State and federal regulators have expanded criteria and benefits for the programs. Like the help Work First gives families with child care and transportation, this is a direct and useful benefit to families.
Enrollment is easy.
Eligible low income consumers who already have local telephone service need only to have their caseworker complete a one-page form and send it to their local telephone company. The Lifeline discount begins as soon as the company receives the form. They then have their agency representative complete that form and send it to the telephone company. They are automatically enrolled in Lifeline. The phone company must receive the form before service is connected for the discount to apply.