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    Telephone Discounts

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

    Several landline (or home phone) providers and wireless (or cellphone) providers offer telephone service discounts to income qualifying households.

    How much is the discount?

    Landline providers offer a $3.50 discount for the Minnesota's Telephone Assistance Program (TAP). Landline, wireless, and broadband providers may receive a $9.25 discount for the federal Lifeline program. The Lifeline credit applies to one telephone number listed in the applicant's name.  Additional benefits are available to person living on Tribal lands or reservations.

    Am I eligible?

    Telephone service must be in your name. You must show proof that you, or a member of your household, meet the income guidelines or participate in one or more of the qualifying programs. To qualify based on your household income, you must attach one of the income-qualifying documents to your application. To qualify based on one of the programs, you must attach copies of proof of program participation.

    Wireless Providers

    Wireless providers offer special Lifeline discount plans to qualifying customers. Some plan options offer free phones. Not all wireless companies offer Lifeline discount benefits. The approved companies and their contact information are listed below.

    Customer Service

    1-877-266-7212

    1-855-392-7747

    1-888-898-4888

    1-866-488-8719

    1-888-550-4497

    1-888-543-3620

    1-877-200-1367

    1-855-754-6543

    1-800-723-3546

    1-800-544-4441

    1-866-959-4918

    1-877-822-8501

    1-888-716-8880

    1-800-937-8997

    1-800-430-0443

    When I become ineligible?

    You must notify the telephone company that you no longer participate in any of the qualifying public assistance programs or no longer meet the income guidelines.

    Questions?

    If you have questions about telephone discount programs or the application process, contact your local telephone company or the Commission's Consumer Affairs Office. The Consumer Affairs Office can be reached in the Metropolitan area at 651-296-0406, toll free at 1-800-657-3782, or by email at consumer.puc@state.mn.us.

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