Minnesota Public Utilities Commission
Telephone Discount Programs
121 7th Pl E, Ste 350, St. Paul, MN, 55101
(651) 296-0406
consumer.puc@state.mn.us
https://mn.gov/puc/consumers/telephone
Service Details
Description
The state Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) and Federal Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program programs offer monthly discounts on landline telephone, cell phone, or broadband internet service.
TAP provides a $10 monthly bill credit for landline home telephones.
The Lifeline bill credit is up to $9.25 monthly for landline telephone service, cell phone service, or broadband internet service. There is an additional $25 Lifeline credit offered to a person living on Tribal lands or reservations.
Features
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Specialization
- People with low income
Eligibility
Telephone service must be in your name. If you participate in one of the following programs, you are eligible:
* Federal Public Housing Assistance
* Medicaid/Medical Assistance
* Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps
* Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
* Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefit
Additional qualifying programs for persons living on a reservation:
* Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
* Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation
* Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
* Tribally Administered Head Start (only those meeting income-qualifying standards)
Application Instructions
Minnesota Telephone Assistance Plan (TAP) program application
* Phone companies available in your area here
For both programs you must provide proof of participation in one of the eligible programs or show household income is at or below 135% of federal poverty guidelines.
Area Served
Statewide
Websites
Phone Numbers
| Type | Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Main | (651) 296-0406 | |
| Toll Free | (800) 657-3782 |
Last Update
8/2/2023
Other Locations
This provider does not offer this service at other locations.
Other Services or resources
Taxonomy Terms Used: Clicking a taxonomy term from the list below launches a new search.
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BV-8900.1700-330Discounted Internet Service Definition
Internet service providers that offer their services at below normal rates for people who meet age, disability, income, need or other requirements.
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BV-8900.1700-850Discounted Telephone Service Definition
Telephone companies and wireless service providers that offer their services at below normal rates for people who meet age, disability, income, need or other requirements. Telephone equipment and/or cell phones may also be provided.
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BV-8900.9300-850Telephone Service Payment Assistance Definition
Programs that pay all or a portion of the telephone expenses of people whose telephone service has been or is at risk of being disconnected including any reconnection fees that may apply. Also included are programs that help qualified low-income consumers connect or hook up to the telephone network by paying a portion of the hook-up fee or encourage telephone companies to offer a deferred payment schedule for hook-up charges. Telephone service payment assistance programs may have age, income, disability, need or other eligibility requirements.
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YB-9000Young Adults Definition
Individuals who are generally between the ages of 18 and 25 depending on the ages that specific programs use for qualification.
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YL-3300.4500Low Income Definition
Individuals or families whose annual income is between 150 and 200% of poverty level for their family size.