Assistance Programs

The federal Lifeline program offers discounts on certain telecommunications services to qualifying individuals. 

Red River Communications follows the Lifeline terms and conditions set by the FCC and USAC. 

Lifeline Terms & Conditions 

  1. Only one monthly credit is available to a qualifying household. 
  2. The monthly credit is either $9.25 for broadband/internet service or $5.25 for voice service. 
  3. To qualify, households must participate in one of these programs:
    1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    2. Medicaid
    3. Federal Public Housing Assistance
    4. Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit 

OR qualify based on income if the household income is at 135% or less than the current Federal Poverty Guidelines.

  1. USAC will contact participants to re-certify their eligibility each year. 
  2. Participants must notify Red River Communications within 30 days when they no longer qualify for Lifeline. 
  3. Participants may also transfer their Lifeline credit from one service provider to another. 

Lifeline participants subscribed to voice service receive unlimited local calling. Toll charges for distance calls placed will be rated by the long-distance carrier chosen by the participant. Please check with your long distance provider to obtain those rates. 

For definitions of a household, the poverty level guidelines, or to learn more about Lifeline, visit the federal program site. 

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/