WHAT IS LIFELINE?
• The Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program attempts to make telephone service more affordable for low-income households throughout Michigan.
• Lifeline Service is a residential basic local exchange service offering available only to qualifying low-income consumers for which the consumers pay reduced charges.
 
BENEFITS
There are three primary benefits available to qualifying consumers:
1. Reduced Charges -There is a monthly discount in local telephone service charges. In most cases, the discount is $11.25 per month. For customers aged 65 or older, there is an additional discount of $12.35 per month.
2. Option to Elect Toll Blocking in Lieu of a Service Deposit - This is an option to block out-going long distance service, free of charge. If the qualifying low-income consumer voluntarily elects toll blocking, the telephone company will not collect a service deposit in order to initiate Lifeline Service.
3. Reduction in Local Telephone Line Installation Service Charges- Pursuant to the Link-Up America Program, a qualifying customer receives a 50% reduction up to $30 on local telephone line installation service charges. There is also an interest free deferred payment schedule for up to one year for connection charges up to $200.
 
ELIGIBILITY
• Lifeline Service is available to certain low-income consumers whose household income does not exceed 150% of federal poverty standards.
• The maximum income amount varies depending on the number of people in the household.

2010 INCOME GUIDELINES