Lifeline 2025

Lifeline and Safe connections Information Center

Lifeline Service Program – Oklahoma (2025)

Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Oklahoma Corporation Commission have established a program to make telephone and broadband internet service more affordable for eligible customers.

Lifeline is a federal assistance program that provides discounted rates for voice or broadband internet service to qualifying low-income residential customers. Eligibility must be renewed annually.

Who Qualifies for Lifeline?

A customer is eligible for Lifeline if:

  • Their household income is at or below 135% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
  • They participate in one of the following federal assistance programs:
    • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
    • Medical Assistance (Medicaid/SoonerCare)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
    • Veterans Pension or Survivors Benefit

Tribal Program Eligibility

Residents on Tribal lands (e.g., former tribal lands in Laverne) may also qualify if they participate in any of the above programs or in:

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
  • Head Start (only if meeting income-based eligibility)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

FDPIR letters may be issued by Indian Tribal Organizations or state agencies.

Eligibility Through Dependents

You may also qualify if your child or dependent participates in any of the qualifying programs listed above.

Survivor Eligibility – Safe Connections Act (SCA)

Survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, or related crimes may qualify for up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline support if they provide:

  • Proof of a line separation request
  • Proof of financial hardship
  • And one of the following:
    • Household income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
    • Participation in:
      • WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)
      • Free/Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program (including CEP schools)
      • Current-year Federal Pell Grant recipient

Your privacy will be protected throughout this process.

One Lifeline Benefit Per Household

Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household. A household is defined as all individuals living at the same address who share income and expenses. If more than one subscriber is receiving Lifeline service at a single address, a Lifeline Household Worksheet is required.

How to Apply

To apply for Lifeline benefits in Oklahoma, applicants must use the National Verifier, the official eligibility determination system managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

Local Support

Panhandle Telephone Cooperative, Inc.
2222 NW Highway 64 – Guymon, OK
Phone: 580-338-2556 or 800-562-2556
Website: www.ptci.net

For More Information

Lifeline Service Program – Texas (2025)

PTCI® / Panhandle Telecommunication Systems, Inc.

The Federal Communications Commission and the Public Utility Commission of Texas have established a program to make phone and broadband internet services more affordable for qualifying low-income customers.

Lifeline provides a combined state and federal monthly discount of up to $12.75 on qualifying service. It does not cover features like caller ID or voicemail. Residents on Tribal lands may also qualify for installation support through the Link-Up program.

Who Qualifies for Lifeline?

You may qualify if:

  • Your household income is at or below 150% of the 2025 Federal Poverty Guidelines, or
  • You or someone in your household participates in:
    • Medicaid
    • SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
    • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
    • CHIP (Child Health Insurance Program – Chapter 62)
    • Federal Public Housing Assistance
    • TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
    • LIHEAP (Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
    • National School Lunch Program – Free Lunch
    • You reside on Tribal lands

Eligibility Through Dependents

If your child or dependent participates in a qualifying program, the household may still be eligible.

Survivor Eligibility – Safe Connections Act (SCA)

Survivors of domestic violence or human trafficking may receive up to 6 months of emergency Lifeline service if they provide proof of:

  • A line separation request
  • Financial hardship
  • One of the following:
    • Income ≤ 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
    • Enrollment in WIC
    • Current-year Pell Grant
    • Enrollment in Free/Reduced-Price School Lunch or Breakfast Program (including CEP schools)

Income and Documentation Requirements

If you qualify through income, you must provide one of the following:

  • 3 consecutive months of pay stubs from within the last year
  • Most recent signed tax return or W-2
  • Signed employer letters covering 3 months
  • Unemployment benefit records
  • Social Security income documentation

Notes:

  • Social Security counts as income
  • Medicare is not a qualifying program
  • Lone Star Card is not valid documentation

If you qualify through a program, provide:

  • An official letter or benefit card
  • Examples: Medicaid card, housing agreement, or benefit award letter

How to Apply

Apply online at: www.texaslifeline.org

Or contact the Low-Income Discount Administrator (LIDA):

  • Phone: 1-866-454-8387 (1-866-4-LITE-UP)
  • Fax: 877-215-8018
  • Mail:
    TEXAS LIFELINE
    PO Box 4060
    Killeen, TX 76540-4060

Additional Resources

Local Support

PTCI®
222 S Amherst – Perryton, TX
721 W 7th – Spearman, TX
Phone: 800-562-2556
Website: www.ptci.net

PTCI participates in the Safe Connections Act to support survivors.

What is the Safe Connections Act?

The Safe Connections Act of 2022 is a federal law designed to help survivors of domestic violence, dating violence, human trafficking, and related crimes maintain access to vital communication services. It empowers you to separate your phone line from an abuser's shared wireless plan, without penalties or fees, and keep your existing phone number.

How to Qualify and Apply

To request a line separation, you will need to provide documentation affirming your status as a survivor. This can include: A signed affidavit from a licensed medical or mental healthcare provider, social worker, victim services provider, or court employee. A copy of a police report, charging documents, protective/restraining orders, or other official records documenting the abuse. To apply for the Lifeline survivor benefit: Online: Visit LifelineSupport.org to complete the electronic application and upload required documentation. Mail: Complete a paper application (available in English and Spanish) and mail it with supporting documentation.

How can it help?

Safely separate your mobile phone line (and any dependents' lines) from a shared family plan with an abuser, even without the account holder's permission.

Keep your number

Keep your existing phone number, which is crucial for staying in touch with support networks, employment, and loved ones.

Emergency Lifeline Support

Qualify for discounted phone, internet, or bundled services through the Lifeline program for up to 6 months if you are experiencing financial hardship. This can provide up to a $9.25 per month discount.

Privacy & Safety

Wireless providers are required to protect your privacy and safety, including keeping your new contact information confidential. Wireless providers are trained to handle these sensitive situations with care and confidentiality.

Learn more today