Link Up is a US Federal program to make telephone service more accessible to low income residents. Offered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) through the Universal Service Fund, Link Up complements the familiar Lifeline program by connecting low-income Americans up to vital communication resources.

Upfront fees are among the problem that keeps low-income people from having phones, and the program targets them. Whereas Lifeline discounts monthly phone or internet service fees, Link Up discounts the first-time connection costs. Qualified participants can receive:

Waived installation or activation fees of up to $30 (up to $70 for residents of tribal lands)

Payment plans for outstanding charges that need to be made on a schedule that works for you

The ability to stack with Lifeline to save even more.

Thousands of low-income families, elderly and people with disabilities have had the economic barriers to telephone service knocked down through Link Up. In an era in which phone access is required to look for jobs, manage health care and reach emergency services, programs like Link Up are also key to maintaining both social equity and public safety.