Lifeline is the name of a program that provides a subsidy for telephone service for low-income households in the United States. In Vermont, the Lifeline program is administered by the Vermont Department of Public Service (DPS).
The DPS ensures that eligible low-income households have access to affordable telephone services. To qualify for the Lifeline program, households must meet certain income eligibility requirements.
Vermont Lifeline Program Eligibility
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- State assistance programs
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start
Lifeline Vermont Income Guidelines
| 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 |
Lifeline Program – Consumer Guide (American Sign Language)
Lifeline Service Providers in Vermont
- Franklin Telephone 1-802-285-9911
- *TruConnect Communications 1-800-430-0443
- Life Wireless (Telrite) 1–888-543-3620
- Otelco (Shoreham) 1-866-746-3873
- Consolidated Communications 1-844-968-7224
- QLink Wireless 1-855-754-6543
- SafeLink (TracFone) 1-800-Safelink (723-3546)
- Waitsfield/Champlain Valley Telecom 1-800-496-3391
- Burlington Telecom 1-866-304-8434
- Topsham Telephone 1-802-439-5325
- Vermont Telephone (VTel) 1-800-279-4049
- TDS Telecom (Ludlow, Northfield, Perkinsville) 1-866-571-6662
Vermont ACP Benefits
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) gives qualified households a monthly internet access discount of up to $30 or $75 for residences on eligible tribal territories. Several participating providers are offering an extra benefit of up to a $100 discount on the purchase of PCs or tablets if the consumer donates more than $10 but less than $50 toward the purchase of the gadget.
Vermont Lifeline Program Service Overview
The Vermont Lifeline Program provides telephone, broadband, and home telephone service to low-income households and seniors in Vermont. The program also offers mobile phone service, ACP Mobile Internet, and ACP Home Internet. Eligibility is based on household income and assets.
Vermont Lifeline Program Service Features
The Vermont 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.
Affordable Connectivity Program Providers
Vermont Universal Service Fund
The Vermont Universal Service Fund (VUSF) was created by Vermont law in 1994 through the adoption of 30 V.S.A. 7501 to develop a financial framework that will enable every Vermont household to obtain basic telecommunications service at an affordable price and to finance that framework with a proportional charge on all telecommunications transactions that interact with the public switched network.
F.A.Q.s
What is Lifeline?
Although Lifeline has existed for some time, not many people know it. It’s a government initiative that gives eligible customers a break on their recurring local phone or internet payment. For eligibility, each state has its requirements. There are primarily two methods to be eligible for Lifeline.
What is the Affordable Connectivity Program (A.C.P.)?
A federal program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (A.C.P.) gives eligible households access to low-cost internet service. The initiative aims to assist households that cannot afford to use private internet service providers (I.S.P.s).
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?
T.N. households with low incomes. People can qualify whether they receive Federal Housing/Section 8 Assistance, Food Stamps, TennCare Medicaid, S.S.I., TANF, LIHEAP, 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 benefits like SNAP, Medicaid, and S.S.I. entitles you to free cell phone service. Your salary may also be a factor. Describe Lifeline. A monthly cell phone plan is FREE to qualified customers under the Lifeline government benefit program.
Does Qlink work in Tennessee?
In any 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.