Link-up program: provides a discount on the cost of initiating service for a primary residential telephone, even a wireless phone. The program pays one-half (up to $30) of the initial installation fee for a traditional, wireline telephone or the activation fee for a wireless telephone.
Lifeline program: under this program you can receive a waiver of the federal subscriber line charge, a savings of at least $75 annually, as well as a discount on your basic local service charge. The total discount varies depending on your local telephone service provider. Additional discounts are provided for consumers on tribal lands. Some wireless companies now offer Lifeline savings to eligible customers; so make sure to see if your cell phone provider participates in Lifeline.
If you are already receiving any of the programs below, you are automatically eligible for the Lifeline program:
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Veterans’ Disability
- Surviving Spouse Pension
- Family Assistance or ;
- the Safety Net Assistance programs.
For more information and application forms you can download online, visit NY's Public Service Commission for Consumer Information: www.AskPSC.com.