ICC Issues Resolution on FCC
Lifeline Program to Help Low-Income Consumers Stay Connected Through
COVID-19 Pandemic
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[June 25, 2020]
As residents practice social distancing to stop the spread of the
Coronavirus, access to affordable internet and cell phone service
has proven to be essential. To help eligible low-income consumers
financially impacted by the pandemic, the Illinois Commerce
Commission recently approved a resolution to raise awareness about
the federal Lifeline program which offers discounts on broadband and
phone services.
“COVID-19 is having a dramatic effect on families, communities and
the economy. To stay safe, many residents depend on internet service
at home to telework or participate in remote learning. There’s also
a large population who are now without a job and need technology to
look for work. Staying connected has never been more important.
Fortunately, there is help available,” said ICC Chairman Carrie
Zalewski.
Lifeline is the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Universal
Service Fund program that provides eligible low-income customers
with monthly discounts on Internet or phone service (up to $9.25).
Those eligible to receive the discount must already participate in
certain federal benefits programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental
Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal Public Housing, or the
Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit; or have a household income
at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
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![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2015/May/02/images/ads/current/guzzardo_lda022609.png)
The Lifeline discount is limited to one benefit per household. Additionally, in
Illinois, a program funded entirely through voluntary donations subsidizes the
cost of phone installation for Lifeline participants. To learn more about this
program, please visit
http://linkup
illinois.org/to-enroll/.
“So many residents suddenly found themselves out of work due to COVID-19 and may
not be aware of programs such as Lifeline because they didn’t previously
qualify. To make it even easier for those new to the program, the FCC has
temporarily eased the documentation requirements for those seeking to apply for
the Lifeline benefit based on their income,” said Commissioner Sadzi Martha
Oliva.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Aug/26/images/ads/current/ldn_sda_062409.png)
For more information about the Lifeline program, including downloadable
materials and fact sheets on how to apply in both English and Spanish, visit
https://www.lifelinesupport.org/.
For a copy of the ICC Lifeline resolution
click
here.
[Illinois Office of Communication and
Information] |