As a result of action taken by the Federal Communications Commission on Feb. 8, changes to the Lifeline program went into effect on June 1.

Innovative Telephone, in conjunction with the V.I. Public Services Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, provides the Lifeline program that reduces the cost of basic wireline telephone service. Lifeline is a supported, non-transferrable, government assistance program only available to eligible consumers who meet certain income criteria and federal requirements.

To be eligible for Lifeline, the consumer must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident of the U.S. Virgin Islands, be a minimum of 18 years old, be the head of the household and meet eligibility criteria established by the territory. Consumers who qualify for participation in the lifeline program will receive a credit on their local monthly wireline telephone bill.

The V.I. Department of Human Services is the only agency that can certify subscribers’ eligibility to participate in the program at Innovative Telephone. Prospective participants must complete an application provided by DHS and provide the requisite identification and certification documents. Current participants should inquire how recent changes will affect them immediately and when their current certification period ends. For mor e information, consumers are encouraged to contact the V.I. Department of Human Services on St. Thomas at 774-2399 and on St. Croix at 772-0085 or 773-2323.