Congresswoman Kathy Castor urges Floridians who are struggling to afford telephone service to stay connected by exploring the federal Lifeline and the state Link-Up initiatives. This week is National Telephone Discount Lifeline Awareness Week, but too few Floridians know they could be eligible for this vital help.

“Nobody, especially our seniors, in this day and age should have to go without telephone service. But as my neighbors face economic challenges during this downturn, many cannot afford even basic phone service to call the police or fire department or their doctors,” Castor said. Fortunately, they can get help from Lifeline and Link-Up.”

Link-Up Florida gives a 50 percent rebate on telephone hook-up charges. Lifeline gives a $13.50 credit per month on local phone bills. Limited cell phone service is among the options.

Floridians, including seniors, may be eligible if they receive state or federal help from Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), among other services.

For more information, go to http://www.psc.state.fl.us/utilities/telecomm/lifeline/ or

http://www.lifeline.gov/.

To apply, contact Florida Public Service Commission’s Division of Service, Safety and Consumer Assistance at 800-342-3552; e-mail contact@psc.state.fl.us; or write to the commission at Division of Service, Safety and Consumer Assistance, 2540 Shumard Oak Boulevard, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0850.

Anyone needing further assistance can contact Castor’s office at 813-871-2817.