Staying connected to local resources and emergency services is vital to the state's low income and elderly residents and can even help save lives. AT&T* California has joined with Consumer Action, a non-profit advocacy and education organization, to promote the state's important California LifeLine program during national "Lifeline Awareness Week," September 14-20.

The purpose of National Lifeline Awareness Week is to ensure that eligible low-income consumers are aware of the LifeLine program and are able to obtain affordable telephone service through the assistance of this program. Public Utilities Commissions and phone carriers in states across the U.S. are working to get the word out on this important program.

"California's LifeLine telephone program is the best in the country. The cost is low and no other state comes close to the number of consumers that benefit," said Ken McEldowney, Executive Director of Consumer Action. "Unfortunately, many who are eligible aren't on the program yet."

"Ensuring those in need have access to affordable phone service has been a priority since 1983 when the California Legislature passed a law creating the LifeLine program," said Senator Alex Padilla (D-Pacoima). "This program helps low-income households and others in financial need stay connected while staying within their budgets. I wholeheartedly support this program."

"Californians living on fixed incomes owe it to themselves to find out if they qualify for the LifeLine program," said Ken McNeely, President, AT&T California. "They could receive basic phone service at significant discounts and that could make a real difference in their lives."

Under the LifeLine program, qualifying consumers receive discounted local phone service. All California telephone companies that provide residential service offer the California LifeLine program. As more and more consumers struggle to pay their bills in today's tough economy, it's more important than ever for everyone to be aware of this program so they can stay connected. The LifeLine program, administered by telephone companies and sponsored by the California Public Utilities Commission, provides low-income Californians with discounted home phone service they can rely on. Millions of Californians already take advantage of the LifeLine program.

Rules established by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) allow customers to qualify for the program in one of two ways:

* By participating in an approved public assistance program including: Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
* By meeting certain household income limits.

To help provide consumers with detailed information on the program and how to apply, Consumer Action in partnership with AT&T has launched a multi-phase consumer outreach initiative.

The first phase is making a new Lifeline guide available. Consumers can see the publication online at or send a stamped, self-addressed, legal-sized envelope to Consumer Action, 221 Main St., Suite 480, San Francisco, CA 94105. The guide is available in Chinese, English, Korean, Spanish and Vietnamese. In your request, please indicate the language you want.

The second phase set for later this year is to provide in-depth "train the trainer" sessions for community based organizations in the state so they can educate their clients about the California LifeLine program.

Consumers can also contact their phone carrier directly and ask about the program.

AT&T California customers can call 800-446-5651 (English) or 800-882-0521 (Spanish) or go online to website.

*AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE: T) is a premier communications holding company. Its subsidiaries and affiliates - AT&T operating companies - are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and around the world. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation's fastest 3G network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet and voice services. AT&T offers the best wireless coverage worldwide, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries. It also offers advanced TV services under the AT&T U-verse(SM) and AT&T | DIRECTV(SM) brands. The company's suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world. In domestic markets, AT&T's Yellow Pages and YELLOWPAGES.COM organizations are known for their leadership in directory publishing and advertising sales. In 2009, AT&T again ranked No. 1 in the telecommunications industry on FORTUNE(R) magazine's list of the World's Most Admired Companies.

About Consumer Action

Consumer Action is a San Francisco-based national education and advocacy organization founded in 1971. Its multilingual educational programs reach consumers through Consumer Action's national network of more than 11,000 community based contacts - with more than 3,500 located in California - and on the group's website. The non-profit organization also has offices in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.