Discounted Services

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The Lifeline Program & Link-up for Tribal Lands

Lifeline is a federal program created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), designed to help discount telephone and broadband services. As a tribal carrier, the FCC allows a discount of up to $34.25 per customer, per month.

  • $24.50 discount for phone service.
  • An additional $9.75 discount for broadband service.

Lifeline Program terms

  • If you do not have broadband service, a discount of $24.50 will be applied to your bill.
  • Calls placed within the Gila River Indian Community are covered and included under all GRTI call plans.
  • Toll charges of 5¢ per minute apply if calling outside of Gila River when you choose Gila River Long Distance as your carrier. Contact your long-distance carrier for rates if other than Gila River.
  • Enhanced Lifeline does not cover the cost of calling features, call plans, or toll charges and is the responsibility of the customer.
  • Enhanced Lifeline customers may be disconnected after 60 days of non-payment.
In order to qualify you must participate in one of the following government programs:
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (Award letter)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) (Award letter)
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Residential dwelling lease)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Program (Award letter)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (Award letter)
  • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) (Award letter)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) (Award letter)
  • Head Start Program (only households that meet the income qualifying standard) (Award letter)
  • Qualify under the income guidelines:
    • 1 person household = $20,331
    • 2 person household = $27,594
    • 3 person household = $34,857
    • 4 person household = $42,120
    • 5 person household = $49,383
    • Add $7,263 for each additional person in the home.

    Examples of a household: A married couple who live together is one household. They must share one Lifeline benefit. A parent/guardian and child who live together are one household. They must share one Lifeline benefit.

    Requirements

    When applying using a program for eligibility you will need to provide either:

    • Award letter
    • Statement of benefits
    • Certification documents must be delivered in person

    When qualifying based on income eligibility the following is required:

    • Previous years federal tax return
    • Current income statement from the employer or 3 consecutive paycheck stubs
    • Social Security statement of benefits
    • The last 3 Per Capita check stubs - Only IF it is your sole source of income.

    Elder Concession

    The Elder Concession was created and funded by GRTI for customers over the age of 55. The Elder Concession Program only cover the basic telephone fees. The Elder Concession Program does not cover additional charges such as: long distance toll, Internet charges, or any additional calling features.

    Requirements

    • Must be over the age of 55
    • Must present ID at time of sign up

    How Do I Apply

    Complete a GRTI Elder Concession Program application and return application to GRTI. If you would like an application mailed to you or have questions about the Elder Concession Program call the GRTI Customer Service Team at (520) 796-3333.


    Affordable Connectivity Program

    What is the Affordable Connectivity Program?

    The Affordable Connectivity Program is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program to help families and households struggling to afford Internet service during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Tribal Benefit

    Up to a $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands.

    Device Discount

    A one-time discount of $100 for a GRTI laptop with a required co-payment of $50.
    Only one monthly service discount and one device discount is allowed per household. Program rules acknowledge there may be more than one eligible household residing at the same address.

    How Do I Qualify For the Program?

    1. Your household is located on qualifying Tribal lands, AND
    2. Your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty guidelines OR any member of your household:
      • Participates in the Lifeline program, or
      • Participates in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or
      • Participates in one of several Tribal specific programs:
        • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance,
        • Tribal Head Start (only households meeting the relevant income qualifying standard),
        • Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF), or
        • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations,
      • Receives Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) assistance, or
      • Received a federal Pell Grant in the current award year, or
      • Received approval for benefits under the free and reduced-price school lunch program or the school breakfast program, including through the USDA Community Eligibility Provision, in the 2019-20, 2020-21, or 2021-22 school year, or
      • Meets the eligibility criteria for a participating company’s existing low-income program, and that provider received FCC approval for its eligibility verification process.

    Note: If you already participate in the Lifeline program, you are automatically qualified for the ACP and you do not need to apply and prove your eligibility a second time. Talk to your internet company about how to receive ACP discounts. If you qualify for both programs, you can choose to receive the Lifeline benefit from one company and the ACP benefit from a different company. Find a participating company near you.

    If you already participate in the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, you do not need to fill out another application unless requested by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

    How Do I Apply?

    There are three ways to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program.
    Apply Online
    Fill out the online application at acpbenefit.org

    By Mail

    Complete the application and send with proof of eligibility to:
    Affordable Connectivity Program Center
    P.O. Box 7081
    London, KY 40742

    In-Person At GRTI

    GRTI is here to help! Call GRTI for more information at (520) 796-3333, you will be asked to bring proof of eligibility such as award letters, statement of benefits and most importantly don't forget your ID.

    CONTACT US