Telephone Service Discounts - Minnesota Public Utilities Commission - Consumer Affairs Office
The federal Lifeline and the state Telephone Assistance Program (TAP) provide a monthly discount on phone bills, including cell phones. Lifeline is a discount of approximately $9.25, which can be used for wireless phones, broadband internet, home phones, or a bundle. Some cellular companies may provide free cellular phones, and additional discounts or minutes. TAP is a discount of $7 that can only be used for home phones. Those living on federally recognized tribal lands/reservations can receive additional discounts. Customers cannot receive multiple discounts (landline and wireless, or two wireless). Only one discount per household is allowed. The discount continues for as long as the consumer remains eligible, but eligibility must be certified on an annual basis. While all local telephone companies offer TAP, not all local telephone companies are required to offer Lifeline. The following wireless companies offer the Lifeline program: - Access Wireless: (866)594-3644 - American Assistance: (877)266-7212 - Assist Wireless: (855)392-7747 - Assurance Wireless: (888)321-5880 - enTouch Wireless: (866)488-8719 - Life Wireless: (888)543-3620 - North American Local: (877)200-1367 - SafeLink Wireless: (800)723-3546 - StandUp Wireless: (800)544-4441 - Tag Mobile: (866)959-4918 - Tempo Telecom: (877)822-8501 - TerraCom Wireless: (888)716-8880 - T-Mobile Wireless: (800)937-8997 - TruConnect: (800)430-0443 The list is periodically updated; visit website for the most up to date information.
Categories
Last assured
03/13/2025
Physical Address
121 7th Place East, Saint Paul, MN 55101-2147
Hours
8 am - 4:30 pm Monday - Friday
Voice
Voice
Fax
(651)297-7073
Application process
Contact the telephone company to obtain their specific application form. Submit the completed form to the telephone company. The Public Utilities Commission can provide additional information about the program.
Required documents
The required documents are a completed and signed application, proof of address such as state ID or driver's license, and either proof of household income or proof of participation in an approved public assistance program.
Eligibility
Low income households in Minnesota (at or below 135 percent Federal Poverty Guidelines) are eligible for this program. Individuals enrolled in the following programs can also qualify by participation in: - Federal Public Housing Assistance - Medicaid/Medical Assistance - Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) - Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension benefit The following programs also qualify for persons living on a reservation: - Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance - Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservation (FDPIR) - Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families - Tribally Administered Head Start (only those meeting income qualifying standard)
Languages
Spanish
Hmong
Service area
MN
Agency info
Minnesota Public Utilities Commission - Consumer Affairs Office
Ensures individuals have safe, reliable, and affordable electric, gas, and landline telephone utility services. Conducts investigations, holds hearings, prescribes rules, and issues orders governing the conduct of regulated energy and telephone companies.