WV Tel-Assistance

The monthly Tel-Assistance rate shall be the basic local service rate, at all locations, in all of Hardy Telecommunications’ exchanges.  This rate provides for a $2.00 monthly, non-transferable usage credit.  Tel-Assistance subscribers are not required to pay the Federal Subscriber Line Charge.  No non-recurring service change charges shall apply.

To be eligible, a subscriber must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Low Income Program or participate in one of the following assistance programs:  Medicaid; Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps; Supplemental Security Income (SSI); Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8); Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program; Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; or the National School Lunch Program’s free lunch program.

Program-based Eligibility

• Federal Public Housing Assistance / Section 8
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• National School Lunch (free program only)
• West Virginia Works a.k.a. Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

Income-based Eligibility

• Total household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

The program is limited to one benefit per household.  To qualify, the bill must be in your name, and the name must match the name on the application.

You will be asked to provide proof of your eligibility by providing a form signed under penalty of perjury that you receive benefits from or a copy of any dated document which verifies your participation in one of the qualifying programs listed above. Documentation can be obtained through your social worker or from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR). Proof of total household income may be required for income-based qualification. Your Tel-Assistance benefits will take effect when proof of eligibility is received.

Certification forms may be obtained from the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources.  Those claiming to qualify based on income must present acceptable documentation of the household income.  Acceptable documentation includes: current income statement from employer or past three months of pay stubs, most recent state or federal tax return, divorce decree or child support document, Social Security benefit statement, Unemployment/Worker’s Compensation benefit statement, retirement/pension benefit statement, or a Veterans Administration statement of benefits. The program is limited to one benefit per household.  Consumers who willfully make false statements in order to obtain program benefits can be punished with a fine or imprisonment or barred from the program.

Eligibility is reviewed annually. Your benefits will be discontinued when you no longer meet the eligibility requirements according to the DHHR or when proof of eligibility is not received.