KENNETT SQUARE, Pa., Sept. 10, 2018 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The National Lifeline Association (NaLA) is proud to support this year's National Lifeline Awareness Week from September 10th - 14th. National Lifeline Awareness Week is designed to generate awareness and promote the benefits of the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) Lifeline program that assists qualifying households to reduce the cost of their monthly phone and/or internet expenses. National Lifeline Awareness Week helps bring attention to the Lifeline program, the qualifications for enrollment and encourages Lifeline-eligible consumers to enroll.
Many eligible households who are not enrolled in the Lifeline program struggle to afford essential telephone service that allows them to reach emergency services, medical personnel, government services, schools, and potential employers. In fact, only 33% of those who are eligible for the Lifeline program are currently enrolled. Additionally, 46% of active Lifeline consumers are retired, disabled or unable to work, and rely on Lifeline for phone and broadband services every day. By raising awareness of the Lifeline program, NaLA seeks to educate those who may have been unaware of the availability of Lifeline and encourage those who are eligible to participate to enroll.
Now, more than ever, it is imperative to highlight the effect of Lifeline on the lives of low-income Americans. In 2017, the FCC proposed devastating changes to the Lifeline program which would significantly cut access to essential phone and broadband services for an estimated 8 million people, which is roughly 70% of Lifeline recipients currently enrolled in the program. The potential cutback of this program would have a profoundly negative impact not only on eligible seniors, the disabled and low-income consumers, but also the 28% of Lifeline consumers who are unemployed and actively looking for work.
"National Lifeline Awareness Week is important to NaLA because, at our core, we believe that every American should have access to essential communication services. There is much work to be done when an estimated 67% of eligible consumers are not taking advantage of the Lifeline Program," says David B. Dorwart, Chairman of NaLA. "We are also excited to share the personal story of a current Lifeline consumer who expressed how profoundly Lifeline impacts her life. It is important for people to understand how the proposed FCC program changes could negatively impact vulnerable individuals," he adds.
Because Lifeline affects millions of consumers every day, our service provider members and field agent members have partnered with us to generate informational and awareness campaigns in support of National Lifeline Awareness Week all across the country. Along with its service provider members, field agent members, and other advocates, NaLA continues to pursue changes that result in greater efficiency, accountability, and overall integrity in the Lifeline program. NaLA thoroughly believes in the importance of National Lifeline Awareness Week and applauds the organizations and regulatory bodies that support Lifeline and raise awareness during this week.
About The National Lifeline Association:
The National Lifeline Association is a non-profit organization that provides a foundation of support for Lifeline participants, service providers, distributors, government and regulatory bodies, and other advocates of Lifeline.
NaLA members are passionate about supporting their vision, "In America, every person should have access to essential communication services." With their leadership and direction, NaLA provides and promotes Lifeline education, collaboration, and advocacy across the U.S.
SOURCE National Lifeline Association
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