JEFFERSON CITY---Staying connected with family and friends, seeking emergency and government services as well as community resources is essential. The Lifeline Program and the Affordable Connectivity Program can help eligible low-income customers access broadband and phone services.
The Missouri Public Service Commission helps the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) administer the Lifeline program and joins a national effort in observing
National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week September 11-17, 2023.
“The Lifeline Program helps people stay connected,” said Public Service Commission Chairman Scott Rupp. “For eligible low-income customers, it can help when looking for a job; getting assistance in an emergency; access to health care services; or staying in touch with family and friends.”
Funding for the Lifeline Program is primarily from the federal Universal Service Fund, but additional funding may also be provided by the Missouri Universal Service Fund. Missouri also has a separate program for eligible disabled customers. The overall monthly discount can be as much as $24.00 for landline Lifeline service if it includes voice service. Wireless service can also qualify for Lifeline discounts but the monthly discount is limited to $9.25.
Customers may be eligible for assistance if their annual household income level is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level or if a member of the household participates in any of these programs: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps; MOHealthnet (or Medicaid); Supplemental Security Income; Federal Public Housing Assistance; Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit; or certain disability benefits.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a federal program which provides a qualifying subscriber with a $30.00 monthly discount for broadband service and up to $100.00 for the purchase of computer and broadband-related equipment.
A consumer qualifies for ACP if they are eligible for the Lifeline program, have a total household income at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, participates in the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year, received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, or meets the eligibility criteria for a participating provider’s existing low-income program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.
The ACP discount and Lifeline discount is limited to one per household but a household qualifying for the ACP and Lifeline programs can receive both discounts. In such instances, thehousehold will need to separately apply to both programs.
Not all companies participate in the Lifeline and ACP programs. Please contact your local voice provider and/or internet provider to see if they participate. For more information, visit
www.lifelinesupport.org for the Lifeline program and
www.Getinternet.gov for the ACP program.
Missouri Public Service Commission