Discount phone and broadband programs highlighted by Lifeline Awareness Week

News media contact:Matt Helms 517-284-8300

Customer Assistance: 800-292-9555

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and the Michigan Public Service Commission are joining with agencies across the country marking this week as Lifeline Awareness Week, urging eligible Michiganders to take advantage of the Lifeline telephone and broadband program.

Lifeline is a state and federal program that provides support for voice or broadband service to income-qualified veterans, seniors and other Michiganders. This year, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners designated Sept. 9-13 as Lifeline Awareness Week to bring attention to these programs. Telephone and broadband service are critical to everyday life, yet both services can be out of reach for people of limited means.

"I encourage all eligible Michiganders to apply for Lifeline so they can lower their monthly bills and access reliable high-speed internet or telephone services," Governor Whitmer said. "I was proud to issue a proclamation declaring this week Lifeline Awareness Week because it's such a critical program that helps people stay connected to family and friends, work and school, health care providers, and so much more. I'm also grateful that the Biden-Harris administration made the largest investment to build high-speed internet infrastructure in American history, which is helping us connect more people and drive down costs."

Dozens of telecommunications providers in Michigan offer Lifeline. Through Michigan Lifeline, income-eligible people under age 65 get a minimum monthly discount on their bill of $8.25. Those 65 and older receive a minimum discount of $12.35.

To qualify for the state program, a Michigan customer must have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty level or participate in one of these programs:

• Medicaid.
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
• Federal Public Housing Assistance.
• Tribal Eligibility Programs (and living on federally recognized Tribal lands).
• Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension Program.

In 2024, 311,316 Michiganders were Lifeline subscribers, according to the Universal Service Administrative Co.

For more information about Lifeline, see the MPSC's Federal Lifeline or Michigan Lifeline consumer tip sheets or contact the MPSC at 800-292-9555. To find a provider, check with the MPSC's list of participating companies to see if your local landline telephone company, wireless provider or broadband provider participates in Lifeline.

For information about the MPSC, visit www.michigan.gov/mpsc, sign up for its monthly newsletter or other listservs. Follow the MPSC on Facebook, X/Twitter or LinkedIn.

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