Lifeline phone discounts available to low-income households

(Harrisburg) — The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission is working to raise awareness of a program to help low income-eligible households stay connected through discounts on basic phone service.

PUC Commissioner Pam Witmer says the Federal Communications Commission recently revised the eligibility rules for the Lifeline initiative to avoid duplication. She says households can only have one lifeline account and it can be either a landline or wireless phone.

“There were some changes regarding an annual re-certification that we hope to make sure that everyone is aware of so that we can get as many people involved as can need the program,” Witmer explains.

More than a half-million Pennsylvania households utilized Lifeline discounts last year and Witmer says the number could increase this year, due to federal changes to the program and statewide awareness efforts.

Lifeline is available to households that have incomes at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty line or receive certain public benefits.