LETTER: Telecommuncation options available to low-income families

The continual innovation in the telecommunications industry creates numerous new telecommunications options from which Kentucky consumers can choose to best stay connected. Despite the myriad of telecommunication options available to Kentuckians, economic challenges may make it difficult for some to remain connected to family, employers and healthcare providers. To help low-income Kentuckians stay connected, the Link-up and Lifeline (not to be confused with a medical alert program with a similar name) programs may help.

You may qualify for Link-up and/or Lifeline if you presently receive Food Stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. You may also qualify for Link-up and/or Lifeline if you participate in the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) or the National Free School Lunch program or live in Federal Public Housing/Section 8.

Link-up will pay half of the installation charges for new telephone service up to a maximum of $30. Lifeline will provide a discount of up to $13.50 per month on the local service portion of your telephone bill. Lifeline and Link-up programs provide discounts only for the primary telephone in a household. If you think you qualify, contact your local telephone service provider to assist you in selecting a service plan that meets your needs and to receive instructions on how to apply for Link-up and Lifeline support. The Kentucky Public Service Commission's Web site has further information about the Link-up and Lifeline programs at http://psc.ky.gov/agencies/psc/consumer/lifeline.pdf. 

David L. Armstrong, Chairman

Kentucky Public Service Commission

Jack Conway

Attorney General of the Commonwealth of Kentucky

Forest M. Skaggs, Executive Director

Kentucky Telecom Association