LOW-INCOME IOWANS MAY QUALIFY FOR TELEPHONE OR BROADBAND INTERNET ASSISTANCE
Low-income telephone or broadband internet assistance is available to qualifying low-income Iowans as part of a federal support program. These programs are available through Kalona Cooperative Technology Company, Farmtel Communications, and Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association.
Lifeline is a plan that assists qualified low-income Iowans by providing a monthly reduction of up to $9.25 on their local telephone and internet bill, $6.50 for local telephone only.
The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps ensure that households can afford the broadband they need for work, school, healthcare and more. The benefit provides a discount of up to $30 per month toward internet service for eligible households,
“These assistance plans are available to all qualified Iowans,” said KCTC General Manager Casey Peck. “We want to let area customers know about these programs, and encourage those eligible customers to apply.”
Iowans whose income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible for telephone assistance. Those at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may apply for the ACP assistance. Additionally, Iowans who participate in one or more of the following programs may be eligible for assistance:
•Medicaid
•Program (SNAP)
•Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
•Federal Public Housing Assistance
•Veterans Pension or Survivor Benefit Program
To apply for this low-income assistance plan, applicants should submit an application to KCTC, Farmtel, or Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association. Application forms can be obtained from the KCTC office at 510 B Ave, Kalona IA or online at https://kctc.net/low-income, https://farmtelcommunications.com ,in the Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association office at 305 8th Avenue, Wellman IA or online at http://www.wellmantelephone.com/phone/lifeline/ This application is also available on the Iowa Utilities Board website at https://iub.iowa.gov/lifeline. ACP applications can be found at: https://www.fcc.gov/acp
The Iowa Utilities Board points out that this low-income assistance plan is important for Iowans and benefits the public by ensuring affordable access to telephone and internet service for everyone. Eligible Iowans are encouraged to submit their application and direct questions to their local telephone company.
Published in The News, Thursday, August 3, 2023 L-77
