The state is trying to drum up interest in discounted phone service for the commonwealth’s neediest people.
More than 900,000 Pennsylvania residents signed up last year for the federal program known as Lifeline. Based on statewide poverty statistics, state officials believe many more people are eligible.
“We want to make sure that everyone is signed up,” said Gladys Brown, chairwoman of the state’s Public Utility Commission, who addressed reporters at a Harrisburg fire station on Tuesday. “We’re getting $71 million in Pennsylvania for the Lifeline program. That’s a lot of money, so we want to make sure people have access to those services.
Families and individuals qualify if their income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level – for a family of four, a gross income of $32,737. Residents could also qualify based on their enrollment in other state and federal programs, such as Medicaid, food stamps, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and public housing assistance.
Lifeline provides an average monthly savings of $9.25, which can be applied to one landline or wireless phone per household.
Harrisburg Mayor Eric Papenfuse joined the commission to promote Lifeline. He said the awareness campaign comes at a time when his own city’s residents are concerned about other rising utility costs.
“Almost half the populace lives at or below the poverty line,” Papenfuse said. “So here’s an example of an actual savings which individuals and families can achieve right now on their bills.”
