Telephone Lifeline Programs in Ohio

Lifeline is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides a monthly benefit for income-eligible households to help ensure that they can afford communications services, either through a participating wireline, wireless, or broadband provider. The FCC has designated the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), an independent nonprofit, to administer Lifeline with Universal Service Funds. Eligible customers can receive Lifeline assistance for only one type of service (landline, wireless, or broadband) per household. The benefits vary depending on the selected service.

The Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC) offers the following information about Lifeline assistance for basic local telephone service, including benefits, restrictions, qualification guidelines and how to apply.

Lifeline available from participating local telephone carriers

Lifeline services are offered by participating local telephone carriers to consumers with a household income at or below 135 percent of the federal income guidelines, or who provide proof of participation in at least one of the following programs:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP);
• Medicaid;
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI);
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) including Section 8, Project-Based Rental Assistance, and Public Housing programs; or
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs.

Applicants will need to provide proof of program participation or income eligibility.

For Lifeline programs based solely on income eligibility, any of the following documentation can be used as proof of income:

• The prior year’s state or federal income tax return;
• A current income statement from an employer or W-2 form;
• Three consecutive months of current pay stubs;
• Statement of benefits from Social Security, Veterans Administration, retirement or pension programs, or unemployment or workers’ compensation;
• Divorce decree, child support award, or other official documentation containing income information.

Lifeline customers of traditional wireline companies can receive the following benefits until at least Dec. 1, 2025:

• Waive service connection fees;
• Waive deposit to establish service;
• Receive a monthly basic service charge discount of $5.25;
• Do not pay charges related to the Universal Service Fund and local number portability;
• Can receive free “toll blocking” and blocking for 900/976 telephone numbers to prohibit all outgoing long-distance calls; and
• Special payment plans for customers with past due bills for regulated service to pay only $25 and have the remaining balance billed equally over six months to avoid disconnection or reconnect service.

How to apply for and keep Lifeline service

Customers must first apply for Lifeline and then, if qualified, sign up with a participating provider. Applications may be submitted online at www.lifelinesupport.org or through the local telephone company. The USAC Lifeline Support Center may be able to assist with applications at (800) 234-9473.

Lifeline participants must recertify their eligibility every year and should receive written notice from USAC’s Lifeline Support Center. Customers failing to recertify will be de-enrolled from the Lifeline program and could lose service.

Additional information about the Lifeline program, including participating providers, can be found at www.lifelinesupport.org or by calling the USAC Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473. For questions and complaints regarding Telephone Lifeline in Ohio, contact the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) at (800) 686-7826.