Who can enroll in TCC’s Lifeline program?

Standard Lifeline Qualification Criteria:

• If your household Income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (See table below)

• If you, or your child or dependent, are enrolled in one of these government assistance programs:

The Lifeline program is limited to one discount per household. Each household can receive Lifeline benefits from only one company, which can be a broadband, wireline and wireless service provider. Lifeline cannot be transferred to another person, but you can keep the Lifeline benefit if you move to another address. You must activate your service. Lifeline is a federal benefit. Willingly making false statements to obtain the benefit can result in fines, imprisonment, de-enrollment, or being barred from the program. Proof of eligibility is required, and only eligible customers may enroll. You will be required to re-certify your eligibility for the program each year. If circumstances change and you are no longer eligible for Lifeline, you must inform Tri-Co within 30 days.

Survivor Benefit Lifeline Program

About the Safe Connections Act

The Safe Connections Act (SCA) of 2022 helps survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and related crimes get discounted phone, internet, or bundled services through the Lifeline program. Under the SCA, at the request of a survivor, phone companies must separate phone lines linked to family plans where the abuser is on the account.

Survivor Lifeline Program Benefits:

• Emergency Lifeline Support for up to 6 months
• $9.25/month discount for voice, internet or bundled services

Additional Survivor Lifeline Qualifications Criteria:

There are three ways to qualify:

1. 1.  If you meet existing Standard Benefits Lifeline eligibility criteria*
   2. If you do not meet the existing Standard Benefits Lifeline eligibility criteria but your household’s income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines* (see table below)
   3. If you or a child or dependent participates in one of the following government programs*:

• Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
• Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or School Breakfast program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision school or school district
• Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

*Proof of an attempted line separation, which can be obtained from your phone company, must be provided during the application process to qualify for survivor benefits.

After the 6-month survivor benefit has been exhausted, you may qualify for the Standard Lifeline Benefit of $9.25 discount for internet or bundled services or $5.25 discount for voice-only services. (See standard benefit qualifications)

For more information about the survivor benefit, view the Safe Connections Act page.

Where can I find the application for Tri-Co’s Lifeline services?

You must meet certain eligibility requirements in order to qualify for Tri-Co’s Lifeline service. For assistance in determining if you qualify for Lifeline, visit www.lifelinesupport.org/do-i-qualify.

Individuals have the option to apply online or via postal mail. An online application for Tri-Co Lifeline Broadband or Lifeline service can be obtained at www.nationalverifier.servicenowservices.com/lifeline and submitted online.

A paper application can be found here.

Paper applications can be mailed to:

USAC Lifeline Support Center
P.O. Box 7081
London, KY 40742