TELECOMMUNICATION DEVICES ACCESS PROGRAM (TDAP)
The Telecommunication Devices Access Program (TDAP) loans specialized telecommunications equipment to qualifying Oregonians who have a loss in hearing, speech, vision, mobility, or cognition. Visit www.rspf.org or call 1-800-848-4442 for more information.
THE OREGON TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICE (OTRS)
Oregon Relay is a free service that allows individuals who are deaf, hard-of-hearing, deaf-blind, or speech-disabled to place and receive calls through specially trained relay operators. There are several forms of Oregon Relay services, depending on the needs of the user and the specialized telecommunications equipment that they use. Visit oregonrelay.com or call 1-800-686-3777 for more information. This service allows text-telephone (TTY) users to communicate with standard telephone users through specially trained relay operators.
OREGON TELEPHONE ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (OTAP/LIFELINE)
The Oregon Telephone Assistance Program (OTAP), along with the FCC directed Lifeline program, provide a discount on basic telephone service for qualifying low-income consumers. These state and federal government programs can provide a monthly discount of up to $12.75.
ELIGIBILITY: According to the Public Utility Commission of Oregon, eligibility is determined by
participation in one of the following programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Medicaid
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Tribal Specific Programs
You may also qualify if your total income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Level. Proof of eligibility may be necessary for enrollment.
Toll blocking and/or toll control is available for free to Lifeline subscribers. Lifeline subscribers receive the same residential service as a regular subscriber, but at a reduced monthly recurring rate. Thus, lifeline subscribers have an unlimited number of local calling minutes. Pioneer Telephone subscribers receiving Lifeline are free to choose their own toll usage plans through long distance providers that serve Pioneer Telephone. Only one Lifeline discount is allowed per household. The program does limit the discount to one per household and may not be transferred. Proof of eligibility may be required. All information is treated as strictly confidential by OTAP staff and the local phone companies.
HOW TO APPLY: To apply for equipment, to obtain an application for OTAP/Lifeline, or for more information about the Residential Service Protection Fund (RSPF) Programs, please contact the RSPF staff TOLL FREE at 1-800-848-4442 or (503) 373-7171 in Salem; TTY users can call 1-800-648-3458; or write to:
Public Utility Commission of Oregon • RSPF
PO Box 2148 • Salem OR 97308-2148