America knows that a smart phone is essential to any household that hopes to thrive in today’s world.

That’s why the publicly funded Lifeline program has been helping low-income families afford service — even get free smart phones.

But too many people who would qualify for the help don’t know about it, said Lifeline service agent Coach Robinson.

“This is a mission to provide much-needed service for families in the community,” he said. “It’s part of being an American.”

The phones “are already paid for,” he said. “There are plenty.”

The Lifeline program began in 1985 and is funded by the Universal Service Fund that is collected as a fee on consumers’ phone bills.

Households whose income is at 135% or less of the federal poverty guidelines may be eligible for the program. That’s roughly $16,000 or less earned annually by an individual, or $35,000 or less for a household of four.

Households may also qualify if someone in the household is participating in a federal assistance program such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA) and the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit.

LINC is teaming with Robinson at Platinum Lifeline Services to try to connect with households that could benefit from the government’s Lifeline services. Lifeline benefits are limited to one phone per household.

The Lifeline program can also restore phone service to qualifying household’s existing phone if they let their phone bills lapse.

To connect with a Lifeline agent call 1-888-589-8841, extension 9000.