Resource Binder
Community Action Coalition Telecommunications Assistance Program
Phone: 608-246-4730 Ext. 230 (Kasey)
About this resource: This program can provide $200 in financial assistance per year toward landline, cellular (with contract) and/or internet services. Individual must complete an application and attend a budgeting counseling session.
Who can use this resource? Assistance depends on household income, status of current telephone/internet services and recommendation from the budgeting counseling session
Next Steps:
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Applications must be filled out in person (appointment only). Contact Kasey directly to schedule an appointment (608-246-4730 ext. 230). She is only available on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays.
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Once appointment has been scheduled, applicants will need to bring household income information for the last 30 days, identification, the most recent copy of the bill that they are requesting assistance with. (Make sure to double check with Kasey to make sure you bring everything you need to the appointment.)
Click HERE for 2019 flier
LifeLine
Phone: Recommended to call specific Lifeline provider first
800-234-9473 (Lifeline Support Center) Monday-Sunday 9:00 AM- 9:00 PM
About this resource: Lifeline provides financial assistance for phone services, internet services, bundled phone and internet services OR offers a free cell phone with prepaid monthly minutes.
Who can use this resource? Income less that 135% the federal poverty level (Anyone that qualifies for Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and FoodShare, also qualifies for Lifeline. Some tribal programs may also be eligible.)
Next Steps:
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Make sure you qualify for Lifeline.
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Pick a provider from the Dane County list
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Call the company and say you would like to apply to Lifeline.
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Try Access Wireless, Safelink Wireless, or Assurance Wireless (You can find their number on the list.)
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Bring required documents for eligibility (Medicaid, SNAP, or other programs) and to fill out the application (Legal name, date of birth, last 4 digits of social security number, address)
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Bring one of the following:
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Unexpired ID (such as driver’s license)
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Social Security card
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Medicaid card
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Prior year’s tax return
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Other (see website above)
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**There are MANY different Lifeline programs to choose from. It is easier to start here! May need to call the provider with the patient and get more information moving forward.
Access from AT&T
Phone: 855-220-5211 (AT&T representative)
About this resource: AT&T is offering low-cost wire-line home Internet service to qualifying households.
Who can use this resource? You can use this resource if at least one resident in your household participates in the U.S. Supplemental Assistance Program (SNAP). You also cannot have any outstanding debt for AT&T fixed Internet service within the last 6 months or outstanding debt incurred under this program.
Next Steps:
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Check availability for your address. Go to website and enter address (Navigators can help).
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If you do have availability, apply for access online OR print the application and mail it in (If you would like to mail it in, you need to call 855-220-5211 first).
Mail to:
Access from AT&T
PO Box 5030
Charleston, IL 61920-5030
**It is easier to complete this application online**
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Make sure to include required documentation.
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Once you are notified that your application has been approved, call 855-220-5211 (English) or 855-220-5225 (Spanish) Monday-Friday 8:00 AM- 10:00 PM and Saturday 8:00 AM- 5:00 PM.
**If you have any questions about this program, the website has a lot of common questions with answers. Check it out: (https://www.att.com/shop/internet/access/#!/tab1#accordion)!
Page Plus Cellular
Phone: (800) 550- 2436
About this resource: Page Plus Cellular provides discounted pre-paid, no contract wireless cell phone plans as well as discounted cell phones for purchase. This is a good option for someone looking for a lower-cost cellular plan.
Who can use this resource? Anyone!
Next Steps:
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If you already have a cell phone, call 800-550-2436 and see if the cell phone is compatible with Page Plus Cellular!
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The customer service representative will inform you what you need to do next- You will need to purchase a SIM card (only $0.99 from Page Plus if your phone is compatible) and pick your minute plan. Visit the website to learn more!
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If you need a cell phone, visit the website to see the prices of phones available for purchase.
HomeNet
Phone: (608) 291-2608
About this resource: HomeNet provides home internet access for qualifying students.
Who can use this resource? Must have at least 1 child in middle school or high school and be under the 80% county median income. You also must have access to a device that is internet accessible.
Next Steps:
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Fill out a HomeNet application.
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Contact Emily at (608) 291-2608 with questions or call Wisconsin Rural Housing at (608) 238-3448.
Telecommunications Equipment Purchase Plan (TEPP) & Telecommunications Assistance Program (TAP)
Phone: TEPP: 844-411-3862
TAP: 608-266-2536
About this resource: TEPP is a resource that helps people with disabilities buy phone equipment to make communicating easier. TAP will help pay the first $100 toward the new equipment if the person has a qualifying disability or is considered low income.
Who can use this resource? Any WI resident with deafness, hearing impairment, speech impairment, mobility, and motion impairment. TEPP is available to anyone regardless of age or income.
Next steps:
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Determine whether a patient meets eligibility requirements for TAP.
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If they do qualify for TAP, submit a completed TAP application and a completed Hearing Loss Certification, which must be signed by a licensed physician, certified audiologist, or hearing instrument specialist.
Mail application and Hearing Loss Certification to:
Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Attn: Telecommunication Assistance Program
P.O Box 2659
OR
Fax to:
608-267-3203
Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Attn: Telecommunication Assistance Program
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Once approved for TAP, look over the list of telecommunications equipment that they could purchase with TAP voucher.
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If not eligible for TAP voucher, you can still apply to TEPP- follow instructions below.
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Apply for a TEPP voucher. You can apply online (https://psc.wi.gov/Pages/Programs/TEPP.aspx) OR you may print and mail in the application. There is also a Spanish application available.
Mail to:
WI USF Administrator, c/o Solix, Inc.
30 Lanidex Plaza West
Parsippany, NJ 07054
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It takes 3-4 weeks to receive your voucher and longer if you apply for TAP.
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Once you receive TEPP voucher, check out the devices that fall under the category you applied for and take it to one of the TEPP Vendors to get your equipment!
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All customers must pay a $100 copay- Unless you qualified for TAP!
Click HERE for TEPP program brochure