Lifeline Awareness Week: Nevadans can 'stay connected' through Lifeline Assistance Program
Submitted by Jeff Munson on Thu, 09/05/2019 - 4:04pm
CARSON CITY — The Public Utilities Commission of Nevada is promoting Lifeline Awareness Week, Sept. 9-13. The Lifeline Assistance Program is a government benefit program supported by the Universal Service Fund that provides a discount on voice or broadband services for qualifying low-income consumers.
The PUCN wants residents to “stay connected” and is reaching out to those who need voice or broadband services but can’t afford it. Lifeline helps low-income consumers connect to the nation’s communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family, and call for help in an emergency.
Under the federal Lifeline program, persons who participate in or are eligible for certain public assistance programs, or qualify based on income, can receive a discount of at least $9.25 per month off their monthly bill for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service.
More information on program eligibility, including links to a list of Lifeline providers in Nevada, is available at www.lifelinesupport.org and https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/lifeline-support- affordable-communications.
In addition, a video explaining the Lifeline program is available at: Lifeline: It’s a Life Changer.
To apply for benefits, consumers should contact their provider of telephone or internet service, including wireless providers.
Beginning later this year, Nevada will transition to using the National Verifier for determining Lifeline eligibility. Consumers will be able to apply directly for Lifeline benefits from the National Verifier before choosing a telephone or internet provider.
Direct applications with the National Verifier will be available by accessing the Consumer Portal at https://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/nv/default.aspx once Nevada is listed on this website as a participating state.
Once Nevada transitions to the National Verifier, existing Lifeline customers will be required to reverify their Lifeline eligibility.
Customers will be contacted by their telephone or internet provider to assist in this reverification process.
Additional information about the reverification process can be found at https://www.usac.org/li/tools/national-verifier/migration.aspx.
