LIFELINE PROGRAM
Save on eligible internet or phone service with a federal monthly benefit.
Lifeline is a federal government assistance program that helps make phone and internet service more affordable for eligible low-income households. Qualified customers may receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25 on eligible internet or phone service.
Lifeline is non-transferable, only eligible consumers may enroll, and only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Check your eligibility and apply online through the National Verifier.
Questions? Contact MCG at 641-676-1000 or email mcginfo@mahaska.org.
WHAT IS LIFELINE?
Lifeline is a federal program that provides a monthly benefit on eligible home internet service or phone service. The Lifeline benefit can help lower the cost of a monthly internet or phone bill for households that qualify.
Only one Lifeline benefit is available per household, not per person. A “household” is any individual or group of individuals living together at the same address as one economic unit. An economic unit includes adults who contribute to and share in the income and expenses of the household.
Not sure if your household qualifies?
You may qualify based on income or participation in certain federal assistance programs.
DO I QUALIFY?
You may qualify for Lifeline in one of two ways:
Based on Household Income
You may qualify if your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The income guideline is based on your household size and state.
When you apply, you may be asked to provide proof of income, such as a tax return, benefit statement, or official documents showing income for three consecutive months.
2. Based on Participation in a Federal Assistance Program
You may also qualify if you or someone in your household participates in one of these federal assistance programs:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP or Food Stamps
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income, also known as SSI
Federal Public Housing Assistance, also known as FPHA, or Section 8
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
You may be asked to provide proof of participation, such as a benefit letter or official program document.
HOW TO APPLY FOR LIFELINE
To apply for the Lifeline program, visit the National Verifier:
https://www.lifelinesupport.org
Once you receive confirmation that you are approved, please contact MCG with your approval details so we can apply the discount to your account.
Step 1: Check Your Eligibility Online
Start by visiting the National Verifier through Lifeline Support.
Step 2: Complete Your Application
You may apply online through Lifeline Support. You may need to provide documentation to confirm your eligibility, identity, or address.
Step 3: Select Mahaska Communication Group (MCG)
After you are approved, choose Mahaska Communication Group, aka MCG, as your participating internet or phone provider, where available.
Step 4: Contact MCG to Apply the Benefit
Once you receive confirmation that you are eligible for Lifeline, contact MCG so the discount can be applied to your eligible service.
Contact MCG:
Phone: 641-676-1000
Email: mcginfo@mahaska.org
Important: Lifeline discounts cannot be applied to past bills.
LIFELINE PROGRAM RULES
Prove Your Eligibility
Lifeline is only available to subscribers who can prove eligibility. When applying, customers must show proof of participation in a qualifying program or proof of household income.
Recertify Every Year
Lifeline customers must recertify eligibility each year if required. If USAC cannot confirm continued eligibility, the customer may receive a notice and must complete recertification by the deadline provided or risk losing the Lifeline benefit.
Keep MCG Updated
Customers must notify MCG if they move, no longer qualify for Lifeline, or if more than one person in the household receives a Lifeline benefit.
One Benefit Per Household
Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. A household is a group of people who live together at the same address and share income and expenses.
If another person at your address already receives Lifeline, you may need to complete a household worksheet to determine whether there is more than one household at the same address.
Be Honest on All Applications and Forms
It is against the law to provide false information on Lifeline applications, forms, or questionnaires.
NEED HELP UNDERSTANDING THE RULES?
MCG can help you understand how to apply your approved Lifeline benefit to eligible service.
IMPORTANT LIFELINE DISCLOSURES
Please review these important Lifeline program details before applying:
Lifeline is a federal government assistance program.
Lifeline is non-transferable.
Only eligible consumers may enroll.
Only one Lifeline benefit is allowed per household.
Lifeline benefits cannot be applied to past bills.
Being a Lifeline customer does not prevent service disconnection if the customer fails to pay the bill.
Standard MCG service terms, conditions, and applicable fees still apply.
Customers must notify MCG of changes that may affect Lifeline eligibility.
LIFELINE SERVICE DETAILS
Lifeline discounts may be applied to eligible MCG internet or phone service, depending on the customer’s selected service and qualification status.
Internet Service
Eligible customers may apply the Lifeline discount to qualifying broadband internet service. Standard service terms, conditions, and applicable fees apply.
Voice Service
Eligible customers may apply the Lifeline discount to qualifying voice service where available. Voice service terms, minutes, toll calling charges, long-distance charges, and other applicable fees may vary by plan.
For full telephone service terms and rate information, please review MCG’s telephone tariff or contact MCG customer support.
ADDITIONAL LIFELINE RESOURCES
For complete program details, eligibility requirements, acceptable documentation, and application support, visit:
Ready to see if you qualify?
Checking eligibility is the first step. Apply online through the National Verifier and then contact MCG once you receive approval.