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    Phone Discounts

    Questions?

    If you have questions about these discount programs or the application process, contact your local telephone company.

    Complaints

    Department of Commerce
    Phone: 651-539-1876
    E-mail: telecom.commerce@state.mn.us

    Assistive Telecommunications Equipment

    The Telephone Equipment Distribution (TED) Program provides free equipment to eligible Minnesotans have difficulties using the telephone due to a hearing, speech, or physical disability.

    800-657-3663
    866-635-0082 (VP)
    888-206-6555 TTY

    E-mail: ted.program@state.mn.us

    The federal Lifeline and state Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) programs provide monthly telephone service discounts on one landline or wireless telephone per household.

    Qualifying households located on Tribal lands may receive an additional discount on activation charges through the Link-up program.

    Program Offerings

    Landline providers offer discounts from both the federal Lifeline and Minnesota's Telephone Assistance Program. The combined credit applies to one main home telephone number listed in the applicant's name. 

    • Lifeline
      • Lifeline provides qualified users a discount of $9.25 on monthly charges for the primary home phone line Many cell phone providers offering Lifeline have a set amount of minutes and a mobile handset at no charge.  Lifeline subscribers also may receive free long distance blocking on their landline telephone.
    • Telephone Assistance Program (TAP)
      • TAP provides a monthly discount of $3.50 on home phone service (excluding cell phones). 
    • Link-Up
      • Link-Up offers a 100 percent reduction, up to $100, off installation charges to qualifying residents of Tribal lands. Link-Up will NOT cover the cost of a phone or wiring your home.

    Am I eligible?

    Telephone service must be in your name and you must show proof you participate in one or more of the qualifying programs or you meet the qualifying income guidelines. If you choose to qualify based on your income, you must attach one of the income qualifying documents to your application.

    When you no longer participate in any of the qualifying public assistance programs or you no longer meet the income guidelines, you must notify the telephone company that you are no longer eligible for Lifeline or TAP.

    Annual Recertification

    Lifeline customers must re-certify their Lifeline eligibility each year. When you receive a request from your Lifeline provider to re-certify your continued eligibility, you must reply within 60 days of the date of the notice. If you do not return your completed recertification form within the 60 days, you will be removed from the Lifeline program. You will need to submit a new application to your Lifeline provider to begin receiving the discount again.

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