In conjunction with a national initiative to promote Lifeline telephone discount program awareness, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) joined United Way of Capital Region Program Partner, YWCA, other state agencies and industry representatives to help residents “stay connected” at an event at the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg held on September 14.

“Mindful of the new rules, we want to make sure that the people who truly need this service are getting the service,” said PUC Commissioner Pamela Witmer. “Our goal is to connect as many people as possible. During 2011 there were 347,452 Pennsylvanians using the Lifeline programs. We hope that by raising awareness of Lifeline, we can ensure that more consumers can call their friends, their families, and life-saving services. In today’s highly interconnected world, no one should be left out.”

Recently, the FCC updated its rules governing program eligibility and non-duplication of support to improve program efficiency and ensure those that need support can receive it. Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household.

During the event, the Commission debuted a public service announcement it created to educate Pennsylvanians about the Lifeline discount program.

The state’s Office of Consumer Advocate, Verizon and the YWCA of Greater Harrisburg joined the PUC at the event to promote the Lifeline and Link-Up Assistance Programs, which offer discounts to help residents gain access to basic local telephone service.

“The Lifeline program provides discounts that can amount to nearly $100 per year or more for basic telephone service to consumers with limited incomes across Pennsylvania,” said Barrett Sheridan, the state’s Assistant Consumer Advocate. “Many Pennsylvania households qualify for Lifeline discounted phone service but are not receiving it. Other households with Lifeline service may need help in understanding how to keep the Lifeline service for which they are eligible. Through these Lifeline Awareness events, I hope that many more Pennsylvania consumers will learn about, and benefit from, this valuable program.”

Mary Segrave-Primus, a senior Government Relations consultant with Verizon said, “Verizon is committed to offering Lifeline, which provides our eligible, low-income Pennsylvania customers a monthly discount to help them afford their basic local telephone service. Through the efforts of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission during Lifeline Awareness Week, more low-income residents will hear about this worthwhile program.”

"We take a lot of things for granted. If you've ever tried to have a day without your phone, you realize how much we rely on this basic tool. It's difficult to imagine what you would do in an emergency if you didn't have your phone to call for help. This program provides a vital lifeline to the most vulnerable families," added Tina Nixon, C.E.O. for YWCA of Greater Harrisburg.

The Lifeline 135 program is available for customers of all qualified telephone service providers. Under the program, customers who participate in certain public assistance programs, or who have income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines (currently $31,118 for a family of four) can receive a discount on their monthly local phone service for one telephone line. The discounts are paid out of the federal Universal Service Fund, which is subsidized by contributions from all telephone customers.

In an effort to increase awareness about the program, the PUC developed an informational brochure, “Follow the PATH to PA Telephone Help” to provide information about Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income consumers. Copies of the brochure can be obtained by calling the PUC at 1-800-692-7380 or on the PUC website. Consumers also are encouraged to reach out to their local telephone company to see if they qualify for Lifeline and other available programs for limited-income telephone customers.