There are two telephone assistance plans that are available for qualifying low-income North Carolinians as part of the Federal Lifeline Subsidy Program. 

Link-up Assistance Plan helps low-income applicants pay for the installation of new telephone service with a reduction of 50% of all connection charges or $30, whichever is less. 

Lifeline Assistance Plan provides an $8.25 credit on the monthly telephone bill for basic telephone service.

To be eligible for telephone assistance, an individual must participate in one of the following:

·        Medicaid
·        Food Stamps
·        Supplemental Security Income
·        Federal Public Housing Assistance Program
·        Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
·        Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
·        National School Lunch  The Federal Communications Commission requires proof of eligibility for all Federal Lifeline Subsidy Program applicants.  For more information or questions regarding the Federal Lifeline Subsidy Program we invite you to contact our Star Telephone Membership Corporation at 1-800-706-6538.