Lifeline is a federal program dedicated to making phone and internet
service more affordable for low-income households. This benefit provides eligible consumers
with a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands are eligible for an
enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month.
- USAC’s Lifeline Support Center helps you apply for the program, understand eligibility
requirements, and keep your benefit current through an annual recertification process. - Lifeline consumers must apply for Lifeline
and then sign up with a participating phone or internet company, recertify annually, and
keep their information up to date. - Phone or Internet company enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and
answers questions about your service, phone or device, or bill.
Here are the ways you can qualify for Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Lifeline:
Based on Your Income
You can get Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Lifeline if your income is
135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (see the table below). The guideline is
based on your household size and state.
| Household Size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,331 | $25,394 | $23,369 |
| 2 | $27,594 | $34,479 | $31,725 |
| 3 | $34,857 | $43,565 | $40,082 |
| 4 | $42,120 | $52,650 | $48,438 |
| 5 | $49,383 | $61,736 | $56,795 |
| 6 | $56,646 | $70,821 | $65,151 |
| 7 | $63,909 | $79,907 | $73,508 |
| 8 | $71,172 | $88,992 | $81,864 |
| For each additional person, add: | 7,263 | $9,086 | $8,357 |
Based on If You Use SNAP, Medicaid, or Other Programs
Federal Assistance Programs
You can get Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Lifeline if you (or someone
in your household) participate in one of these programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or
official document, when you apply for Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Lifeline.
Tribal Assistance Programs
If you live on Tribal lands, you can get Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
Lifeline if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines,
or if you (or someone in your household) participate in:
- Any of the federal assistance programs listed above
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
You may have to show proof of participation, like a benefit letter or
official document, when you apply for Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Lifeline.
Qualify Through Your Child or Dependent
You can get Valley Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Lifeline if your child or
dependent participates in any of the programs listed above.