The Georgia Public Commission (PSC) announced the kickoff of Lifeline Link-Up Awareness Week during a news conference on Thursday, September 9, 2010, 10:00 a.m. at the H.J.C. Bowden Senior Multipurpose Facility. Lifeline provides up to a $13.50 discount on monthly residential telephone service.

As of December 30, 2009, 128,259 Georgians were receiving the credit.  While this number represented a 28 percent increase over the past two years, there are thousands more who could qualify but are not signed up.  In fact, over one million Georgians may be eligible to take advantage of this benefit.

In order to qualify for the program, one must be a participant in any one of the following programs: Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps, senior citizens discount from power or gas company, SSI, Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.

The PSC is joining with national, state, county and local community groups to promote awareness of Lifeline and Linkup programs, which can save hundreds of dollars on local telephone service and connection fees for qualified participants. Governor Sonny Perdue has proclaimed September 12-18, 2010, Lifeline Link-Up Week in Georgia. You can link to the proclamation here: http://www.psc.state.ga.us/newsinfo/releases/release.asp.

During Lifeline Link-up Awareness Week, the Commission will be signing up eligible participants at several locations around the metro Atlanta area.

For more information about Lifeline Link-Up, call 404-656-4501.