Tribal Lifeline
TRIBAL LIFELINE (a federal program available from Golden West), provides qualifying customers up to $34.25 monthly towards internet service OR $32.25 monthly towards basic telephone service for eligible customers. This discount can also be applied to a bundle with internet.
Tribal Lifeline customers must reside on Tribal lands and participate in one of the following programs or meet the income levels listed below:
- Medicaid* (offers automated approval)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) or Section 8
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (income eligible)
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs
Income Levels: You may also qualify for the monthly savings if your income level falls at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Qualifying income levels range from $17,388 for a single person household to $35,775 for a family of four.
A second federal program, TRIBAL LINK-UP provides eligible tribal land subscribers with reduced connection charges for their basic home internet or telephone service. This discount is 100 percent of the applicable charges up to $100.00. It does not cover the cost of wiring inside your home and is limited to one time per home address per subscriber.
How do I apply? Use the Lifeline National Verifier to enter your information online, create an account and see if you qualify. If you do not want to qualify online, you can use a paper form, however, qualifying with a paper form can take longer.
Are there any restrictions? Lifeline can only be used for one internet connection OR phone line in a household. You may purchase additional services available to a non-Lifeline customer except if on LOTS program or other tribal programs.
What proof of eligibility do I need to provide? You will be required to provide proof of enrollment in one of the qualifying programs listed above. Proof of total household income will be required for income based qualification. Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received. Those who qualify for Medicaid should select this program option to qualify as they could receive approval sooner.
How do I continue to receive Lifeline benefits? Eligibility will be reviewed annually. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements or when proof of eligibility is not received. Customers who are no longer eligible for Lifeline benefits must notify their service provider.
Being a Lifeline customer does not protect you from being disconnected if you fail to pay your bill. Customers permanently disconnected must recertify for their Lifeline benefit. Lifeline discounts cannot be applied to an outstanding balance owed to your telecommunications company.
If you reside on Tribal lands and you’re currently enrolled in any of the qualifying programs or meet the income-based eligibility guidelines, apply online for your Tribal Lifeline / Link-Up benefit today.
* Those who qualify for Medicaid should select this program option to qualify as they could receive approval sooner.