Digital TV Transition Notice

After February 17, 2009, a television receiver with only an analog broadcast tuner will require a converter box to receive full power over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna because of the Nation's transition to digital broadcasting.   Analog-only TVs should continue to work to receive low power, Class A or translator television stations and with cable and satellite TV services, gaming consoles, VCRs, DVD players and similar products. 

 Information about the DTV transition is available from www.DTV.gov or South Slope Cooperative Telephone Company at (319 626-2211 or www.southslope.com, and from www.dtv2009.gov or 1-888-DTV-2009 for information about subsidiz ed coupons for digital-to-analog converter boxes.

Low-Income Telephone Assistance Programs

Link-Up  

Link-Up is a plan that assists qualified low-income Iowans in obtaining basic telephone service by providing:

·         Reduced connection charges for basic phone service by 50 percent or $30, whichever is less.

·         Deferred payment of connection charges, without interest.  

Lifeline  

Lifeline is a plan that assists qualified low-income Iowans by providing a monthly reduction on their telephone bill.  This reduction varies by service provider and can range up to $10. Please contact your local telephone provider for details.  

Questions?  

Call your local telephone provider.  

NOTE:

Low-income telephone assistance does not cover the cost of a telephone or the cost of wiring inside your home.  

Eligibility Requirements  

To be eligible for assistance in either, or both of the programs, you must meet income-based criterion currently defined as at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR participate in at least one of the following:  

·        Medicaid

·        Food Stamps

·        Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

·        Federal Public Housing Assistance

·        Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

·        Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF)

·        National School Lunch Program (NSL)  

To receive either or both of the Low-Income Telephone Assistance Programs:  

1.   Complete the certification form on the other side of this brochure and return it to your local telephone company’s business office.  This address can be found in your local telephone directory.  

2. If you receive an eligibility verification form, complete and return it to your local telephone company within 30 days.  Verification forms are mailed to randomly selected subscribers every year.  Your telephone company may suspend your eligibility for low-income assistance if you do not return the form.   

Low-Income Telephone

Assistance Programs  

Revised: April 2007

Click here to print brochure and application form.

Low-Income Telephone Assistance Programs  

Sponsored by:  

Iowa Telecommunications Association

Iowa Utilities Board

Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Assoc.

Your Local Telephone Company