Beginning today (Friday), major changes will take effect regarding the Lifeline Telephone Assistance Program that subsidizes telecommunications services across Iowa. Currently, the Lifeline program offers a $9.25 monthly subsidy for voice services on either a landline or wireless telephone service. Today, broadband providers will become eligible to participate in the program and offer the subsidized service as well. Covered services can now be either wireless or fixed services such as cable, DSL or fiber optic. Subsidies will still be limited to one per household and customers will have to choose whether to obtain federally subsidized service from a telephone or broadband provider. In addition, the FCC has changed the rules for demonstrating eligibility and some forms of proof of eligibility, such as participation in the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), the school lunch program or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) will no longer be accepted. Customers may still verify through SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Veteran’s Pension or Survivor Benefits. Customers can also qualify if they can provide proof of income below 135 percent of the federal poverty level.
