A free government phone can make a great difference in the life of a disadvantaged family. Without a phone, people feel cut off and lonely. Lifeline and Linkup assistance programs have been helping low-income families and individuals gain affordable phone service since 1985.
The availability of cellular service gives the poor access to all the benefits associated with being able to communicate with the outside world. The 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 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.
Top Cell Phone Providers
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. As a family is considered anyone who lives together in one location.
YouMust 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.
Acceptable documents are:
- 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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