a Goally Publication
a Goally Publication
Get
Goally
The TEPP Wisconsin is a program that helps families in Wisconsin get special equipment for their kids who have certain disabilities. This equipment can make it easier for these kids to communicate and learn.
How much money do you receive from the TEPP Wisconsin voucher?
You can receive anywhere from $100 – $7,200 depending on your disability.
What if I can’t afford the $100 co-pay?
The Telecommunications Assistance Program (TAP) may be able to pay the $100 co-pay. TAP is a funding program of the Office for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (Department of Health Services). Only persons who are Deaf or Severely Hard of Hearing in a low-income household are eligible. If your total household income meets the TAP income criteria, and you provide proof of hearing loss, TAP funds will provide the $100 co-pay. Both TEPP and TAP applications will be processed together and the $100 co-pay will be combined with the voucher.
Who do I contact if I have questions?
You can contact the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin by phone: (608) 231-3305 or by email: [email protected]
How long does the voucher application take?
It generally takes 3-4 weeks to receive your voucher.
Here’s how it works. The TEPP Wisconsin program is funded by the state of Wisconsin. Parents can apply by filling out a form and sending it in. If their application is accepted, they get money to buy special equipment for their child. The amount of money each family gets depends on their needs.
| Category | Fund Amount | Description | Co-payment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hard-of-Hearing | $100 | Generally need a high quality amplified phone to help understand telephone conversations. | No co-payment required |
| Deaf/Severely Hard of Hearing | $800 | Generally need equipment in addition to an amplified phone, or a TTY or a more specialized phone. Signaling equipment may also be needed. | $100 co-payment required |
| Speech Impaired | $1,600 | Generally need equipment that assists in vocalizing or amplifying speech, or a TTY or a more specialized phone. | $100 co-payment required |
| Mobility/Motion Impaired | $1,600 | Generally use a wheel chair for mobility, are unable to dial the phone yourself, are unable to hold a phone handset, or are restricted to a bed. | $100 co-payment required |
| Deaf with Low-Vision | $2,500 | Generally need equipment that enlarges the print for “reading” telephone conversations. Signaling equipment and other equipment under the Deaf/Severely Hard-of Hearing category can also be purchased. | $100 co-payment required |
| Deaf/Blind | $7,200 | Generally need equipment that is Braille-based. Signaling equipment and other equipment under the Deaf/Severely Hard-of Hearing category can also be purchased. | $100 co-payment required |
To be eligible, you must meet all of the following criteria:
| Eligibility Number | Requirement |
|---|---|
| 1 | Be a Wisconsin resident. |
| 2 | Be a person who is Hard of Hearing, Severely Hard of Hearing or Deaf, has a Speech Disability, or has a Mobility/Motion Disability. |
| 3 | Have a need for special equipment in order to communicate in the home or when traveling. |
Take note: Only one TEPP voucher per person every three years for the same disability is allowed. There is no limit for age or income to be eligible.
