Lifeline & Link-Up Information

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is a government program that offers qualified people a discount on their monthly local telephone bill. Each state has its own guidelines to qualify. The Lifeline Assistance Program allows individuals and families a basic discount on monthly service charges for basic phone services. These programs are made available to low-income households who meet certain eligibility requirements and are provided by designated Eligible Telecommunications Carriers or ETC.

How much can I save on my phone bill?

You will save up to $8.25 for your basic monthly bill. These benefits apply to your Monthly Access Charge.

How do I know if I'm eligible?

Applicants for the federal Lifeline and Link-Up programs must have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or they must be enrolled in one or more of the following government assistance programs:

· Medicaid

· Food Stamps

· Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

· Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)

· Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

· Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

· National School Lunch free lunch program

2013 Estimated Income Requirements for Households at or Below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

add $4,620 for each person additional person after 8.

Are there any restrictions?

Lifeline can only be used for the main telephone line in a household. The name on your phone bill must match the name of the participant in the eligible program.

Who are the Eligible Telecommunications Carriers (ETC) in Hawaii?

ETCs in Hawaii include Hawaiian Telcom, Mobi PCS, Nextel Partners, and Sandwich Isles Communications

How do I apply?

Mobi PCS

Call 808-723-1111 or email: support@mobipcs.com

T-Mobile

Call 1-800-937-8997

Hawaiian Telcom

Call 808-643-3456
Click here for a copy of the application form

Sandwich Isles

Call: 540-5754 (Oahu)

888-995-7274 (Toll Free)

You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility by providing a form signed under penalty of perjury that you receive benefits from one of the federal programs that comprises the federal eligibility criteria. Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received.

How do I continue to receive Lifeline benefits?

Eligibility is reviewed periodically. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements or when proof of eligibility is not received.

Other Useful information

There are other options that can help you save money, including free toll blocking, waived deposit with toll blocking and voluntary limit on long distance calling (toll control). 

What is Link-Up?

Link-Up is a program that provides individuals and families with a one-time discount for service connection charges when establishing phone service for the first time at a new residential location. Link-Up helps households pay the installation charge for telephone service. This program pays some of the cost of installing local service in your home, but Link-Up does not cover the cost of wiring inside your home. *Note that the FCC has phased out Link-Up except to those that live on tribal lands, which does include Hawaiian Home Lands.

How much will I save by using Link-Up?

Link-Up will pay 50% of off the first $60 of charges for activation of telephone service. Consumers eligible for the Federal Link-Up program can expect to pay between $22.00 and $25.00 for connection and activation of their service, the standard installation charge is usually about $45.00.

Does Link-Up have any restrictions?

You must provide proof of eligibility before the service can be activated. The Link Up discount cannot be applied to charges you incurred before you applied for the program. The Link Up discount cannot be applied to the cost of customer equipment, including the cost of a compatible wireless handset.

How do I apply for Link-Up?

To apply for Link-Up you will follow the same application process as Lifeline and the same proof of eligibility as Lifeline. Being a Lifeline or Link-Up customer does not protect you from being disconnected if you fail to pay your telephone bill.

How can I find more information?

Consumers learn more about these programs and find out if they are eligible by contacting any one of the ETCs previously mentioned or they can log onto our website at http://www.hawaii.gov/dcca/dca then click on the Telecommunications link and look for the Lifeline information.