POLAR COMM OFFERS ASSISTANCE FOR TELEPHONE/INTERNET ASSISTANCE

LIFELINE

Every person in America should have access to quality, affordable telecommunications services. This principle of “Universal Service” has been the goal of the telecommunications industry for decades. In 1934, the federal government codified the goal and reaffirmed it in 1996 by establishing policies for the “preservation and advancement of Universal Service.”

To achieve the Universal Service goal, carriers have access to a fund that is generated by contributions from the telecommunications providers in the United States. Telecommunications companies draw from the fund to provide programs that support telecommunications services nationwide.

Lifeline Support Program:

Lifeline is a federal program that helps lower the monthly cost of phone or internet service. Qualifying consumers can get a monthly discount of up to $9.25 off the cost of their phone, internet, or bundled services. Consumers living on qualifying Tribal lands can get up to $34.25 per month.

One Discount Per Household

Only one discount is allowed per household. A “household” is a group of people who live together and share income and expenses.

Keep Your Company Up to Date

If you change your address, no longer qualify for Lifeline, or more than one person in your household gets Lifeline, tell your phone or internet company within 30 days.

Use It or Lose It

If you don’t pay out-of-pocket for your Lifeline service every month, you must use it at least once every 30 days to keep your service. If you don’t, you will get a 15-day notice to use it or it will be turned off.

Recertify Every Year

Each year, USAC or your state (if you live in Oregon or Texas) will check if you still qualify for the benefit. If you are asked to recertify, you must recertify within 60 days or you will lose your Lifeline benefit.

Who is Involved in the Lifeline Program?

FCC – The Federal Communications Commission establishes policies and regulations for Lifeline and provides guidance to USAC.
USAC – The Universal Service Administrative Company administers the Lifeline program and helps you apply for the program, understand eligibility requirements, and keep your benefit current through the annual recertification process.
Phone or internet company – Enrolls you in the Lifeline program, manages your service, and answers questions about your service, phone, device, or bill.
Consumers – Apply for Lifeline, sign up with a participating phone or internet company, keep their information up to date, and may have to recertify annually.

Lifeline Qualifications:

How to Qualify

You may be eligible for Lifeline based on one of the following:

You can also get Lifeline if your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program.

Program Participation

Government Assistance Programs

You can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in one of these programs:

Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Program (Section 8 Vouchers)
- Project-based Rental Assistance (PBRA)/2020/811
- Public Housing
- Affordable Housing Programs for American Indians, Alaska Natives, or Native Hawaiians
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Tribal Assistance Programs

If you live on qualifying Tribal lands, you can get Lifeline if you (or someone in your household) participate in:

Any of the government assistance programs listed above
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

You may be asked to show proof of program participation when you apply for Lifeline (like a benefit letter or official document).

Income Eligibility

You can get Lifeline if your income is at 135% or less than the 2026 Federal Poverty Guidelines. The guideline is based on your household size and state.

Household Size	48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories	Alaska	Hawaii
1 person	$21,546	$26,933	$24,786
2 people	$29,214	$36,518	$33,602
3 people	$36,882	$46,103	$42,417
4 people	$44,550	$55,688	$51,233
5 people	$52,218	$65,273	$60,048
6 people	$59,886	$74,858	$68,864
7 people	$67,554	$84,443	$77,679
8 people	$75,222	$94,028	$86,495
For each additional person, add:	$7,668	$9,585	$8,816

You may be asked to show proof of income when you apply for Lifeline (like a tax return or three months of consecutive pay stubs).

Survivor of Domestic Violence, Human Trafficking, or Related Crimes

If you are a survivor, you can participate in the Lifeline program if you provide proof of an attempted line separation request and if you are experiencing financial hardship. Survivors may qualify through existing Lifeline program requirements mentioned above or through the extended eligibility criteria:

If your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Enrollment in the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
Enrollment in the Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast program, including enrollment at a Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) school or school district
Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year

If you qualify for Lifeline, your privacy will be protected, and you can receive up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support. For more information, visit the Survivor Benefit page.

Lifeline Application: LI_Application_NVstates.pdf

Lifeline Household Worksheet: LI_Worksheet_UniversalForms-1.pdf

MINNESOTA TAP:

Minnesota’s Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) offers a monthly credit on your landline telephone service for customers in Minnesota. This program is administered and supervised by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission of the Department of Commerce.”

Minnesota Telephone & Internet Discounts: Apply For Telephone Discounts / Public Utilities Commission

NODAK MEDICAL ALERT

NoDak Medical Alert provides 24-hour access to help without having to get to a telephone. If you are on your own or care about someone who is, medical alert monitoring is the solution that provides security, peace of mind, and independence.

NoDak Medical Alert works directly with clients and their families, providing services throughout the state and beyond.

For those on a fixed income, they are also a statewide Qualified Service Provider working with social services.

Get Started With a Medical Alert System: NoDak Medical Alert

NORTH DAKOTA ASSISTIVE

ND Assistive’s Specialized Phone Program provides free devices to help North Dakotans with disabilities use the phone independently.

Explore Assistive Technology Options: North Dakota Assistive - Discover What's Possible with Assistive Technology