2018-2019 ConnectHomeUSA - Lifeline Lowers Internet Costs for Low-Income Residents

Participants learned how Lifeline, a federal program administered by Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC), is helping to lower the monthly cost of phone and internet for low-income consumers. Additionally, they found out how their residents may qualify for a monthly benefit of $9.25, up to $34.25 for those living on Tribal lands, to reduce or eliminate the cost of phone/internet connectivity. Households that participate in the public housing program, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, certain other federal/Tribal assistance programs, or earn 135% or below the federal poverty line are eligible for a Lifeline benefit.

Jessica Zufolo, the Senior Advisor for Strategic Partnerships to USAC, discussed how Lifeline works, program rules, eligibility requirements and how to apply. Jessica Zufolo has over 24 years of broadband financing, regulatory strategy and legislative expertise.

Training Objectives

Participants:

• Understood concepts to help meet ConnectHomeUSA program goals
• Learned ConnectHomeUSA community best practices

Who Should Attend?

Public Housing Authority (PHA) staff and community members responsible for ConnectHomeUSA program implementation should have attended. Community members from non-ConnectHomeUSA communities interested in bridging the digital divide for PHA or other HUD-assisted housing programs were welcome to attend.

Other ConnectHome and ConnectHomeUSA Training Deliveries

View all other ConnectHome and ConnectHomeUSA webinar deliveries.

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

Janelle Beverly | 202-649-3909 | jbeverly@enterprisecommunity.org