Day-to-day life can be made much more difficult without at least home phone service, but the unfortunate reality is that many people can’t afford it. If that describes your situation, Clear Creek Communications, a phone and internet provider in Oregon City, OR, wants to remind you that you have options. State and federal governments have developed programs specifically designed to reduce monthly telephone bills for low-income households; if you’re in need of a lower rate, here’s what you need to know about these money-saving policies.

Oregon Telephone Assistance Program

Also known as Oregon Lifeline, the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP) reduces monthly phone and broadband services for low-income households by up to $12.75 per month—or in some cases, provides free services. To qualify, your household may already receive public benefits, such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans Benefits. In addition, your household’s income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty line. Under OTAP, all you need to provide is your own telephone and payment for any installation charges.

Lifeline Support for Affordable Communications

You may also qualify for federal assistance for your home phone services, which is made available by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). This program is called Lifeline, and it entitles subscribers to discount rates when they sign up with participating communications providers. To qualify, your household must receive public benefits (which include the same qualifying benefits for OTAP), or be enrolled in a Tribal assistance program, such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.

Some of the services available through Clear Creek Communications can be subsidized by one of the above state or federal programs. To inquire about this, or for other questions about available phone or internet services, give them a call at (503) 631-2101. More information is available on the company’s website.