Lifeline and Link-Up

Assistance for telephone service is available to low income customers. There are two federal programs that are provided by ITC. The “Lifeline” and “Link-up” programs were established to address concerns about affordability of telephone service and to provide assistance for low income citizens.

The Link-up program allows eligible subscribers to receive a reduced connection charge for their basic home telephone service. This program reduction is 50% of the activation charges with the maximum benefi t of $30.00. Link-up does not cover the cost of wiring inside your home.

The Lifeline program is a government program that provides discounts on your monthly local telephone bill to low income members who qualify. This program allows for a monthly credit on the basic service portion of the participant’s phone bill. Lifeline can only be used for the main telephone line in a household. The name of the phone bill must match the name of the participant who is eligible
for this program. You are eligible for Lifeline if you participate in any of the following programs: Medicaid, Food stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance and Low-Income Home Energy Assistance.

These are federal government programs with each state having its own guidelines to qualify. There is also additional Lifeline and Link-up assistance to qualifying individuals living on Tribal Lands. If you are interested in finding out more about the Lifeline and Link-up programs please contact ITC at 1-800-417-8667.

Below is the form for printing. NOTE: This form is in PDF format, and the latest version of Adobe Acrobat Reader will be required to view it. This program can be downloaded for free HERE.

SD Lifeline & Link-Up Form