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Customer Support: Consumer Information: Lifeline Programs

What is Lifeline?

Lifeline is designed to assist qualifying Ohio, Indiana and Kentucky consumers with their telephone service needs. These programs provide special discounts when obtaining landline telephone service and provide a monthly service discount as well. All programs are available for new and existing customers of Cincinnati Bell within Cincinnati Bell's traditional service area. Click here for a map of Cincinnati Bell's traditional service area.

How much do I have to pay for landline service with Lifeline?

Lifeline customers with only landline telephone service and no additional features typically pay between $11.00 and $13.00 per month, including taxes and surcharges, for Cincinnati Bell landline telephone service. Addtional features are not discounted for Lifeline customers, and the price of these services will be added to the price of the Lifeline service.

Does Cincinnati Bell's Lifeline service provide unlimited local calling?

Yes. Cincinnati Bell Lifeline customers may place an unlimited number of local flat rate calls and receive an unlimited number of calls with no additional charges. Lifeline customers making long distance calls must pay standard long distance charges.

Who do I call regarding Lifeline?

To place an order for telephone service with Lifeline, to determine if Cincinnati Bell Lifeline is available in your area, or to obtain additional Lifeline information, contact a representative at 513.565.LIFE (5433) - Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM to 7:00 PM and Saturday 7:30 AM to 1:00 PM EST.

What do I need to do to apply for Lifeline?

You need to fill out and submit a signed Lifeline Application Agreement. Ohio and Indiana customers may self-cerfity their eligibility for Lifeline unless they only qualify under income eligibility. Kentucky applicants must also provide proof of participation in a qualifying program.

Where can I obtain a Lifeline Application Agreement?

A copy of the application can be downloaded from this website using the links below. Applications are also available from select social service agencies/organizations or by calling Cincinnati Bell at 513-565-LIFE (5433).

Ohio and Indiana Residents English Español
Ohio Lifeline Program Details Application Agreement Solicitud de Acuerdo


Kentucky Residents English Español
Kentucky Lifeline Program Details Application Agreement


Which social service agencies/organizations have Lifeline applications and information?

Click here for a list of agencies/organizations who provide assistance with Lifeline applications and additional information about Cincinnati Bell's Lifeline program

Ohio and Indiana Residents - CBT Lifeline Program Back to Top
Who is eligible for the CBT Lifeline Program?
You qualify for a monthly discount of at least $12.00, installation discounts, a deposit waiver, free long distance blocking services, and special payment arrangements for past due Cincinnati Bell Telephone landline service bills if you are participating in one of the following programs:

  • Section 8 Housing/Public Housing
  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • HEAP (Any Home Energy Assistance Program)
  • Social Security Disability Income (SSDI)
  • Ohio Works First (Formerly AFDC) or TANF
  • Free School Lunch Program
  • Income Eligibility (Income at or below 150% of the federal poverty level)
If the household's gross income is equal to or less than the amount in the following table, the household is eligible for Lifeline.
Family Size Annual Income Monthly Income
1 $16,335 $1,361
2 $22,065 $1,839
3 $27,795 $2,316
4 $33,525 $2,794
5 $39,255 $3,271
6 $44,985 $3,749
7 $50,715 $4,226
8 $56,445 $4,704
For each additional person, add $5,730 $478


AND

You have paid or made payment arrangements on any outstanding balance or final bill for regulated local telephone services provided to you, and no other member of your household owes money for such services previously provided at your current address. Cincinnati Bell offers favorable payment arrangements with an initial payment of $25 for most Ohio Lifeline customers. Call 513.565.LIFE (5433) for further details on making payment or payment arrangements.

What are the benefits provided by the CBT Lifeline Program?

  • Waiver of the federal subscriber line charge ($5.28 as of July, 2009)
  • Monthly discount of at least $7.00 off the flat rate landline telephone service
  • Waiver of the Cincinnati Bell deposit for landline service
  • Free toll blocking service
  • 100% Waiver of charge to activate new landline service
  • Call Waiting may be ordered

    Are there any restrictions?

    The lifeline discount applies to only one telephone line per account.

    Consumers receiving a Lifeline discount on their cell phone service are not eligible for the landline Lifeline service program unless they discontinue the Lifeline cell phone service.

    What is acceptable documentation of income?

    Examples of acceptable income documentation include the most current:

    • Year's state or federal income tax return
    • Income statement from an employer or W-2
    • Three consecutive month's pay stubs
    • Social Security statement of benefits
    • Veteran's Administration statement of benefits
    • Retirement/pension statement of benefits
    • Unemployment/workman's Compensation statement of benefits
    • Other legal document(s) showing current income such as a divorce decree or child support document

    Supporting documents will not be returned so always send copies, not original documents.

    As an alternative, some social service agencies/organizations will complete the following Lifeline Income Verification Form certifying that the consumer provided appropriate income documentation to the agency/organization. Consumers may return this completed form to Cincinnati Bell instead of sending copies of documentation.

    Lifeline Income Verifcation Form (PDF)



    • Kentucky Residents - Kentucky Lifeline Program Back to Top
    Who is eligible for the Kentucky Lifeline Program?
    You are qualified if you are participating in one of the following programs:

  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps
  • National School Lunch Free Lunch Program
  • Section 8 Housing/Federal Public Housing
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Aid to Needy Families (TANF)
  • LI HEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)

    AND

    You have paid or made payment arrangements on any outstanding balance or final bill for regulated local telephone services provided to you, and no other member of your household owes money for such services previously provided at your current address. Cincinnati Bell offers favorable payment arrangements. Call 513.565.LIFE (5433) for further details on making payment or payment arrangements.

    What are the benefits provided by the Kentucky Lifeline Program?
  • Waiver of the federal subscriber line charge ($5.28 as of July, 2009)
  • Monthly discount of $7.00 off the landline telephone service
  • Waiver of the Cincinnati Bell deposit for local service
  • Free toll blocking service
  • 50% waiver of charge to activate new service
  • All optional calling features are permitted

    • Are there any restrictions?

    The lifeline discount applies to only one telephone line per account.

    Consumers receiving a Lifeline discount on their cell phone service are not eligible for the landline Lifeline service program unless they discontinue the Lifeline cell phone service.

    What is acceptable documentation of Lifeline eligibility?

    Copies of benefit statements, program identification cards, leases, utility bills listing the LI-HEAP discount, etc may be used to document eligibility. Supporting documents will not be returned so always send copies, not original documents.