What is California Lifeline? California Lifeline is a state program that provides discounted home phone and cell phone services to qualifying low-income households. It is overseen by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). The purpose of California Lifeline is to help ensure affordable phone service for all residents. Phone access is considered vital for jobs,…
Low income internet service refers to discounted or free broadband internet access provided to households and individuals who meet certain low income eligibility requirements. With the internet being essential for education, jobs, healthcare and more, lack of affordable internet access exacerbates inequities for low income groups. This issue is referred to as the “digital divide”….
Advance Care Planning (ACP) is a process that allows individuals to make decisions about the healthcare treatment they want to receive if they become unable to speak for themselves. The goal of ACP is to help ensure that patients receive medical care aligned with their values, goals, and preferences. Through ACP, patients can designate a…
The Federal Poverty Guidelines, also known as the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), are a set of income thresholds set by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to determine eligibility for certain federal programs. The guidelines are often abbreviated and referred to as just “poverty guidelines.” The poverty guidelines have their origin in the…
The digital divide in California is stark, with approximately 25% of households lacking broadband internet access according to the Community Tech Network. Low income families are disproportionately impacted, with cost being the primary barrier to access. Internet access has become increasingly crucial for education, healthcare, employment and more. This makes the digital divide a major…
Many low-income Americans struggle to afford mobile phone plans. With the average monthly cost of mobile plans around $35-50 per line, paying for a cell phone can be challenging for low-income households already struggling to pay for necessities. Surveys indicate that over 80% of Americans find current mobile phone plans unaffordable. This highlights the need…
Discounted mobile services provide affordable cell phone plans and devices to qualifying low-income individuals and families. These programs help bridge the digital divide by making mobile communication more accessible. According to Why Mobile Communication Matters for Low Income Families, low income families are far more likely to rely on a smartphone as their sole source…
The Lifeline program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are federally funded programs designed to make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides a discount on monthly phone or internet service, while ACP provides a discount on internet service and connected devices. Consumers who qualify for Lifeline are also eligible for ACP benefits. Importantly,…
The government offers several programs that provide monthly discounts on mobile phone bills for qualifying low-income individuals and families. These discounts, administered by the FCC, can help make phone and internet services more affordable and accessible. With the high cost of mobile plans today, government discounts on your phone bill can potentially save you hundreds…
Low-income Americans face challenges when it comes to accessing affordable mobile phone services. With the shift from traditional landlines to wireless services, many low-income households rely exclusively on mobile phones for their communication needs. However, the costs of mobile phone services can be prohibitive for those with limited incomes. Prepaid, postpaid, and metered plans each…