income households. The program also offers broadband discounts for Lifeline subscribers. It partners with the local United Way and senior tax boards to help people get the needed phone service. The program’s equipment is leased to the subscribers for a reasonable monthly fee. The monthly fee covers central monitoring fees and minimal administrative charges. Automatic bank payments are preferred. The program helps Missourians connect to jobs, family, and emergency services. Eligible residents can also use the service to get internet access to their computers and mobile devices. As a result, they can use the Internet to stay in touch with friends and relatives, find new employment opportunities, and keep up with their kids.
A recent order issued by the federal government added mobile broadband to the list of eligible services. It also addressed minimum standards for mobile and fixed broadband services. The change will allow Lifeline subscribers to choose a provider that meets the minimum requirements and offers affordable rates.
The new rules also require that providers verify a consumer’s income using an official source of information. This includes using a state-issued identification card, the federal benefit number, or an electronic verification system. In addition, providers must notify consumers if their application has been rejected. However, the rules do not require that providers offer a replacement service.
