News Release

For more information contact: Abbie Hodgson, 785-271-3269

September 14, 2009

KCC Promotes Lifeline Awareness Week
Programs help Kansans pay phone bill

Topeka, KS-With unemployment in Kansas at a 20-year high, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) is promoting access to basic phone service during Lifeline Awareness Week, September 14-20.

"We want to make sure that low-income Kansans know they can get help paying their phone bill," said KCC Chairman Thomas Wright, "because in today's increasingly interconnected world, phone service provides a vital lifeline to emergency services, community resources, family, and friends."

Two programs are available in Kansas to make phone service more affordable. The Lifeline program provides eligible low-income customers with a discount of up to $17.77 on their monthly telephone bill. Kansans that don't currently have telephone service may be eligible for a 50 percent discount on the installation of telephone service up to a maximum of $30 through Link-Up America. Both traditional landline service and wireless service qualify for both programs.

"The Lifeline and Link-Up programs are imperative to ensuring that all Kansans have access to affordable basic local telephone service," Wright said. "I encourage all eligible consumers to sign up by contacting their local telephone company."

Currently, there are approximately 27,000 Kansans receiving telephone service through Lifeline. Kansans are eligible for the Lifeline or Link-Up if they receive any of the following:

• Medicaid
• Food Stamps
• General Assistance
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Head Start
• Free School Lunch Program
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

Kansans with income at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level may also qualify by providing three consecutive months of income statements or a copy of their tax return for the previous year.