Comet staff report

Increasing energy costs and holiday gift-giving affect most budgets, but many Hoosier families struggle throughout the year to pay for basic services. That’s why two state agencies and Indiana’s two largest local telephone service providers want consumers to know about Lifeline and Link-Up, two federally funded programs that help income-eligible consumers obtain and keep local telephone service.

Only an estimated 13 percent of eligible households in Indiana take advantage of these programs that can offer some financial relief. AT&T Indiana (formerly SBC Indiana), Verizon, the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC) and the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission (IURC) are working collaboratively to educate consumers about these programs and how they can benefit from them.

“Lifeline and Link-Up can make a major difference in getting people connected and keeping them connected, but people need to know that these programs are available,” said Anthony Swinger, OUCC spokesman. “With the increase in energy prices this winter, these telephone assistance efforts can help qualifying families offset some of those costs at a time when help is especially needed.”

The Telephone Assistance Program campaign, which includes grassroots efforts and advertising, involves a three-year project jointly funded by AT&T and Verizon. Lifeline provides monthly discounts on basic local telephone service for qualifying households. Link-Up provides discounts on telephone connection charges and may enable qualifying consumers to pay off their portions of connection charges interest-free over a one-year period.

More than 40 Indiana local telephone companies including AT&T, Verizon, Sprint and more than three-dozen rural local exchange carriers participate in the programs.

Consumers may qualify for Lifeline and Link-Up benefits if they: 1) Have a household income at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or 2) Participate in at least one of the following seven programs: Medicaid Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) Food stamps National School Lunch Program Federal public housing assistance or Section 8

“Applying for Lifeline and LinkUp takes only a couple of minutes,” Swinger said. “It is as simple as filling out a one-page application and sending it to your local phone company, along with any proof of eligibility the company may require.”

Lifeline and Link-Up applications are available through local telephone companies and the Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor (OUCC). Applications also can be downloaded from www.openlines.in.gov. Proof of eligibility may be required, depending on local telephone company policies. Completed applications must be submitted directly to the consumer’s local telephone company.