LITTLE ROCK — Certain consumers may be eligible to receive discounted phone service through the Lifeline and Link-Up programs, Attorney General Dustin McDaniel said Oct. 9 in a consumer alert.

“In these tough economic times, every extra dollar matters, and if you can save some money on your phone bills, it’s worth your time to investigate,” McDaniel said.

The Federal Communications Commission provides the Lifeline and Link-Up programs, which offer discounted phone installation and help with monthly bills for low-income consumers.

Through Lifeline, consumers can get a discount of up to $10 on their monthly phone bills, depending on the provider.

Link-Up offers consumers up to $30 off of new phone installation, including cell phones, and an interest-free loan up to $200 to cover start-up fees for a year.

Neither program covers the cost of the actual phone, but a service provider may offer additional discounts, including the cost of the phone, through its own program. Only one person per household can participate in the programs.

To determine your eligibility for the Lifeline Program, contact your phone company or the Arkansas Public Service Commission. Eligibility is determined by the Arkansas Department of Human Services, www.arkansas.gov/dhs, and you should contact ADHS at (800) 482-8988 to see if you are eligible, Mc-Daniel said.

Generally, under federal guidelines, to qualify for the Lifeline and/or Link-Up programs, consumers must not have a household income above 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, or they must participate in one of the following programs:

◊Medicaid;

◊Food stamps;

◊Supplemental Security Income;

◊Federal Public Housing Assistance (section 8);

◊Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program;

◊Temporary Assistance to Needy Families; or

◊The National School Lunch Programs Free Lunch Program.

For information on applying for Lifeline and/or Link-Up, visit www.lifelinesupport.org or call the Universal Service Administrative Company toll-free at (888) 641-8722.

More information on the programs can be obtained by visiting www.lifeline.gov/lifeline_Consumers.html, or by calling the Public Protection Department of the Attorney General’s Office at (501) 682-2341 or toll-free statewide at (800) 482-8982.

Atlas agent wins service award

Winter Moving and Storage Inc. of Bentonville was recognized for demonstrating exceptional hauling excellence and achievement at Atlas Van Lines’ annual convention, held Oct. 21-24 in Orlando, Fla.

Atlas has nearly 400 agents serving North America. Out of those, 71agents received the Hauling Excellence Award.

Honorees must pass a critical review of safety and claims records, get high ratings for van operator performance, achieve a 90 percent approval rating on post-move surveys and meet specific revenue criteria.

Financial seminar set for tomorrow

Edward Jones financial adviser Chris Donovan will host an investment strategies seminar at 11:30 a.m. Oct. 29 at Fred’s Hickory Inn in Bentonville.

The seminar is titled “Outlook and Opportunities: 10 Reasons to Be a Long-term Bull.” Some of the topicsto be covered include what a person needs to know about inflation, why this recession hasn’t turned into another Great Depression and how to best prepare for what lies ahead.

The seminar is free, but seating is limited. To reserve a seat, call Alison Hill at 855-1309.

Bella Vistan becomes independent consultant

Brittany Sherman of Bella Vista has become an independent consultant with Tastefully Simple Inc., a national direct-sales company featuring easy-to-prepare food products.

As a consultant, Sherman offers the company’s gourmet foods and beverages to guests at home taste-testingparties. Guests receive samples, easy meal ideas, recipes and serving suggestions.

For more information about Tastefully Simple products, taste-testing parties or the business opportunity, contact Sherman at bnsherman@hotmail.com.

Business, Pages 10 on 10/28/2009

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