Special Programs

Special Programs

Enhanced Lifeline Discount And Linkup

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted special rules for residents of Native American communities. These rules ensure that qualified residents living on Tribal lands will be able to afford basic telephone service.

If you are an eligible resident of Tribal lands you can lower your charges for primary local telephone service to as low as $1.00. Eligible residents may also qualify for additional assistance for connection charges or line extension costs.

Lifeline and Linkup discounts do not cover costs for long distance service, optional features, mandated surcharges or taxes.

Qualifications

Individuals living on Tribal lands who participate in any of the following programs qualify:

  • National School Lunch Program (Free Meals)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Food Stamps
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • TANF (Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families block grant program)
  • Head Start programs (only for those meeting its income-qualifying standard)
  • BIA General Assistance

How to apply

Complete an Enhanced Lifeline application form, which can be picked up at Saddleback Communications. When you have completed the form, mail the form to Saddleback or drop it off at the Saddleback office. If you have any questions about your service or need an application, call Saddleback Customer Service at (480) 362-7150.

*Note: You may be required to accept a complete toll block (no long distance calling) if you have an outstanding bill with Saddleback. If construction is required to provide telephone service, there may be a delay until the construction is completed.

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SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY
Department of Health and Human Services
Telephone Assistance Program (TAP)

Eligibility Requirements:

  • For enrolled SRP-MIC members and / or their spouses
  • Applicant shall reside within the geographic boundaries of SRPMIC
  • Must fall at or under the 135% poverty guidelines
  • Home currently has no telephone service (no cell phone owned by applicant or other main telephone line)
  • Individuals with a medical need as verified or documented by a medical provider. The specific medical conditions to be covered in demonstration stage are detailed on the application.
    • Insulin Dependent and has had at least one instance of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in the past twelve months.
    • Diagnosis of coronary artery disease and has had at lease one heart attack or stroke in the past twelve months.
    • Respiratory (breathing) problems that have required at least one treatment in an emergency room within the past twelve months.
    • Dialysis patient
    • Other- specified by medical provider

Services Provided:

  • Upon approval of application, TAP will pay a limit of $100 towards past due bill which includes re-activation fee. (Arrangements will need to be made by client and Saddleback Communications on payment plan for balance, if applicable).
  • The program pays for basic phone service only. The program does not pay for calling features, long distance service or Collect calls
  • If work orders are needed, prior approval from DHHS must be obtained.
  • The DHHS and Saddleback Communications will share billing and customer information, as needed to maintain program compliance.
  • Applications for services will be re-verified periodically to determine continued eligibility.

Penalties:

  • If there is unauthorized use of the phone services notice will be provided. If the unauthorized use does not cease telephone service will be terminated.
  • If a program participant does not provide the information needed to re-verify eligibility, services will be suspended and subsequently terminated. Contact will be made with program participant prior to suspension of services.

For further information please call DHHS, Stephanie Manning at (480)-362-4753 or Susan Nayatewa at (480) 362-4752.

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