|
Low-Income Iowans may qualify for telephone assistance
Low-income telephone assistance is available to qualify low-income Iowans as part of two federal support programs. These programs, "Lifeline Assistance" and "Link-Up," are available through OmniTel Communications:
"Lifeline" is a plan that assists qualified low-income Iowans by providing a monthly credit on their telephone bill.
"Link-Up" is an assistance plan that helps qualified low-income Iowans pay for the installation of basic telephone service by reducing connection charges by 50 percent, or $30 whichever is less.
Another feature of the Life-line program enables qualified applicants to avoid paying a service deposit if they voluntarily agree to have long distance calling blocked from their telephone.
"This telephone assistance plan is available to qualified Iowans," said OmniTel Communications. "OmniTel Communications wants to let low-income customers know about these programs, and encourage those eligible customers to apply."
Iowans whose income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible for telephone assistance. Additionally, Iowans who participate in one or more of the following programs are eligible for telephone assistance.
€ Medicaid
€ Food Stamps
€ Supplemental Security
Income (SSI)
€ Federal Public Housing
Assistance
€ Low-Income Home Energy
Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
€ Temporary Assistance to
Needy Families Program (TANF)
€ National School Lunch Program (NSL)
To apply for either or both of these low-income telephone assistance plans, applicants should submit an application to OmniTel Communications. Application forms can be obtained from OmniTel Commun-ications office at 608 East Congress, Nora Springs, IA 50458 or at Department of Human Rights, 101st Street, Mason City, IA 50401, Department of Human Services, 22 N. Georgia, Mason City, IA 50401. This application is also available on the Iowa Utilities Board website at www.state.ia.us/iub.
The Iowa Utilities Board points out that these two low-income telephone assistance plans are important for Iowans and benefit the public by ensuring affordable access to telephone service for everyone. Eligible Iowans are encouraged to submit their application and direct questions to their local telephone company.
Story created Oct 14, 2008 - 10:55:26 CDT.
|
