How to Apply for a Free Government Cell Phone

Cell phones have become more than just a luxury in the 21st century as they have become a necessity. There are lots of reasons this tool is useful as they not only allow us to say in touch with loved ones; they also are very essential for our daily work as workers use them to contact employers and clients. Emergency situation is another reason cell phones are needed. Cell phones are more important since public pay phones are now few these days.

The government has made it possible for authorized cellular phone providers to offer complimentary devices and services to low-income individuals who would otherwise be unable to afford them since cell phones have become such a vital tool in this technology age. There is also a free government sponsored device if you cannot afford to buy a cell phone on your own.

The Government Sponsored Cell Phone Program

Since cell phones have become such crucial tools in the technology age, the government has established a free program that offers cellular devices and services to individuals and families who are economically impoverished. The government-funded program, known as Lifeline Assistance, guarantees that all American citizens have access to the benefits that cellular devices and services provided. This program is part of the Universal Service Fund and it is available in 49 of the 50 United States, as well as the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Under this program, individuals who earn less than a specific income level can gain access to a cell phone and cellular services. Those who qualify can have access to 250 minutes up to an unlimited amount of talk and text minutes every month, depending on the location they live in.

Lifeline Assistance

Statistics have proven that between 12 and 15 million Americans receive free government funded cellular phones and services. The eligibility structure for receiving the grant differs from location to location. Anyone who receives other forms of government assistance such as Section 8 Housing, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) has the ability to automatically qualify for the Lifeline Assistance Program in some areas. Household income may be the factor to be considered for qualifying in other areas. 

Eligibility Requirements

Eligibility requirements for the Lifeline Assistance program do vary from state to state. Depending on where you live, you may be required to show proof of income or proof of the government-funded program you are participating in to determine if you are eligible for the government-funded cell phone program. Under the Lifeline Assistance program, those who do qualify are eligible to receive a single wireless or wire line account per household.

It is very important to stay connected in this 21st century filled with technology. Cell phone proves to be very valuable when it comes to achieving certain things that has to do with goals especially work- related and communication. Cell phones are not only used to access instant vital emergencies alone. 

How to Apply for a Free Government Cell Phone

You can use the following information to find out if you qualify for a free cell phone if you are unable to afford a cellular device and the necessary accompanying service. You no longer need to wonder where to turn to. You can easily know whether you qualify for the government funded cell phone by going through the following information.

Find out if you qualify

As with any government-funded program, you will need to meet eligibility requirements in order to receive a free cell phone through the government. The majority of people who are receiving benefits from a federal or state aid program, as those who are receiving assistance from these programs have already demonstrated that they have a financial need for a free government sponsored cell phone. If you are receiving benefits from any of the following programs, regardless of the state that you live in, you will automatically be considered eligible for the Lifeline Assistance program:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8 housing)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
• Tribal Heat Start
• Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FPIR)

Additional eligibility

There are some states that you will have additional eligibility if you qualify for state sponsored aid programs. An instance is if you qualify for Mass Health in Massachusetts or the Women, Infants and Children Program in California, there will be a Lifeline Assistance which will be added to your qualification. Additionally, if you are not receiving assistance through one of these programs, you may be able to qualify for a free cell phone by demonstrating your Total Household Income. If your total income is a specific amount below the Federal Poverty level, you may eligible for a government-funded program; in Hawaii, for example, if your Total Household Income is 135% or more below the Federal Poverty level, you will qualify for Lifeline Assistance.

Find a provider

You will need to find out that offers free cell phone through the Lifeline Assistance program in your state once you have being considered eligible for the offer. There is information you can get that would direct you to the providers in your state online.

Contact a provider

The next thing is to contact the provider to find out more about how you can receive a free cell phone through the provider after you must have found a provider. The phones and plans that each company offers will vary while each provider must adhere to rules that are set forth by the Lifeline Assistance program.

Enroll

The next thing is to enroll in the program once you have successfully chosen a company that offers free cell phones. You can go through the provider’s website online to achieve this. You free cell phone will be sent to you by mail once you have enrolled in a program. It can take several weeks before you receive your device as delivery time will varies. You can start using you phone based on the details that are outlined by the provider after you receive your phone. This will be determined based on your eligibility requirements.