Sierra2023Archive

Service & Billing

How to Apply for the California LifeLine Discounts

Establishing or Transferring Service For new service you will need to complete an application packet; it will expedite the process if you are able to visit our Business Office in person. A valid picture ID, as well as the complete service address, is required. We can mail, email or fax the application packet to you if you prefer. To transfer your service to a new location within our service area, simply contact one of our Customer Care Associates during regular business hours. A Customer Care Associate will provide you with information relative to all service and equipment options available from Sierra Telephone. There are special programs for the deaf and disabled, and discounts for low income families. There are special requirements for provisioning service for new home construction. A Customer Care Associate will provide you with the necessary information and guidelines. NOTE: When connecting or reconnecting telephone service you may select an interexchange Carrier (IXC) or Long Distance Company of your choice to handle your intraLATA service area toll calls and interLATA or interstate long distance toll calls by pre-subscribing to that IXC. This service, known as “Equal Access,” allows you to make long distance calls without requiring you to dial a series of access numbers. Your Telephone Bill How You Are Billed Charges for local service and equipment are billed one month in advance. Installation and Repair charges are billed after they have been completed. All changes, except termination of service, and disconnection of certain options, require a service charge. The amount you are charged depends on the type of change requested. Consult your Customer Care Associate for a cost estimate for different services. Error On Your Bill If you have a question regarding your bill, call your Customer Care Associate. Please pay the undisputed charges on time so you will maintain a good payment record while the problem is being investigated. Payment Options • On-Line Bill Payment • Cash or Check • Electronic Check • Credit Card • Automatic Payments Visit our website at www.SierraTel.com

If you think your household qualifies for the California LifeLine discounts, please contact a Sierra Telephone Business Office: Oakhurst - 559-683 4611, Mariposa - 209-966-3636, or toll free 877-658-4611. We will review the program and eligibility rules with you. Then we will inform the California LifeLine Administrator to send you an application form. The California LifeLine Administrator will mail you an application form in a PINK envelope with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can apply online at www.CaliforniaLifeLine.com using your PIN or complete, sign, and mail the form and any required proof to the California LifeLine Administrator. The form and any required documents must be completed and returned before the response date indicated on the form. If you do not return the form, or fail to provide requested documentation, you will not get the California LifeLine discounts and will continue to pay the regular rates. How to Keep Your California LifeLine Discounts Once you are a California LifeLine participant, you must renew your participation annually. The California LifeLine Administrator will mail you a renewal form in a PINK envelope with a Personal Identification Number (PIN). You can renew online at www.CaliforniaLifeLine.com using your PIN or complete, sign, and mail the form to the California LifeLine Administrator. If you do not renew before the response date or get approved, you will lose the California LifeLine discounts, will be removed from the program, and will be charged the regular rates. If you have questions about your renewal, contact the California LifeLine Administrator at 877-858-7463 or 888-858-7889 (TTY) from 7 am to 7 pm Monday through Friday. If you believe your household no longer qualifies for the discounts or if your household is getting more than one discount by mistake, you must inform Sierra Telephone or the California LifeLine Administrator within 30 days. If you do not follow this notification rule, you may be penalized. De-Enrollment Rules Your household may lose the California LifeLine discounts if your household no longer qualifies, is already receiving the discounts (except TTY), fails to use the phone service for 60 consecutive days, or does not renew the discounts on an annual basis.

FEDERAL ENHANCED LIFELINE AND EXPANDED LINK-UP BENEFITS, QUALIFICATIONS AND CUSTOMER CERTIFICATION Please see page 6 for information.

Pay your bill online by visiting: www.SierraTel.com

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