Lifeline-eligible customers receive a discount on their monthly basic telephone service rate. In addition, eligible customers receive a waiver of all charges for telephone service connection, don't have to pay a deposit or any up-front charges for establishing telephone service and receive free toll blocking and 900 or 976 blocking.
Lifeline telephone assistance is available to customers that have a household income at or below 135% or 150% of the federal poverty level. The rate is set by each individual telephone company. Individuals who also participate in any of the following programs may also be eligible for this service: Medicaid, Food Stamps, General Assistance, Ohio Works First, Supplement Security Income, Section 8 Public Housing Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Programs or the National School Free Lunch Program.
Customers should contact their local telephone service provider to apply for participation in the Lifeline program. More information about Lifeline is available from the PUCO or the OCC. Customers may also contact the PUCO at (800) 686 PUCO (7826) or the OCC at (877) PICKOCC (742-5622) for more information.