Universal Service: Lifeline and Link-Up
- What is the Virginia Universal Service Plan?
- Jointly with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), the Virginia State Corporation Commission implemented the Virginia Universal Service Plan to assist eligible consumers
with purchasing more affordable telephone service. It has two components, known as lifeline
and link-up.
- How do I qualify for lifeline and link-up?
- If you qualify for food stamps or Medicaid, you are eligible to participate. Check with your
local telephone company for more details.
- What charges are reduced with lifeline?
- You will save a minimum of $7.75 per month on your local service. You may choose to have
your long distance service blocked at no charge. A deposit may also be waived if you agree
to a long distance block.
- What charge is reduced with link-up?
- You can receive a discount of 50% on your installation charges, with a
maximum reduction of $30.
- Do all companies provide lifeline and link-up support?
- Most telephone companies provide this assistance. If you have more than one local telephone
provider in your area, you should contact each company to verify which ones offer lifeline
and link-up support, as all companies are not required to offer these programs.
- How do I enroll?
- Call your local telephone company for enrollment details.