Lifeline and Link-Up

Consumers may be eligible to receive discounts on their telephone bill or installation hook-up from telecommunications carriers that have been authorized by the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities to offer federal assistance programs.

The programs include: Lifeline Assistance Program, offering reductions in the bill for monthly service, and Link-Up, offering reductions in charges to obtain service.

Eligibility is determined based on a consumer’s income or participation in other assistance programs. You may be eligible to receive this assistance if you qualify for any of the following programs:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/Work First New Jersey (TANF)
• General Assistance
• Lifeline Utility Credit/Tenants Lifeline
• Assistance Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD)
• Food Stamp Program
• Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP/HEAP)
• Medicaid

Details of the programs and requirements can be found at the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities’ website. (link to site)  www.bpu.state.nj.us/home/TelephoneAssistance.shtml

            Consumers should check with the Board of Public Utilities and the        designated telecommunications carriers for their specific programs, which vary in terms of benefits, discounts and coverage areas. The following companies are among the participants in the programs:

• AT&T 
•  Verizon
• Embarq (formerly United New Jersey)
•  MCImetro Acess Transmission Services , a subsidiary of Verizon Communications
• Warwick Valley Telephone Co.