Lifeline & Link-up

To ensure that telephone service is available and affordable for low income telephone subscribers, the TRA established Link-up and Lifeline Telephone Assistance Programs.

• Link-up will pay half of the installation charges for new telephone service, to a maximum of $30.00
• Lifeline will save telephone subscribers up to a $13.50 per month on the local service portion of the telephone bill. And, by selecting the lowest cost residential service plan offered by the local telephone company, ensures an affordable monthly telephone bill. This program will not assist on long distance charges or special features such as Caller ID or Call Waiting.

Who is Eligible for Lifeline & Link-up?

The qualifications for Link-up and Lifeline are the same. You automatically qualify if you are enrolled in any ONE of the following public assistance programs:

• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Medicaid (Not TennCare)
• Supplemental Security Income
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• National Free School Lunch
• Section 8 Federal housing (Section 8 only, HUD and other federal programs may not automatically qualify).

If you do not presently receive any of these benefits, you may still qualify based on TRA’s low income guidelines. For more information contact TRA 1-800-342-8359 or 1-877-691-2969.
Website: http://www.state.tn.us/tra/consumerfiles/teleassist.html

How to apply?

If you qualify for any public assistance program, call your telephone service provider. Your local telephone company will provide you with a Link-up and Lifeline application or request proof that you receive one of the above benefits. You may qualify based on your income. Contact TRA at 1-800-342-8359 or 1-877-691-2969.

The TRA encourages qualifying residents to apply for the Link-up and Lifeline Telephone Assistance Programs and urges eligible Tennessee consumers to take advantage of the available discounts. For more information about the TRA’s Telephone Assistance Programs, Call the TRA at 1-800-342-8359 or 1-877-691-2969.