Low-income residents in CenturyTel’s service area may qualify for assistance that will reduce the cost of initial telephone installation and basic monthly service.

The assistance programs are known as Link-Up and Lifeline. Link-Up helps consumers pay the initial installation costs of getting telephone service. The program reduces up to one-half of the initial hook-up fee, up to $30, for qualified households. Lifeline provides certain discounts each month on phone bills for qualified subscribers.

Qualifications may include participation in any one of the following programs: Medicaid, food stamps, Supplemental Security Income, federal public housing assistance or the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, Head Start, Free Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families or if household income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level.

Call (800) 201-4099 or visit www.centurytel.com.