Gunnison Telecommunications Lifeline Assistance Program

1.     The Lifeline Assistance Program is a plan that assists qualified low-income applicants with reductions in their monthly local exchange service rate.  The assistance applies for a single telephone line at the applicant's principal place of residence.  Qualified applicants shall have their monthly local exchange service rate reduced up to $13.50.

2.     Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible for assistance, an applicant must participate in one of the following:

a.  Medicaid (e.g. Title XIX/Medical, state supplemental assistance)
b.  Food Stamps
c.  Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
d.  Federal public housing assistance
e.  Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LHEAP)
f.   Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
g.  National School Lunch (NSL) Programs (eligible for free meals)
h.  Income at or below 135% of the Federally Recognized Poverty Guidelines

The Lifeline customer is responsible for notifying the Company if the customer ceases to participate in any of the public assistance programs listed above.

3.     Application for Assistance
An applicant shall request telephone assistance through completion of a form provided by the Telephone Company.  Download the Lifeline Assistance form: English PDF Version - Spanish PDF Version

4.     Rates
The Lifeline customer will receive a monthly credit up to $13.50 toward their local exchange service rate.

Low Income Connection Assistance Program - Link Up

1.     The Low-Income Telephone Connection Assistance Program (Link Up) is a plan which assists qualified low-income applicants with reduced service connection charges.  The assistance applies for a single telephone line at the applicant's principal place of residence.  A reduction of fifty percent of all service connection charges, or $30.00, whichever is less, will be provided to qualified applicants.

2.     Eligibility Requirements
Generally an applicant qualifies for the Link Up Program if they participate in any of the programs for eligibility for the Lifeline assistance program above.

3.     Application for Assistance
An applicant shall request telephone assistance through completion of a form provided by the Telephone Company.  Download the Lifeline Assistance form: PDF version - Word version

4.     Charges and Deferred Payments
All tariffed service connection charges for installing basic residential telephone service, except security deposits, shall be reduced by 50% or $30.00, whichever is less.

Our Lifeline and Link-Up programs offer governmental assistance to low-income households.
Contact us to find out if you’re eligible.

To sign up for either of these services, qualifying customers should contact the Telephone Company’s customer service representatives at its business office.

Link Up and LifeLine Questions and Answers

1. How does a customer sign up?
2.  How does a customer participating in Link-Up or Lifeline receive the discount?
3.  How much can a qualifying customer receive from these programs?
4.  Could I become ineligible?

 

How does a customer sign up?

If you are a customer of Gunnison Telephone Company, you may qualify for these programs.  To see if you are eligible to participate in these programs, contact our business office and speak to a customer service representative.  If you are eligible, we will provide you with a Telephone Assistance Application, which you will fill out and return to our office.
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How does a customer participating in Link-Up or 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.
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How much can a qualifying customer receive from these programs?

If you meet the low-income requirements, you may participate in both the Link-Up and the Lifeline programs. The Link-Up program:  allows qualifying customers to save 50% on their installation fee or $30, whichever is less. The Lifeline program:  allows qualifying customers to save up to $13.50 per month on their local service.
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Could I become ineligible?

When you no longer participate in any of the qualifying public assistance programs, you are no longer eligible for Lifeline or Link-Up.  You are obligated by law to notify Gunnison Telephone Company and advise the company that you are no longer eligible for Lifeline and Link-Up.  If you no longer qualify for these programs you may be required to pay for the reduced rates given in error.
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