Low Income Assistance
LOW INCOME ASSISTANCE FOR TELEPHONE CONNECTIONS AND SERVICES YOU MAY QUALIFY FOR.
What type of discount is available?
Lifeline assistance lowers the cost of basic monthly local telephone service. Eligible consumers will receive a $9.25 discount on Broadband minimum service standards at 18/3 Mbps and $5.25 for voice-only service. Lifeline services is limited to one line per household at the customer’s primary residence.
How do I know whether or not I am eligible?
Participation in Lifeline support depends on eligibility. Consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Not the same as Social Security Benefits)
- Federal Public House Assistance (FPHA)
- Veteran Pension & Survivors Benefits Programs
Income Eligibility Information
The table below reflects 135% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines. (for 48 Continuous States & DC)
Number in Household | Maximum Annual Income
1 | $18,347
2 | $24,719
3 | $31,091
4 | $37,463
5 | $43,835
6 | $50,207
7 | $56,579
8 | $62,951
For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $6,372 for each additional person.
Income guidelines are adjusted annually. Guidelines are usually updated in January.
How do I apply for Lifeline Service and receive the discounts?
Visit or call your local telephone company.
Bismark: 501-865-3333
Donaldson: 501-384-2345
Questions about Lifeline? Contact Central Arkansas Telephone Cooperative, Inc
Call 501-865-3333
Every person in America should have access to quality, affordable telecommunications service. This Principle of “Universal Service” has been the goal of the telecommunications industry for decades. In 1934, Congress made the goal a law and reaffirmed it in 1996 by establishing policies for the “preservation and advancement of Universal Service.”
To achieve the Universal Service goal, telephone companies have access to a fund that is generated by contributions from the telecommunications providers in the United States. Telephone companies draw from the fund to provide two programs that support telecommunications services nationwide. Lifeline Assistance Program (Lifeline) America are part of the Fund’s Low-Income Program and are described in detail below.
Lifeline support provides discounts to eligible low-income consumers to help them establish and maintain telephone service
Click HERE to download the Lifeline Assistance Program Tariff