Other services to help you

We offer a free scheme to protect you if you forget to pay your phone bill due to exceptional circumstances, such as if you are in hospital for a time. You can nominate a relative or friend we can contact on your behalf so that your phone line isn't disconnected in the event your bill is unpaid.

To get an application form, please call 0800 800 150 (Textphone 18001 0800 800 150) free of charge, 24 hours a day.

• For further details download the Protected Services Scheme guide – PDF [452 KB]

If you have a long-term illness or disability and your phone is vital, you may be eligible for this service. It is available on standard BT lines and gives you priority treatment if there's a fault with your line. Priority is given ahead of other jobs but we can't guarantee immediate repair. If you use a Lifeline it doesn't automatically mean you qualify for this service – but there are other options if you're not eligible.

To get an application form, please call 0800 800 151 (Textphone 18001 0800 800 151) free of charge, 24 hours a day.

• For further details download the Free Priority Fault Repair guide – PDF [155 KB]

If you're not able to read or hold a telephone directory due to illness or disability, you can apply for free 195 Directory Enquiries.

Call 0800 587 0195 to request an application form. Your form will need to be countersigned by a professional who knows you i.e. your doctor, nurse or other medical practitioner.

If you're vulnerable, you can ask to have your old hardwired phone equipment converted free of charge to a modern plug socket. This will let you use newer phones and products that you may find useful. Call 0800 800 150 for more information.

If you have an emergency, a community alarm lets you call for help at the press of a button. Pressing the trigger sends a call for help down the phone line to staff who can take control of the situation. Alarm services are available from local authorities, housing associations, charities and commercial firms. Contact the Telecare Services Association at www.telecare.org.uk or call 01625 520320 for more information.

If you can't use an ordinary voice telephone because of a hearing or speech impediment, a Textphone is an easy, alternative way to help you communicate.

Textphones let you send text messages to other textphones. You can also have voice-to-text or text-to-voice translation so you can talk in real time with other people using ordinary voice telephones.

Find out more about Textphones at www.textrelay.org