Best Free Government Cell Phone Plans. A free government phone with the internet can make a great difference in the life of a disadvantaged family. Now you can get a free smartphone and free monthly minutes. Lifeline Assistance and Linkup assistance programs have been helping low-income families and individuals gain affordable phone service since 1985.
The upgraded program now offers smartphones and included major companies like Safelink Wireless, QLink Wireless, and Assurance. The availability of cell phone service gives the poor access to all the benefits associated with being able to communicate with the outside world. The free cell phone program was originally created to help low-income families, with discounted land-line services, such as paying the installation fees and a discount on bills.
Today the program includes cell phone service. A cell phone is a necessity, in the fast-pasted world, we live in. Lifeline is financed by the Federal Universal Service Fund (USF). The USF, not only provides free and discount phone services to families, but schools, libraries, and rural and urban areas and low-cost high-speed the Internet.
Who Qualifies for a Lifeline Free Government Phone?
You may wonder if you are eligible for this free cell phone plan. If you gross monthly or yearly income is at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, or you receive assistance from a government agency, you may qualify.
You may be eligible for a free cell phone plan, even if you work, but still considered low-income. Many families have Mothers and Fathers working one or even two jobs, to try to make ends meet. It is especially great to know consumers like this can be helped.
Eligibility Requirements
You may qualify for this program if you receive assistance, such as
- TANF
- SNAP
- Receiving LIHEAP
- Receiving Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing
- National School Lunch Program
- Supplemental Security Income SSI
The process of applying for the free government phone program very easy. Once you choose a provider, go to their website to submit an application. You can also apply by phone, or download and fax the application to the company.
If you are approved, you will receive a cell phone, free minutes and all the benefits the provider offers. Each year, you have to re-certify your financial status to continue in the program.
Best Free Government Cell Phone Companies
There are dozens of new cell phone providers throughout the U.S. Puerto Rico and Territories. The plans vary slightly from company to company, and some charge a very small fee for phones and services.
All provide phones, text messaging, 3-way calling, caller ID, Voice Mail, and a phone charger. You are only allowed one phone per family unit. A family is considered anyone who lives together in one location.
These are some of the Top Phone Provider
- Safelink Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Reachout Wireless
- Budget Wireless
- Free Government Internet Provider List
You Must Provide Proof of Eligibility
This free government phone benefit has been a tremendous help to millions of people, however, there has been a lot of fraud and waste associated with the program. Now, every application must be submitted with proof of income, proof of enrollment in a government assistance program.
Documents you Need when Applying for a Lifeline Phone
- A Statements from:
- Department of Social Services
- Veteran’s Administration
- Social Security Benefits
- A current Federal Tax Return
- A letter from Unemployment/Workman’s Compensation
- A payroll statement or current check stubs from your job
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I have a Phone through you a long time. My Phone is broken. Can I have another Phone?
Hi, Peggy. You need to call the phone provider you have your phone service with.