Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone With The Lifeline Program
For starters, if youre already enrolled in a government aid program, you could automatically qualify for a free government phone. Those already enrolled in any of the following programs are eligible:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Supplemental Security Income
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations , Head Start
If youre not enrolled in any of those government programs, youll need to prove your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. For example, if youre the only person in your household and want to get a free government phone, youll need to prove you make less than $12,760 per year. Every extra person in your household pushes your limit up another $4,480so, essentially, the more folks you have in your household, the easier it is to qualify for a free government cell phone and inexpensive cell phone plan.
Find A Free Government Phone Provider
To get a free phone, you must check with one of the companies that offer phones through the Lifeline Assistance program. There are many providers out there, but the most popular ones are Safelink Wireless and Assurance Wireless.
Many programs exist all over the country that provide cell phones to needy people in most states. Providers include Budget Mobile, Life Wireless, Assist Wireless, I-Wireless, Terracom Wireless, YourTel Wireless, Tag Mobile, Cintex Wireless, Care Wireless, Alaska Communications, and Wireless for Hope. Because of the expansion of these programs nationwide, this list is subject to change.
History Of Lifeline Alabama Free Government Cell Phone Service
The Federal Lifeline program has helped millions of eligible people living in America get free or discounted phone service since 1984. Lifeline was started by the federal government and the Federal Communications Commission as a solution to helping low income Americans stay connected. Lifeline originally only provided free or discount landline service, but now cell phone services are included as an option.
The program is distributed by a nonprofit administration called the Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC. In order to receive free government cell phone service, eligible consumers must apply and be approved for Lifeline. Once approved, consumers will receive their free cell phone service from an approved Lifeline service provider.
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Faq About Alabama Free Government Cell Phone
Q: Is Alabama Free Government Cell Phone Service Right for you?
A: If you receive any government assistance, then the answer is most definitely yes! This service is completely free and can help you save lots of money each year.
You will never have to worry about late payments again because its all covered for free by your Alabama Free Government Cell Phone Service Provider.
Q: Who is Eligible for Alabama Free Government Cell Phone Service?
A: You are eligible for free cell phone service if you currently receive any assistance from the federal government, including Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, Food Stamps/SNAP benefits, SSI, and LIHEAP.
Q: What Phones can I get with Alabama Free Government Cell Phone Service?
A: All free Alabama government cell phone service providers offer mobile phones with essential features such as call, text, and data options. The exact features depend on which one you choose. You can get a low-cost or even free mobile phone with your selection of services!
Q: Will I have to pay taxes on these Alabama Free Government Cell Phone Services?
A: Show your free cell phone. Alabama provider receipt is all thats required to show proof of purchase. Once you have the ticket, you will not be criticized for this service! However, if you pay cash for a low-cost mobile phone, you may need to pay taxes.
Q: Will I have to pay Billing Fees?
Minimum Service Standards & Support Amounts
| Date | Voice Support Amount | Broadband Support Amount |
|---|---|---|
| $5.25 | $9.25 |
* Minimum service standards and support amounts will be implemented on the later of December 1, 2016 or 60 days after PRA approval.*** Fixed broadband providers that do not offer a product meeting the minimum service standards to a particular customers residence may receive the $9.25 benefit if that customer purchases a fixed broadband offering that meets or exceeds 4 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.
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Are There Other Options To Get Free Government Cell Phones
Some communications companies also provide discounted rates and plans for Lifeline-qualified individuals in some areas. Brands like ATT, Verizon, and US Connect offer these plans for those who are facing financial difficulties in some states. It is best to call your local providers customer service hotline to know more and to ensure that you are getting the best deal for your needs.
Best Free Government Cell Phones To Get In 2022
August 26, 2021Categories: Government Cell PhonesTags: Access, american, assist, assistance, Assurance, ASTAC, ATT, blue jay, entouch, Free Government Phone, Free Phone, GCI, Inifinity, lifeline, Q Link, SafeLink, Sprocket, Standup, Terracom, TruConnect, Verizon, wireless
Getting a free government cell phone has become essential. Your phone connects almost everything and everyone. A so-called food stamp cellphone is the fastest and cheapest way to stay in contact with your family and friends. It could be a lifesaver in times of emergencies or distress. Free government cell phones will also be your ticket to starting a career, so employers can contact you once they want an interview or are ready to hire you.
The Lifeline Assistance Program provides free government phones to people on food stamps and other reasons. It was initiated by the US government to help millions of Americans who dont have access. This FCC-mandated program mandates several service companies to provide devices with mobile plans which include minutes and text every month. For example, Verizon usually includes 250 minutes or more of calls, text allowances, and some even offer data allocation. AT& T only offers a discounted rate on voice minutes.
Over 12 to 15 million Americans are already enjoying this benefit, allowing them to contact loved ones and stay in the loop for the next career opportunities. You only have to contact one of the best free government providers below to get started.
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Alabama Lifeline Low Income Telephone Program
There are two main programs in Alabama that can help household with paying their phone bills, and they include Lifeline as well as Link up. Both of them are required to be offered by federal government law to low income families or those that receive some form of public assistance, such as food stamps, LIHEAP, or other aid.
The goal of these Alabama low income telephone programs is to ensure that every homeowner or renter in the state has some form of access to emergency communication, regardless of their income. For example, if someone, such as a senior or a person with a disability, lives on a fixed income or maybe an individual lost their job, by using this program they may be able to get help for their bills. No matter the situation, Lifeline can help make that monthly telephone expense a little more affordable.
When applying for a discount, one of two conditions need to be met. First, Lifeline is for families with a very low income, and that is usually based around 100 to 150% of the federal poverty levels for a household. So applicants may qualify based on that condition.
Link-Up is the second assistance program in Alabama. This one will provide a discount for the installation of a new phone, or maybe even for the activation costs for a wireless service. In some cases the savings may be up to 50% of the costs that a household would normally need to pay for this expense.
Free Government Cell Phones: Plans Devices How To Apply
Thanks to the governments Lifeline Assistance program, you can qualify for free cell phones and inexpensive cell phone plans.
For those of you who struggle making your cell phone payment every month, this government program was made for you. Now lets see if we can set you up with a free government phone. In this article we’ll explain how you can qualify for the Lifeline program, as well as run through the carriers that offer free government cell phones. Finally, we’ll present some low cost cell phone plan alternatives to this free program.
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Why Do These Providers Offer Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Service
The government has created a subsidy program to help low income customers get free phones and free cell phone service. After all, having a reliable phone and service is essential in todays fast-paced world.
After all, phones are usually required to get jobs contact emergency services pay bills arrange child care contact doctors and other medical professionals and so much more. Without a reliable phone, ordinary life gets very difficult very quickly.
Sign Up For Free Government Cell Phone Service
The online application is different for every Lifeline free service provider, but the process usually involves the five steps below:
Once your application is approved, your Lifeline provider will help with setting up your free government cell phone service!
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Failing To Upload Your Proof Of Benefits Will Result In Your Order Taking Additional Time To Process
To avoid this, upload your proof now and receive your phone as early as next week.
Program-based eligibility
If you or someone in your household participates in one of the following federal or state assistance programs, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program discount.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
If you reside on Tribal lands and participate in any of the federal or state assistance programs below:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
Documentation of income or program participation is required for enrollment.
Income-based eligibility
If your household’s income is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program discount. To determine if your household meets this criteria, check the federal poverty guidelines eligibility chart, which is updated each year. Find the number in the left column matching the total number of members of your household, and if your household is at or below its corresponding household income, you may be eligible for a Lifeline Program discount.
Companies That Provide Obama Phones And Free Service
IMPORTANT NOTE: The plans of the various companies below can vary considerably. Some may give unlimited minutes, some unlimited texting, and most now include up or 500 MB of mobile internet data . And the phone models can vary greatly as well, with some providing smartphones. We urge you to compare plans of all providers who serve your state.
Assist Wireless This Lifeline cell phone provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Missouri and Oklahoma. They have a number of different plans.
Assurance Wireless Assurance, a rapidly-growing subsidiary of Sprint Nextel, is number two in the Obama phone business with 2.7 million customers. It offers phones in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
Cintex Wireless This regional Lifeline provider offers cell phone plans in Arkansas, Maine, Maryland, Rhode Island or West Virginia.
Easy Wireless If you live in Oklahoma, Kentucky, or Missouri, you can contact Easy Wireless for your Lifeline cell phone.
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Applying For A Free Government Phone
Once you have located a company that offers a program that is to your liking, applying for a free cell phone is simple. Using the providers website, you can fill out an online application to get a free phone.
While many choose to apply online for a free phone, the option exists to sign up in stores where applications are taken. In addition, some government assistance offices may also offer the option to sign up for the Lifeline Assistance program. For those of you who are not internet savvy, this is a great option to apply for the program.
How Do I Apply And Prove My Household Income To The Government
Youll need to submit pay stubs, a W-2 form, or a letter from the government agency that you’re enrolled in to prove your household income. The process of applying for free cell phone service is thankfully pretty easyyou can just go to the website of a cell phone company that participates in the program.
For example, if you wanted to check out Assurance Wireless, theres a big Apply Now button front and center. Just follow the instructions and you should find out if you qualify for a cell phone and cell phone plan fairly quickly.
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S To Getting A Free Government Phone
In order to get a free cell phone through the government program, you must first check to see if you qualify based on your income. Eligibility rules differ by state, but are similar. A good rule of thumb is that if you qualify for a state assistance program like SNAP, Supplemental Security Income , Free School Lunch program, Medicaid, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program , Tribal programs, or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families , then you may already qualify to receive telephone assistance. In addition to those state-funded programs, you can qualify for the free phone program if your income is below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. This percentage is as high as 150 percent of the poverty level in some states.
How To Get Free Government Phones
Getting a free government phone is easy if you meet the income guidelines. Because of the economic downturn in the country as a whole, many Americans have been hit hard financially. The nation has been suffering as a result of the recession, leading to higher rates of poverty in every state. As a result of the economic crisis, many people feel that cell phones are luxury items that are not affordable.
Thankfully, the Lifeline Assistance program exists to assist qualified Americans in obtaining a free government phone. These phones have become known as Obama Phones and have swept the nation in an attempt to offer free service to people who earn lower than average levels of income.
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Us Mobile Unlimited Talk And Text Plan
The only way to bring your bill lower than $10 a month is to throw out your data plan altogether. If you know you don’t want to pay for any wireless data, the US Mobile Unlimited Talk and Text plan at $7 a month is your best bet. Bonus, US Mobile operates on both T-Mobile and Verizon networks, which offer excellent coverage.
Check out our cell phone deals page that is updated weekly.
Free Government Phones By State 2021
Lifeline Assistance is an FCC-mandated , government-sponsored program that helps the financially disadvantaged receive a cell phone at no cost to them.
An estimated 12-15 million Americans have a Lifeline cell phone and about 10 million more are qualified to enroll in the program and receive a free cell phone. Those who wish to see if they qualify or want to enroll in the Lifeline Assistance program can go to the Free Government Cell Phones website.
Some companies that participate in Lifeline offer new smartphones such as Android, but it is likely that recipients will receive used, refurbished models or a basic feature phone. Lifeline users will typically get 250 minutes per month or up to unlimited voice minutes and sometimes unlimited texting as well.
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Free Cell Phones For Low
Did you know that if you live in Alabama, have a low-enough household income or are eligible for certain government programs, like free school lunches for your children, that you could be eligible for a free cell phone?
That’s right, a free cell phone, with free monthly service. The Fodder didn’t know about these services until a website this week posted a notice to make Alabamians and others aware of it and to tell them how they could apply.
With one option, Assurance Wireless from Virgin Mobile, you get a free phone and 250 free minutes of wireless voice service monthly. In addition to
The Fodder
Sometimes humorous, sometimes provocative, Fodder is a recurring online Press-Register feature that spotlights water cooler discussion topics of regional or national interest. Read more Fodder.
a free cell phone, Assurance Wireless offers free voice mail, call waiting, caller ID and access to 911 in case of emergency. In some cases, you can get free texting, though it can take away from your total minutes.
Beyond the free 250 voice minutes, customers can pay for additional 10-cent-per-minute domestic calling, 10-cent text, email or instant messages. International calling is at competitive rates.
In Alabama, you would qualify for the phone if you qualified for:
- Food Stamps/SNAP
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program
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