Telephone and Internet
- Help paying for telephone and/or internet service
- Telephone programs for Iowans who have difficulty hearing or speaking
Help paying for telephone and/or internet service
Lifeline: Assistance Program for Phone and Internet Service
Lifeline is a federal program that is meant to make phone and internet service more affordable for low-income households by providing a monthly discount. You can use your Lifeline benefit for phone, internet, or a bundled phone and internet service.
You can qualify for Lifeline based on either your income or your use of programs like SNAP or Medicaid. If you qualify, your household can receive up to a $9.25 per month discount on service (or up to a $34.25 discount for those living on qualifying Tribal lands). Note that only one discount is allowed per household.
You can apply online, through your phone or internet company, or through the mail. The Lifeline Support website provides additional details on applying, as well as helpful videos on the process.
You can search for phone and internet service providers here. If you already have service through a phone or internet company, you can also ask that company to apply your Lifeline benefit to your service.
Telephone programs for Iowans who have difficulty hearing or speaking
The Iowa Utilities Board oversees three programs that help with telephone accessibility for Iowans who are deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or have difficulty speaking. The three programs are Relay Iowa, Telecommunications Access Iowa, and the Iowa Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program. 
Relay Iowa and other relay services
Relay Iowa service is available by dialing 711. Relay Iowa services are provided by Hamilton Relay. Relay Iowa includes several different services to help users communicate over the phone. Relay Iowa allows users to complete a Customer Profile form to indicate relay call preferences.
Both in and outside of Iowa, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) provides Video Relay Service and Internet Relay Service.
Specialized equipment
The other two programs offered through the Iowa Utilities Board, Telecommunications Access Iowa and the Iowa Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program, relate to equipment purchases.
Telecommunications Access Iowa (TAI) is a voucher program that provides vouchers to qualified Iowans to purchase telephone equipment to make communicating over the telephone easier. The TAI website walks users through the steps to apply for a TAI voucher. These vouchers cover 95% of the average cost of the equipment. The program does have income limits, which are listed on this page. Vouchers can be used at registered dealers. For more information on TAI, see Iowa Legal Aid’s page “Help with Phone Equipment for Iowans with a Hearing Disability.”
The Iowa Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program is for people with combined hearing and vision loss. In addition to providing specialized telecommunication tools, the program provides training on how to use the tools. You can apply for the program through the iCanConnect website. The iCanConnect website also provides more information on the eligibility requirements, including income limits. Iowa’s program is administered by the Helen Keller National Center, Great Plains Regional Office.
Related Iowa Laws