The Washington Telephone Assistance Program (WTAP) helps eligible low-income Washingtonians afford a home phone. The program also helps homeless Washingtonians access a community voice mailbox.
Customers qualify for WTAP if they are adults receiving ongoing cash, food, or medical assistance from a Department administered program.
For more information about WTAP eligibility, call DSHS toll free at 1-888-700-8880.
WTAP has helped link approximately 167,000 households with affordable telephone service and provided over 3,700 families with a community voice mailbox.
How much does it cost?
WTAP customers pay $8 a month for home phone service. The current rate has been the same since August 1, 2003.
During the 20 years it has been operating, the monthly rate for WTAP customers has been as high as $10, and as low as $4. In 2003, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission approved an increase to the monthly rate participants of WTAP paid, taking the rate from $4 to $8 per month for basic telephone service.
Funding for the program comes from an excise tax on all switched access lines. The Department of Revenue (DOR) establishes the excise tax rate in May each year. The current excise tax rate for WTAP is 13¢, which shows up on your phone bill.
Who runs the program?
The Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and the WUTC share responsibility for the program and both agencies have rules in place governing the program. Industry participation in WTAP is voluntary, but companies that don't participate aren't eligible for support from the federal universal service fund.
Information in other languages:
Here's a brochure explaining the program in several languages: link
UTC Staff Contact: Kristen Russell, 360 664-1281
Staff contact: Kristen Russell
Posted/updated: 06/03/2009
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