The Iowa Utilities Commission (IUC) joins the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates, and state public utility commissions in support of National Digital Connectivity and Lifeline Awareness Week from September 8 to 14. The week is designed to raise awareness of the federal Lifeline program.
The Lifeline program helps lower the monthly cost for phone and internet service or bundled services for low-income households to help Iowans stay connected to jobs, family, community resources, and government and emergency services. Having access to these services can be the difference between social connection and complete isolation.
Under the program, households can receive financial assistance of up to $9.25 per month for broadband or bundled voice and broadband service bills, and up to $5.25 monthly on a voice service bill for qualified residents who participate in certain public assistance or veterans pension programs or meet certain income guidelines. Residents on tribal lands can receive an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month and up to a $100 reduction for first-time connection charges. An additional $25 discount is available only for eligible consumers living on tribal lands. Subscribers may receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireline or a wireless service, but they may not receive a discount on both services at the same time.
Lifeline eligibility and instructions to apply online through an internet or phone company can be reviewed at lifelinesupport.org.
The IUC has helpful resources on its Lifeline webpage, which includes instructions on how to apply by mail and a list of Iowa companies providing Lifeline services.