Low-income Iowans may qualify for telephone assistance:

Applications available through Montezuma Telephone and Cable

NEWTON, IA — Telephone assistance is available to qualifying low-income Iowans as part of two federal support programs: Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up.

Lifeline assists qualified low income Iowans by providing a monthly credit on their telephone bill. Link-Up helps qualified low income Iowans pay for the installation of basic telephone service by reducing connection charges by 50 percent, or $30, whichever is less.

Another feature of the Lifeline program enables qualified applicants to avoid paying a deposit if they voluntarily agree to have long distance calls blocked from their telephone.

Iowans whose income is at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines are eligible for telephone assistance. Additionally, Iowans who participate in one or more of the following programs are eligible for telephone assistance:

  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families Program (TANF)
  • The National School Lunch Program (NSL)

These two-low-income telephone assistance plans are important for Iowans and benefit the public by ensuring affordable access to telephone service for everyone. Eligible area residents are encouraged to submit their applications and direct their questions to Montezuma Telephone. An additional credit may be available for individuals living on federally-recognized tribal lands.

To apply for either or both of these low-income telephone assistance plans, submit an application to Montezuma Telephone. The proper forms can be obtained from Montezuma Telephone by calling 623-5654.

Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. (d/b/a Iowa Telecom) is a telecommunications service provider that offers local telephone, long distance, Internet, broadband and network access services to business and residential customers. Today, the Company and its subsidiaries serve over 450 Iowa communities, 6 Minnesota communities and employ nearly 800 people. The Company's headquarters are in Newton, Iowa. The Company trades on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol IWA. For further information regarding Iowa Telecom, please go to www.iowatelecom.com and select "Investor Relations." The Iowa Telecom logo is a registered trademark of Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. in the United States.

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