The Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. (AAA7) provides a number of services that give older adults and those with disabilities the option of in-home and community-based programs that allow them to remain independent in their own homes.

Part of the AAA7’s mission is also keeping citizens informed of programs that support safe and independent living for citizens in the 10 counties served by the AAA7 which includes Adams, Brown, Gallia, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Pike, Ross, Scioto and Vinton.

The AAA7 wishes to pass along to the community information from the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel (OCC).

With support from Gov. Ted Strickland, these two organizations are reminding low-income families that they can stay connected to local resources and emergency services through telephone assistance programs.

“Ohio recognizes there are many families struggling to make ends meet these days,” PUCO Chairman Alan R. Schriber stated. “Lifeline Telephone Assistance, offered by Ohio’s telecommunications providers, can help these consumers stay connected to essential emergency services, business necessities, and friends and families.”

Lifeline Telephone Assistance customers receive a discount on their monthly basic telephone service rate and a waiver of all charges for telephone service connection.

Customers are not required to pay a deposit or any up-front charges for establishing telephone service and receive free toll blocking and 900 or 976 blocking. Currently, more than 240,000 Ohioans benefit from Lifeline service.

“Lifeline provides a discount that is critical to making basic local telephone service affordable to low-income families across Ohio,” said Consumers’ Counsel Janine Migden-Ostrander. “We encourage consumers to find out about the Lifeline telephone discount program and whether they are eligible.”

Lifeline Telephone Assistance is available to customers who have a household income at or below 135 or 150 percent of the federal poverty level, depending on which telephone company serves them.

Lifeline is also available to those who participate in other state or federal low-income assistance programs, including Medicaid, food stamps, general assistance, Ohio Works First, Supplemental Security Income, Section 8 Public Housing Assistance, Home Energy Assistance Programs, or the National School Free Lunch Program.

Customers should contact their local telephone service provider to apply for participation in the Lifeline program.

More information about Lifeline is available on the PUCO website at www.PUCO.ohio.gov or the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.Customers may also contact the PUCO toll-free at (800) 686-PUCO (7826) or the OCC toll-free at (877) PICKOCC (877-742-5622) for more information.

The AAA7 wishes to clarify that the Lifeline Telephone Assistance program through the PUCO is different from the emergency response system “Lifeline,” which is a secure, personal medical alert emergency response service for seniors and caregivers. Information about emergency response systems is available by calling the Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. at 1-800-582-7277.

Your local Area Agency on Aging District 7, Inc. provides services on a non-discriminatory basis. These services are available to help older adults and those with disabilities live safely and independently in their own homes through services paid for by Medicare, Medicaid, Veterans Administration, other federal and state resources, as well as private pay.

Those interested in learning more can call toll-free at 1-800-582-7277 (TTY 1-888-270-1550). Here, individuals can speak directly with a nurse or social worker who will assist them with information surrounding the programs and services that are available to best serve their needs. Information is also available on www.aaa7.org.