Telephone assistance program helps residents stay connected

Published 4:01 pm Friday, September 13, 2013

Residents who participate in or are eligible for certain public-assistance programs, such as Food Assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families from the state Department of Social and Health Services, can receive local telephone service for about $8 per month plus taxes and fees. WTAP also provides a reduced or no-cost service installation for qualifying households that do not currently have telephone service.

To apply for WTAP benefits contact your local landline telephone company and provide your DSHS client identification number.

For more information on the WTAP program, contact DSHS at 1-800-737-0617 or www.dshs.wa.gov.

If you have problems signing up for WTAP benefits, call the UTC at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visit www.utc.wa.gov/consumers.