Monday, February 23, 2004
WHAT IT IS: The Lifeline Assistance Program provides discounts on monthly basic telephone service to low-income customers who are eligible and enrolled.
WHO QUALIFIES: Those who are already enrolled in a variety of public assistance programs for the low-income.
HOW IT WORKS: The phone company provides discounts on the customer's monthly telephone bill ranging up to $7.84 for most low-income Pennsylvanians. For the lowest-income of Verizon's customers, the discount is $11.59.
WHO PAYS FOR IT: Ratepayers, through a "Universal Service" line item on their telephone bills. Their money is funneled through the Federal Universal Service Fund, then redistributed to those low-income customers who are eligible and enrolled.