How to Apply for AT&T Lifeline Telephone Service

AT&T offers a government assistance program providing discounted basic telephone service through the Lifeline program. This program is supported by federal and state funds that are available to low-income customers in fourteen US states and territories. If you live in: Alabama, Alaska, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Oregon, Texas, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin or Puerto Rico, you may be eligible to apply. However, there are certain restrictions in some areas and this service is limited to one telephone per household.

Instructions

1. Check availability in your area. The easiest way to determine if your residence qualifies for the Lifeline program is to call an AT&T customer service representative at 1-800-377-9450 for United States customers. Hours are Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (CST). Customers in Puerto Rico should call 1-787-405-5463 Monday through Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. (CST).

2. Obtain the brochure. AT&T provides a brochure that explains how the program works, what the income guidelines are for qualification and each state's calling area. This information helps customers identify their eligibility for service and tells them what documents they may need to provide to prove their eligibility. There are two ways to get the brochures. You can request one be mailed to you when you call the customer service department. You may also download it as a pdf file from the AT&T Wireless Services website (http://www.wireless.att.com/learn/articles-resources/community-support/lifeline-link-up.jsp?locale=en_US). These brochures are also available in Spanish.

3. Fill out an application. Applications are available in the same manner as the brochures and are also available in Spanish. If you need any assistance with the application, do not hesitate to call the customer service number. You are required to mail in the application along with income certification to AT&T.

   For US residents:
   AT&T
   Lifeline - Link Up
   1215 W. Cherry St.
   Vermillion, SD 57069

   For Puerto Rico residents:
   AT&T
   Lifeline - Link Up
   P.O. Box 192830
   San Juan, PR 00919-2830

4. Notify AT&T of any eligibility changes. It is your responsibility to let AT&T know within five (5) business days if you no longer qualify for this program.

Tips & Warnings

• If you live on tribal lands, you may also be eligible for additional wireless discounts that may make your service as low as $1.00 a month.

• Double check all documents before mailing. Your application will be returned to you if it is incomplete, illegible or unsigned.

References

• AT&T Lifeline & Link Up Information Page

Resources

• FCC: Universal Service Program for Low-Income Consumers
• Low Income Program