Helping Hands: A Social Security Disability Attorney Blog

Do you or a family member have a disability that prevents you from adequately using basic telephone service? If so, I found a great program that may be of assistance to you.

The Tennessee Regulatory Authority (TRA) has implemented the TDAP program. TDAP (Telecommunications Devices Access Program) is designed to provide individuals with the appropriate telecommunications devices that will successfully enable them to use basic telephone services despite their disability.

To be eligible for TDAP individuals must:

•Be permanent residents of the State of Tennessee;
•Have a disability that prevents the use of the telephone without the help of an assistive device (condition must be verified by a Tennessee licensed physician) and
•Be able to use the device or accept appropriate training prior to issue of a device.

Devices are issued on a first-come, first-served basis. However, if individuals meet the eligibility requirements they may be able to receive devices on a priority basis. TDAP will only award one assistive device per household. However, if more than one individual within a household is in need of an assistive device the program coordinator may make the determination of whether two or more devices are needed.

For more information or to receive an application call the TDAP at (615) 741-3939 or 1-800-342-8359, ext. 179 or 206

I found two discount programs that were established by the Tennessee Regulatory Authority to ensure that telephone services remain available and affordable to consumers.

The Link-up program offers to pay half of the installation fees that are required for new telephone services. The maximum amount of financial assistance for this program is $30. You will not be required to pay a deposit if you request a "Local Service Only" and "Long distance block" when connecting telephone services through Link-up.

Through the Lifeline program you can save up to $13.50/per month on the local service portion of your telephone bill. However, this program will not assist with long distance charges or special features such as Caller ID or Call Waiting.

To qualify for this program you must be enrolled in at least one of the following public assistance programs:

• Supplemental Security Income
• SNAP (Food Stamps)
• TANF
• LIHEAP
• National School Lunch
• Live in Section 8 Housing

To apply for the Link-up or Lifeline program contact your local telephone service provider and they will provide you with a Link-up and Lifeline application.

Visit GovBenefits.gov and take about ten minutes to answer some questions. You will receive a list of programs that you may be eligible for based on your answers. GovBenefits.gov is the official benefits website of the U.S. government. It contains information on over 1,000 benefit and assistance programs.

Visit GovBenefits.gov today and find out what resources are available to you.

No monthly payments! Someone giving out FREE minutes every month! What? Is this for real?

It sure is!! I heard over the radio that this newly created program by the US government provides discounted or free monthly cellular services to income-eligible consumers.

Here's the details: Lifeline Assistance program offers a free cell phone, 68 free monthly minutes and no contracts, commitment or monthly bills. The provided TracFone cell phone comes with all the added features such as caller ID, call waiting and voicemail. If you need more additional minutes, you can buy TracFone Airtime Cards at any retail store.

To participate in this program, you must be receiving the following assistance:

• Federal Housing Assistance
• Families Assistance (Food Stamps, Cash Aid, Medicaid or General Aid)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• National School Lunch (free program only)

• Your total household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by your State and/or the Federal Government.

To apply for SafeLink wireless please visit https://www.safelinkwireless.com/EnrollmentPublic/state_benefits.aspx

you may apply by calling the toll free number: (800) 977-3768 Monday through Saturday, 8:00 A.M to 10:00 PM, EST Sunday, 8:00 AM to 7 PM, EST