The “Lifeline” program is one that the state of Tennessee provides. The program offers eligible households a monthly stipend to assist in paying for landline or broadband Internet access. Any household that meets the eligibility requirements and earns less than 135% of the federal poverty level is eligible for the program.
The program is sponsored by monthly contributions from all qualified telecommunications providers doing business in the state, which go into the state’s universal service fund. The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development oversees the program’s administration.
For many Tennessee households, the Lifeline program is a much-needed resource. This makes it easier to guarantee everyone access to the Internet, a crucial resource for communication, job searching, and education.
What is Lifeline?
Those who meet the requirements of the government’s Lifeline program receive a monthly discount on their local phone or internet subscription. The requirements vary depending on the state.
Program Eligibility
To be eligible in Tennessee, consumers must participate in a qualifying program below:
- Medicaid or a State Children’s Health Insurance Program (SCHIP)
- Food Stamps
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, formerly known as food stamps)
| Household size (number of people) | Eligible annual income per household |
|---|---|
| 1 | $17,388 |
| 2 | $23,517 |
| 3 | $29,646 |
| 4 | $35,775 |
| 5 | $41,904 |
| 6 | $48,033 |
| 7 | $54,162 |
| 8 | $60,291 |
| For each additional person, add | $6,129 |
How to apply for a free phone or assistance in Oklahoma with bills from LifeLine
The client must contact their phone carrier to inquire about applying. Almost every business takes part, offering free cell phones or paying for service, texting, or internet access. Numerous companies offer assistance, including Safelink, Verizon, AT&T, and Sprint. They should contact their service provider and inquire about Lifeline enrollment.
Prepare yourself by documenting your income, savings, assets, and benefits. All paperwork that needs to be filled out by the consumer is available from your local phone company or telecoms service provider. The company may view this consumer information. Processing all the documentation and the start of the discounts will also take time.
A low-income household should always have access to some means of communication, especially in an emergency. It should be remembered that Lifeline only covers one landline or cell phone per home, and that phone must be regarded as the main one. The program, known as LifeLink, can even assist in covering the fees associated with installing or activating a new phone if a person does not currently have one.
Tennessee ACP Benefits
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a new federal free government phone program committed to bringing connectivity to low-income Americans. The ACP is a partnership between the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to provide low-cost or no-cost phone service to eligible households. Eligible households must have an income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.
Tennessee Lifeline Program Service Overview
The Tennessee Lifeline Program provides telephone, broadband, and home telephone service to low-income households and seniors in Tennessee. The program also offers mobile phone service, ACP Mobile Internet, and ACP Home Internet. Eligibility is based on household income and assets.
Tennessee Lifeline Program Service Features
The Tennessee Lifeline Program offers a variety of service features, including:
- Mobile Lifeline Service. This service provides phoneline service to eligible residents at no cost. It includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage.
- Fixed Lifeline Service. This service provides phone, broadband, and home telephone service to low-income households in designated areas. It includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage.
- ACP Mobile Internet. This service provides high-speed mobile internet access to eligible residents. ACP Mobile Internet includes unlimited calling and texting.
- ACP Home Internet. This service provides high-speed home internet access to eligible residents. ACP Home Internet includes unlimited calling, texting, and data usage.
Tennessee Regulatory Authority
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered the program, but local state administration is in charge of carrying it out, with support from the consumer division as needed. Families should contact the Consumer Services Division of the Tennessee Regulatory Authority if they have more inquiries. The main phone number and address are 502 Deaderick Street, 4th Floor, Nashville, TN 37243.
FAQs
How do I get a free government phone in Tennessee?
Some residents can be qualified for a free cell phone. We provide Lifeline discounts to eligible Tennessee subscribers who satisfy specific criteria, such as receiving government assistance or having a family income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
Is SafeLink wireless available in Tennessee?
TN households with low incomes. People can qualify whether they receive Federal Housing/Section 8 Assistance, Food Stamps, TennCare Medicaid, SSI, TANF, LIHEAP, or National Free Lunch Program, or if they do not get any of these public assistance programs, based on their total household gross monthly income.
Does Verizon offer free government phones?
We’re committed to keeping TracFone’s involvement with the Lifeline program going. On prepaid cell phones and with service from SafeLink Wireless® and Walmart Family Mobile, TracFone offers Lifeline services. Verizon offers Lifeline options for wireless, Fios Home Internet, and home phone service.
How can I get a free government phone?
Participating in government benefit programs like SNAP, Medicaid, and SSI entitles you to free cell phone service. Your salary may also be a factor. A monthly cell phone plan is FREE to qualified customers under the Lifeline government benefit program. Describe Lifeline.
Does Qlink work in Tennessee?
In 46 states, new users can apply to obtain Unlimited Data, Talk Text, and a New Tablet once. This deal is only available while supplies last, so act quickly.