Lifeline
Citizens offers the Lifeline discount provided in accordance with the FCC's Universal Service Fund. Lifeline provides one monthly discount of either $9.25 on internet service or $6.50 on telephone service to eligible customers.
The Lifeline benefit can lower the cost of your monthly internet or phone bill. Only one benefit is available per household; either phone service (home or wireless) or internet (home or mobile), but not both.
If you or someone in your household participates in one of the following federal programs or meets one of the criteria listed, you may be eligible for the Lifeline discount. Please visit LifelineSupport.org to enroll online. Documentation may be required for confirmation of eligibility.
You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program - formerly known as Food Stamps)
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- FPHA (Federal Public Housing Assistance)
- Household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines
Lifeline defines a household as a group of people who live together and share income and expenses (even if they are not related to
each other).
How much can I save on my monthly bill?
Qualifying applicants will save $9.25 on your broadband or $6.50 on your basic monthly telephone bill. This benefit applies to 25Mbps or higher internet service or local telephone service charges purchased as a flat rate service. The Lifeline discount does not apply to Long Distance Toll Calls or Expanded Local calls. Only one discount per household.
How do I know if I am eligible?
To be eligible, a subscriber must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Low Income Program or participate in one of the following assistance programs or be Income Eligible: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8; Federal Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.
As of December 2, 2016, subscribers can no longer use the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or the NSLP free lunch program to prove eligibility for Lifeline.
How do I apply for the discount?
Option 1 - Apply online
- Helpful videos for applying online can be found here
- Once the customer applies and receives their qualification confirmation email from Lifeline that will include a Lifeline application ID#, they need to forward the email to discountedservices@citizens.coop
Option 2 - Apply by mail. Customers refusing to apply online can complete a paper application and mail it directly to Lifeline Support Center P.O. Box 9100 Wilkes-Barre, PA 18773. Service providers can assist consumers with the paper application and mail it on behalf of the consumer. Consumers must sign and date the application themselves.
Option 3 - Apply with a Service Provider. Service providers may submit an online application using the National Verifier portal on behalf of the consumer (only with the consumer’s consent)
- This must be done in-person. The service provider will ask the consumer the questions on the application and complete the physical paper application as well as the online portal application. The consumer must sign and certify the paper copy of the application to keep on file.
Those claiming to qualify based on income must present acceptable documentation of the household income. Acceptable documentation includes: the prior year’s tax return, current income statement from an employer or paycheck stub, a Social Security statement of benefits, a Veterans Administration statement of benefits, a retirement/pension statement of benefits, and Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefits, federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance, a divorce decree, child support, or other official documents. The program is limited to one benefit per household, consisting of either broadband or telephone service. Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain program benefits can be punished with a fine or imprisonment or barred from the program.
Are there any restrictions?
The program is limited to one benefit per household; either phone service (home or wireless) or internet (home or mobile), but not both.
What information do I need to provide to receive Lifeline benefits?
You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility by completing a form signed under penalty of perjury that you receive benefits from or a copy of any dated document which verifies your participation in one of the qualifying programs listed above. Documentation can be obtained through your social worker or from the Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Proof of total household income may be required for income-based qualification.
How do I continue to receive Lifeline benefits?
Eligibility is reviewed annually. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements according to the DHHR or when proof of eligibility is not received.
For more information visit http://www.