This is a full transcript of the video linked at the bottom of the page. Video is in English with English captions.

What is the TED Program? 

The Telephone Equipment Distribution, or TED, Program provides assistive phone devices for free to Minnesotans who qualify. These phone devices make it easier to use the phone for people who are deaf, hard of hearing or have a physical or speech disability. The TED Program is administered through the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services Division, or DHHSD. 

Step 1: Get an application

There are three ways to get an application: 

1. Call 800-657-3663 and ask for an application to be emailed or mailed to you. 
2. Email DHHSD at dhhsd@state.mn.us and ask for a TED application to be mailed or emailed to you. 
3. Go to DHHSD’s website, mn.gov/deaf-hard-of-hearing, and download the TED application. 

The TED application is available in English, large print English, Hmong, Russian, Spanish, Somali and Vietnamese. 

Step 2: Fill out the application 

1. Complete the Telephone Equipment Distribution Program Application. 
2. Read the Loan Contract. 
3. Sign the application. 

If you are completing your application using a computer or tablet, you may sign the application electronically. If you are completing a paper application, you may sign on paper. If you have questions about who should sign the application, please contact us. 

Step 3: Complete the Consent to Release Information form

If your phone breaks, you might not be able to call us. TED staff can't discuss your services with anyone else without your permission. This is why we need the Consent to Release Information form. List friends, family or service providers that we can talk to about your services. The form needs to be signed by you or your power of attorney. 

Step 4: Gather the required documents 

Four documents need to be included with the application. 

1. Certification of Disability form. This form must be completed by a professional. The professional may be an audiologist, hearing instrument specialist, doctor, nurse, social worker, physical therapist or speech pathologist, depending on who you work with. If you have questions about this form, please contact us. 
2. Proof you live in Minnesota. If your name and current address are not on your phone bill or income document, include a copy of your Minnesota driver's license or identification card. If your name and phone number are on your phone bill or income document, you have this covered! 
3. Proof of phone service. This should be a copy of your landline or mobile phone bill that shows your phone number. If you don’t have a phone yet, contact us. 
4. Proof of income. The TED Program looks at your annual gross income, not adjusted gross. Examples of documents we accept: your most recent 1040 tax form, social security letter and/or bank statement. 

Remember, your application and everything you submit is confidential. We do not share this information with anyone. 

Step 5. Send your completed application and required documents to DHHSD 

The fastest way to send your completed application and required documents is to email it to dhs.dhhsd@state.mn.us. If you are emailing the application, you might wonder how to provide the required documents. We can accept pictures of the documents. Sending the required documents with the application will speed up the process. You can also fax your application and required documents to 651-431-7587. Or mail your application and required documents to MN TED Program at 444 Lafayette Road North, St. Paul, Minnesota, 55155-0969. 

What happens after you send your application? 

The application is processed and assigned to the TED Specialist serving your county. The TED Specialist will contact you to assess what devices you need. The TED Specialist will send devices directly to you. If you submit all the required documents with your application, the whole process takes around 1-3 weeks. 

The TED Program is happy to answer questions

Please contact the TED Program with any questions you have about the application process or equipment. 

Thank you for your interest in applying for equipment from the TED Program.