What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is a federal program that provides a monthly discount on telephone service to qualified low-income residents. Lifeline is designed to ensure that telephone service remains affordable to all Utah residents.

How does a customer sign up?

If you are a customer of Gunnison Telephone Company, you may qualify for the Lifeline se program if your total household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines; or if you, your dependent or someone in your household receives one of the following:

• Family Employment Program (TANF) • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) • Medicaid • National School Lunch free lunch program • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (formerly Food Stamps) • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

If you are eligible, we will provide you with a Telephone Assistance Application, which you will fill out and return to our office. You can download the Lifeline Assistance forms: English PDF Version – Spanish PDF Version here.

How does a customer participating in Lifeline receive the discount?

After receiving the application, you will be notified if you qualify and will receive your discounts in the form of a credit on your monthly statement.

How much can a qualifying customer receive from these programs?

The Lifeline program: allows qualifying customers to save up to $12.75 per month on their residential telephone service.

Are there any restrictions?

Lifeline is available on one telephone line per household. If you or someone in your household has Lifeline on a wireless phone, then you cannot get it on your home phone too. You may not transfer your Lifeline discount to another person, even if he or she qualifies for Lifeline.

Could I become ineligible?

Every year, you must certify that you are still eligible for Lifeline. Failure to do so will result in the loss of your Lifeline discount. You are required by law to notify Gunnison Telephone Company within 30 days if:

• Your household no longer meets the income criterion • You or your household no longer participate in a qualifying program • You or a member of your household is receiving Lifeline assistance from another telephone company

If you no longer qualify for the Lifeline program you may be required to pay for the reduced rates given in error.