McDonald County Telephone Company Offers Lifeline Service For Low Income

Lifeline service is a government program designed to make monthly residential telecommunication services more affordable to eligible low-income customers. Those eligible for the Lifeline program are also eligible for toll blocking at no additional charge.

The Federal Lifeline discount can be applied to qualifying voice or broadband services. In order to be eligible for the Federal Lifeline discount, a customer's annual household income must be at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or a customer must participate in one of the following programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Medicaid; Supplemental Security Income (SSD); Federal Public Housing Assistance; Veterans Pension and Survivors Pension or qualifying Tribal Programs.

The additional State Lifeline discount can be applied to qualifying telephone (voice) services only. In order to be eligible for the additional State Lifeline discount, a customer's annual household income must be at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, or a customer must receive benefits from or have a child in the household who receives benefits from at least one of the following programs: Food Stamps; Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP); Medicaid; Supplemental Security Income (SSD); National School Lunch Program (free lunch program); Federal Public Housing Assistance or qualifying Tribal Programs.

Lifeline is a nontransferable service and eligible subscribers may receive assistance from only one wireline or wireless telecommunications provider per household. Only eligible customers may enroll in the program. Customers are required to submit a Lifeline application form and will be required to certify continued eligibility annually. Customers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain Lifeline benefits can be punished by fine or imprisonment or can be barred from the program.

Basic services are offered to all customers in McDonald County Telephone Company service territories at the rates, terms, and conditions specified in McDonald County Telephone Company's tariff.

For more information regarding Lifeline service or to apply for Lifeline service, call 417-223-4313 or visit the McDonald County Telephone Company business office at 704 Main Street, Pineville.