Sept. 9, 2009

“Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to all state residents,” says Jeff Goltz, chairman of the UTC. “We want our low-income and elderly residents to ‘stay connected’ and are reaching out to those who need phone service but can’t afford it.”

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

“Last year, more than 120,000 Washington residents benefitted from the WTAP program,” says Grace Moy, WTAP Program Coordinator for DSHS. “This program provides a vital lifeline to our state’s most vulnerable residents.”

The WTAP Community Voice Mail Program provides a free personal phone number and voice mailbox to qualifying residents in transition housing, because the line between a job interview and a job offer can be as thin as a telephone cord.

While times may be tough, the ability to stay connected with family, friends, emergency services and community resources can improve the quality of life for those who may be struggling. To apply for WTAP benefits contact your local telephone company with your DSHS client identification number.

For more information on the WTAP or Community Voice Mail programs call the UTC at 1-888-333-WUTC (9882) or visit www.utc.wa.gov/consumer.

The UTC is the state agency in charge of regulating the rates and services of telephone companies operating in Washington.