Residents may be eligible for telephone service payment help

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Residents in Clarendon, Williamsburg, Lee, Sumter and Florence counties who need help paying for their telephone service could be eligible for relief through a federal program called Lifeline.

Lifeline reduces residential landline telephone service by $12.75 per month or wireless service by $9.25 per month.

The Federal Communications Commission and the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates are designating Sept. 8 to Sept. 14 as "National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week."

FTC customers could qualify for Lifeline if their household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level or if they receive any of the following benefits:

  •  Family Independence (TANF);

  •  Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8;

  •  Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program;

  •  Medicaid (Healthy Connections);

  •  National School Lunch free lunch program;

  •  Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as food stamps; and

  •  Supplemental Security Income.

Lifeline assistance is limited to one per household and available on one service only per household, whether landline telephone or wireless. For program enrollment, FTC customers may visit any FTC business office and present a photo ID and proof of eligibility.