Lifeline Plans


Low Income Telephone Assistance Program - for Northwest Cell

Lifeline is a government program that offers qualified people a discount on their monthly local telephone bill. Each state has its own guidelines to qualify. Lifeline is available on one telephone service per household, whether wireline or wireless.

How much can I save on my phone bill?

Northwest Cell offers two Lifeline Plan options, a $17.95 plan and $21.95 plan. You will save up to $9.25 on either of these selected plans.

Lifeline Plan Options
True Local Plan Expanded Local Plan

$8.70 (after $9.25 discount)

Unlimited calling to exchanges within your local wireline telephone providers' network only. (Please refer to reference sheet provided in-store for more details.)

Toll is restricted outside your local providers' network

$12.70 (after $9.25 discount)

Unlimited calling to ALL exchanges within the five counties of Atchison, Gentry, Holt, Nodaway, and Worth. Phone has mobility throughout the five county area.

 

Roaming outside the five counties is not available lifeline plans.

Features included on plans:

  • Call Waiting
  • Call Forwarding
  • 3-Way Calling
  • Caller ID
  • Voicemail

FAQ's

How do I know if I'm eligible?

You're eligible for Lifeline if you or a dependent in your household participates in any of the following programs:

  • MO HeathNet (f/k/a Medicaid)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (Food Stamps)
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • National School Free Lunch Program
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Income at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Are there any restrictions?

Lifeline can only be used for one telephone per household-either wireless or wireline. The name on your phone bill must match or be the legal guardian of the name of the participant in the eligible program (with the exception of the National School Free Lunch Program). Lifeline customers are eligible to apply for all services offered to non-Lifeline customers.

How do I apply?

Applications are available at social services offices, NorthwestCell’s main office, all agent locations, or online at www.nwmcell.com. You may also contact us at (800) 331-6341. You will need to submit your Social Security Number and a form signed under penalty of perjury verifying that you receive benefits from the federal eligibility criteria. You will also need to submit proof of eligibility. If you qualify based on the income guidelines, you will need to provide proof of income for everyone in the household. Acceptable documentation of income eligibility includes the prior year’s state or federal tax return, paycheck stub, current income statement of benefit for Social security, or an Unemployment/Workmen’s Compensation statement of benefits.

Your Lifeline benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received.

Download the Lifeline Application

Other Information:

Discounts will be available on select handsets. Please see retail office for more information.

How do I continue to receive Lifeline benefits?

Eligibility is reviewed periodically. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements or when proof of eligibility is not received. You are responsible for contacting NorthwestCell if you are no longer eligible for Lifeline Service.