1. Lifeline phones

2. LIFELINE TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE
Lifeline is a federally funded program that is administered by local telephone companies. It provides a monthly discount on telecommunications services for eligible consumers. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started allowing consumers to apply the Lifeline discount to broadband (high-speed internet) service in December 2016.
There are two ways to qualify:
1. Have a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or.
2. Be enrolled in one or more of the following programs:
Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Food Stamps (SNAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8, Veterans Pensions and Survivors Benefit Programs

3. Key changes under the 2016 FCC order:
As of December 2016, LIHEAP, TANF, and National School Free Lunches no longer qualify a household for Lifeline. If you have qualified for Lifeline through one of these programs, you will need to prove eligibility when you are recertified in 2017 either by meeting the income guidelines or by participating in a different qualifying program.
As of December 2016, Veterans Pensions and Survivors Benefit Programs are being added to the programs that will qualify a consumer for Lifeline.
Customers can apply the monthly $9.25 Lifeline discount to either wireless phone service, landline phone service, broadband, or a combination of phone and broadband services.
In December 2019, the Lifeline discount for telephone service (both landline and wireless) will drop to $7.25. The discount will then decrease to $5.25 in December 2020.

4. Things to know:
To enroll, you must send an application directly to the telephone company.
When applying, you must include a copy of a document showing proof of income or proof of participation in one of the qualifying programs.
Only one Lifeline discount is available per household (address).
If your household receives more than one Lifeline discount, you must select a single provider immediately. Penalties may apply if you don't.
Telephone service must be listed in your name. You cannot be listed as a dependent on another person’s tax return.
All Lifeline subscribers must re-certify eligibility each year.

5. How to apply and Contact Information
Applications are available from participating telephone companies, which are listed with phone numbers and website links on the Universal Service Administrative Company's (USAC's) website.
 To apply for Lifeline benefits, please contact the company directly to request an application. Some, but not all, Lifeline providers will accept this application. 
Indiana Office of Utility Consumer Counselor W. Washington St., Suite 1500 South Indianapolis, IN
Toll-Free: Voice/TDD: Fax: