Keeping SC Residents Connected

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO) – A state agency is looking to keep South Carolinians connected. The Lifeline Assistance program offers discounts to help residents have access to telephone service. More than 200,000 households participate, and a new change in recent months also adds wireless phones to to program. As of June 1, 2012, any household with a member on Medicaid, SNAP, TANF, Section 8, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), school free lunch, or the Low Income Heating Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can qualify for assistance. In addition, if the household income falls below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level, then a telephone customer may qualify for Lifeline benefits, even if he or she does not participate in any of these assistance programs.