Assistance Programs

Lifeline Assistance Program

Lifeline is a federal assistance program funded by the Universal Service Fund that provides a discount on telephone and broadband services for qualified low-income customers. The Lifeline program currently offers a $5.25/month credit for telephone service and $9.25/month for broadband service per eligible household. Only one Lifeline discount per household is allowed nationwide. Federal eligibility is verified annually.

To qualify for Lifeline, you must have a household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following assistance programs:

  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) / Section 8
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Veteran Pension & Survivor Pension Benefit
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Medicaid/Medical Assistance

To apply for discounts in MN, ND & SD – The FCC National Lifeline Verifier determines an applicant’s Lifeline eligibility. To apply for Lifeline, visit www.CheckLifeline.org, select your state in the dropdown menu, enter your personal information, and contact our business office to activate your Lifeline benefits after the FCC National Eligibility Verifier approves your application. You will need information from your application results to ensure correct enrollment in the program.

MN Telephone Assistance Program (TAP) – Phone

MN residents who qualify for federal Lifeline benefits for either telephone or broadband service also automatically qualify for a $10.00/month state Telephone Assistance Program (TAP) discount on landline telephone service.

The telephone service must be in the applicant’s name, and you must show proof that you, or someone in your household, either participates in one or more of the qualifying programs or meet the qualifying income guidelines. If you choose to qualify based on your income, you must attach one of the income-qualifying documents to your application.

Programs eligible for telephone discount participation:

  • Medicaid/Medical Assistance
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/ Food Stamps)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Housing Assistance
  • Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Benefit

You can also enroll in MN TAP without participating in the federal Lifeline program. Just complete the MN TAP application and return it to our business office.  More TAP information can be found on the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission’s website at mn.gov/puc/consumers/telephone.

When you no longer participate in any qualifying public assistance programs or meet the income guidelines, you must notify the Lifeline and/or TAP provider that you are no longer eligible to participate in the programs.

For more details, contact the FCC at 1-888-225-5322 voice, 1-888-835-5322 TTY, visit www.lifelinesupport.org or by mail at FCC, 445 12th ST SW, Washington, DC 20554, or for MN TAP, visit https://mn.gov/commerce/consumers/your-phone/phone-discounts/