Lifeline Assistance
What is the "Lifeline Assistance Program" and who does it benefit?
GTA's Lifeline Assistance Program is the Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund and is designed to benefit residential subscribers who are receiving assistance through one or more of the following programs:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch (NSL) FREE Program
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Total household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines(FPG)
Universal Service Fund - Low Income Program
The three components of the Low Income Programs are:
- Lifeline - Reduces monthly charges for basic telephone service.
- Link Up - Reduces installation cost of initiating new telephone service.
- Toll Limitation Service - Provides toll blocking at no cost.
Lifeline Monthly Rates
Monthly Flat Rate for Basic Service:
- Single Line $14.00
- Service Line Charge $ 6.50
- E911 Surcharge $ 1.00
- Total $21.50
- Lifeline Discount ($14.50)
- Monthly Charge Basic Service w/Lifeline $7.00
Monthly rates shown above do not include any optional services such as but not limited to: Non Published directory listing, Standard and Premium Calling Features.
Link Up
Discount of 50% off the Primary Service Order Charge is $17.50. This discounted rate applies to the initiating of new telephone service or transferring of an existing telephone service. Link up does not cover the cost of wiring inside a home.
Toll Limitation Service
Toll Limitation Service (TLS) support allow subscribers to choose toll blocking service at no cost. The security deposit is waived if a subscriber voluntarily elects toll blocking. A security deposit of $7.00 for Lifeline subscribers is required if subscriber does not elect toll blocking.
Eligibility Requirements for Residential Subscribers
In order to meet and qualify for these rates, you must obtain a 'Certification of Eligibility' from the Department of Public Health & Social Services (DPH&SS), or the Guam Housing and Urban Renewal Authority (GHURA).
In addition, the residential subscriber receiving the assistance must be the named participant of the qualifying program. One discount is allowed per household and is applicable to the participant's primary residence.
Lifeline is not applicable to multiple line discount plans and the Unlimited One Plan.
Eligibility Requirements for Organizations
Health Care Providers: Public or non-profit health care providers seeking discounts should contact the Rural Health Care Corporation.
Schools and Libraries
Elementary or secondary schools, as defined by Elementary & Secondary Education Act of 1965, and public libraries, as defined by the Library Services and Technology Act of 1996, may apply for discounts by contacting the Schools and Libraries Corporation (SLC). Colleges & Universities are excluded.
Inside wire Maintenance
It's never too late to sign up to protect the telephone wiring that keeps your household in touch with the world. GTA's Inside Wiring Maintenance Plan includes the wiring from your protector block outside your home up to the first inside jack. Enjoy the peace of mind that any problems with your inside wire will be repaired expeditiously by trained professionals. For a nominal monthly charge, service protection can be yours.
Maintenance Plans Per Month / Per Line
- Residential $1.75
- Business $3.00
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is GTA's Telephone Assistance Program?
- MPULSE's Wireless Assistance Program is the Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund and is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income customers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates. The Low Income Program consists of Lifeline and Link Up.
- What is Lifeline? Link Up? Toll Limitation Service?
- Lifeline support reduces eligible subscriber's monthly charges for basic wireless service. Link Up support reduces the cost of activating new wireless service.
- How much can I save on my phone bill?
- You can save up to $12 on your basic monthly bill based on GTA's lowest postpaid cellular plan.
- How do I know if I'm eligible?
- You're eligible for Lifeline and Link Up if you participate in any of the following programs:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch (NSL) FREE Program
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Total household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines(FPG)
- How do I apply?
- If you already have wireless service with MPULSE Wireless, complete an Assistance Certification Form and attach a copy of your Certification of Eligibility for the program in which you are enrolled. An Eligibility Form may be obtained by contacting the qualifying agency.
- Are there any restrictions?
- Lifeline will only cover one wireless phone or the main telephone line in your household. You are only eligible for ONE of these services. The name on your wireless or telephone bill must match the name of the participant who is eligible in the program. You must not be a dependent under 60 on anyone else's tax return. Long distance, roaming, data, and texting are not permitted on a wireless phone under the Lifeline program.
- How do I continue to receive Lifeline benefits?
- Eligibility is reviewed periodically and it is your responsibility to update MPULSE with your eligibility. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet eligibility requirements or your certification is not current.
- Is a Security Deposit required?
- A security deposit of $50.00 is required.
- Do I still have to pay for taxes and surcharges?
- No, the LNP, 911, FUSC and GRT are not applicable to Lifeline service.
- Where can I find more information about "Lifeline Assistance Program"?
- You can visit the following website for more information: www.universalservice.org.
