On a limited income? You can save on a phone connection with Lifeline and Link-Up services from CenturyTel. These federal assistance programs can help you get a phone connection and also save on your monthly local phone service. Lifeline + Link-Up. Two of the many ways we provide helping hands in your community.

Services Provided

CenturyTel provides single party residential and business services. This includes access to (1) voice grade to the public switched network, (2) local usage, (3) dual tone multi-frequency signaling or its functional equivalent, (4) single-party service or its functional equivalent, (5) emergency services, (6) operator services, (7) inter-exchange service, (8) directory assistance, and (9) Toll limitation for qualifying low-income consumers. Specific rates for each area will be provided upon request.

Lifeline

Lifeline provides certain discounts on monthly service for qualified subscribers.

Link-Up

Link-Up helps customers pay the initial cost of obtaining phone service.

How to Qualify?

Lifeline and Link-Up are available to qualifying customers in every U.S. state. Qualifications do vary by state. States with their own programs have their own criteria. In states that rely solely on the federal program, the subscriber must participate in one of the following programs:

• Federal Public Housing Assistance
• Food Stamps
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
• Medicaid
• National School Lunch's Free Lunch Program
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

You may also qualify if you are a resident on American Indian tribal lands and receive support from:

• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
• Head Start or National School Lunch Program

The Enhanced Tribal Lifeline Assistance program enables participants to receive basic monthly telephone service, depending on current rates, at their primary residence for as little as one dollar a month.

Individuals living in a CenturyTel service area should call 1-800-201-4099 to inquire about eligibility.