(Editor’s Note: The following article was submitted by Minnesota Public Utilities Commission.)
Access to local emergency services and community resources is important to Minnesotans. During “Lifeline Awareness Week,” September 20-24, the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission (Commission) will promote the Lifeline Program and the complementary Emergency Broadband Benefit, which offers discounts to help residents have access to telephone service and broadband internet.
“Staying connected through telephone service or the internet is important for Minnesotans – whether someone may need emergency services, are working remotely, or have students who are distance learning,” said Commissioner Matthew Schuerger. “If you or someone you know are having trouble affording telephone service or broadband, reach out to your Lifeline provider or the Commission’s Consumer Affairs Office for help.”
Under the federal Lifeline program, telephone customers who are qualify for certain assistance programs are able to receive a basic telephone service discount. The discount is a bill credit of up to $9.25 per month. There is an additional discount of $25.00 available to Minnesota residents who reside on federally recognized Tribal lands.
This discount is available with landline service providers, broadband providers, and many wireless providers who offer free cellphones. Minnesota’s Telephone Assistance Plan also offers citizens who qualify for Lifeline a $10.00 discount on landline phone service, which can be combined with the federal Lifeline credit for a greater discount.
Additionally, Congress created a program to complement Lifeline called the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB). EBB provides eligible households up to a $50.00/month discount for broadband services — more for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Current Lifeline participants are automatically eligible, and, in most cases, they don’t need to apply separately for the EBB, but they do need to select a provider and eligible EBB plan to receive the benefit. Single taxpayer households with incomes at or below $99,000 or joint taxpayer households with incomes at or below $198,000 are eligible for EBB as are households that qualify for the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast programs.
To apply for benefits, contact your local landline or wireless Lifeline provider or the Commission. The agency can be reached at (651) 296-0406, (800) 657-3782, consumer.puc@state.mn.us, or visit the website at www.mn.gov/puc.
About
The Minnesota Public Utilities Commission regulates three cornerstone service industries in Minnesota’s economy; electricity, natural gas and telephone. The Commission’s mission is to create and maintain a regulatory environment that ensures safe, adequate and efficient utility services at fair, reasonable rates consistent with State telecommunications and energy policies. It does so by providing independent, consistent, professional and comprehensive oversight and regulation of utility service providers. Learn more atmn.gov/puc
Contact Tricia DeBleeckere, 651-201-2254 or Tricia.DeBleeckere@state.mn.us with any questions.
