Tuesday, February 27, 2024

Free Government Phone And Internet

Don't Miss

Getting The Phone Through The Mail

Government’s Free Phone Program Ripe WIth Abuse, Fraud

Following the online application, you can begin watching the mail for your free phone to arrive. From there, you can turn the phone on and use it to receive 250 free minutes of airtime every month. Depending on the provider that you have chosen, you may also have opted for getting reduced costs for texting and extra minutes.

As many as 35 percent of people in the country qualify for free cell phones under the Lifeline Assistance program, so it is best to check your income level against the Poverty Level guidelines to determine if you are eligible. Estimates have shown that as many as 20 million people in the country have already taken advantage of the program.

Free Government Cell Phones: Carriers

So, what are the free government phones you can get with the Lifeline Assistance program? The carriers below all offer cell phones and plans via the Lifelink program.

  • Assist Wireless

Note that each carrier serves specific states for more information on which states each is available in. The easiest way to find out what carriers work in your area is to enter your ZIP code here.

South Carolina Telephone Assistance Program

In addition to Lifeline, the State of South Carolina offers a state telephone assistance discount. The telephone assistance program offers up to $3.50 per month discount on home landline telephone service.

The South Carolina state discount is automatically added when the subscriber qualifies for the federal Lifeline program.

Also Check: Dfa Intermediate Government Fixed Income Portfolio Institutional Class

The On It Foundation For Free Laptop

Standing for Opportunities Necessary to Increase Technology, this organization understands how important computers are for your childs development. Thus, this organization provides free computers to all the students of the United States. The following conditions must be met:

  • The student must be in grade K-12.
  • The student must attend a public school.
  • The student must reside in the United States.
  • The student must receive a free or reduced school lunch
  • Applying to the On It foundation involves the parent or guardian of the child writing a Letter of Request with their signature to the organization with the following mentioned:

  • The name of the student:
  • The age of the student:
  • The grade of the student:
  • The name of the school attended:
  • The address of the school:
  • The phone number of the school:
  • The name of the parent or guardian:
  • The address of the parent or guardian:
  • The phone number of the parent or guardian:
  • Even if you do not qualify for a free computer, the organization will give you huge discounts with their Jump On It! Program.

    Almost Free Broadband From Centurylink

    Pin by deals ae on Verizon Wireless Free Government Phone

    CenturyLink There is no mandatory compulsion for internet providers to have low-cost plans for the poor. However, CenturyLink has such a plan in every one of the 37 states in which they do business.

    They didnt do it out of the kindness of their heart, agreeing only to provide the plans in order to help convince the Federal Communications Commission to approve its purchase of rival Qwest Communications. But no matter, they are obligated to give you broadband access for only $9.95 a month. In addition, they will sell you a netbook computer for just $149.99!

    The eligibility criteria are the same as for a free cell phone, meaning for each state they follow the Lifeline Assistance eligibility guidelines. If you go to their website, you will see the requirements and an application for each state.

    Don’t Miss: What Is Good Data Governance

    What Kind Of Phones Can I Get

    You usually won’t know what kind of phone you can get until you go through the approval process, though most of the Lifeline Assistance-eligible carriers do a decent job offering a variety of phones. Sadly, you likely won’t find the iPhone 11, iPhone SE, or a new Android phone with these carriers, but there are still plenty of smartphones out there that you can get for super cheap or even free. Yup, thats right: a potential free smartphone.

    To give you an idea of what to expect, Assurance Wireless has its cell phone lineup public. You can find smartphones like the Alcatel Dawn and the Kyocera Hydro REACH.

    You can also find other smartphones like the Coolpad Haylo, REVVL 4, and ZTE Prestige 2.

    Arizona Telephone Assistance Programs

    In addition to Lifeline, the State of Arizona offers a state telephone assistance discount the Senior Telephone Discount Program. The telephone assistance program offers up to $3.14 per month discount on home landline telephone service.

    To qualify for the Senior Telephone Discount Program:

    • Must have voice service
    • Qualifying participant must be a senior
    • The qualifying member of the household has an income at or below 100% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

    Also Check: Data Governance Policies And Procedures

    Federal Veterans Affairs Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit

    Pension Grant Letter, should contain the following basic information:

    • Participants name
    • A decision about the participants monthly entitlement amount
    • Payment start date

    Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

    • Prior Years State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
    • Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation Benefits Statement
    • Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
    • Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
    • Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
    • Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
    • Social Security Benefits Statement

    Internet Cost And The Digital Divide

    Free Low-Income Cell Phone Service

    Most people would jump at the opportunity to save money on any of their monthly bills, but internet access is an area where fair and affordable pricing is especially important. Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, many day-to-day activities have moved to the internet. If your job depends on the internet, its not just a convenienceits a necessity.

    This dependency on the internet has allowed many companies to engage in anticompetitive practices and has created a lack of competition among broadband providers.8 Even though the internet was developed in the United States and created with public funds, Americans pay higher bills and get lower speeds than people in many other countries.9, 10

    In July 2021, President Biden issued an executive order instructing the FCC to address some of these issues by preventing ISPs from engaging in certain anticompetitive practices, making pricing more transparent, limiting excessive early termination fees, and restoring net neutrality.8 If implemented by the FCC, these measures could reduce the cost of internet access for many Americans.

    For more information, learn more about broadband coverage in the US and what you can do to improve it on a local level.

    You May Like: Free Government Grants For Felons

    Locations With Free Wifi

    Check your local library: Public libraries across the country offers wireless internet connection to all visitors during hours of operation free of charge. You will be able to connect your devices through the library network to access the internet. There are also librarians who can help seniors connect and navigate the Internet. The library also offers public computers that can be used for job searching, research and other activities.

    Colleges/Universities: Colleges usually have an open and secured Wifi network that covers the campus area. Anyone can connect to campus wifi, and there is a guest wifi option for visitors. Other educational facilities try to offer free internet or wi-fi service to low-income families or the unemployed.

    Public Space: Free Wifi can be found in any neighborhood and public spaces. Starbucks, McDonald’s, coffee shops, fast food chains, airports are some common places to find free wireless hotspots. You will find a listing of nearby shops and restaurants on Yelp that offers complimentary Wi-Fi to guests

    Major cities such as San Francisco and NYC provide free public wifi to some extent with the CityWide wireless network, also known as blanket wifi across cities. These are free government programs that provide internet access to everyone, no matter their income. Visit WifiFreeSpot.com— for an organized database of free wifi hotspot locations in the US.

    Can I Apply For A Lifeline

    Yes, you can still apply for the Lifeline free cell phone program even if you do not belong to a low-income household. Because generally, the criteria of eligibility to apply for free government phone is nearly the same for all the states but might be different according to the states lifeline providers. Hence it is always better if you check the first eligibility criteria or requirements of your state lifeline provider and then you can see if you have qualified or not get the free government phone service. And you also update the official website.

    Don’t Miss: Best Buy Government Employee Discount

    Do Free Cell Phone Providers Provide Customer Support To Users

    In most cases, yes, the phone providers offer customer support to users. But there might be some service providers might not extend customer support to lifeline participants. In most cases, the lifeline providers always offer customer support to the customers and also the participants of the lifeline program. And you also search for various information regarding the program through the official website.

    Best Free Government Cell Phone Companies With Plan

    Free Government Cell Phone Service from Lifeline

    Many of us cannot imagine working without a mobile phone. While we might fail to appreciate that we can communicate with our loved ones and even access emergency services, its a different case for low-income families. Mobile phones and cell phone services are usually out of reach because of their high cost. But thanks to the Lifeline Assistance program, you can now get a free government cell phone along with cell phone plans, if you cannot afford them. The Federal Lifeline program supports disadvantaged individuals and households by subsidizing phone services. Both Link-UP and Lifeline are programs of the Federal Government that assist with free phones for low-income citizens.

    The FCC through the government has been providing impoverished people with discount landline services for years. Today, however, cell phones are the primary means of communication. Transformations in the program mean less fortunate Americans can now sign up for free phone services, government free cell phones, or both. Even though most citizens call them Obama phones, it is a misleading term because the routine dates back to the George W. Bush administration.

    Regardless, the initiative is still active, and you can apply for a government phone if you meet the eligibility criteria. There are plenty of free phone food stamps beneficiaries, for example, who qualify for a free government cell phone through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP.

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Recommended Reading: Washington State Government Jobs Olympia

    Free And Discounted Broadband Internet And Phone Programs

    Discounted Phone Services:

    The Lifeline Credit is the Federal Communication Commissions mandated program for telephone customers on state or federal assistance programs that will reduce their recurring monthly charges by $9.25 per month for local exchange service and up to $34.25 per month for those on Tribal lands. All providers of local telephone service are required to provide the Lifeline credit to all their qualifying customers who request it.

    Free Cell Phone: An individual may opt to use the Lifeline Credit for a cell phone instead of a landline. Assurance Wireless, Frontier Communications and Cox Communications provides this benefit in Connecticut. Included are free phone and a free cellular or landline phone plan that provides free minutes each month.

    Safelink do not provide phones, but they provide the free service or minutes to qualified individuals.

    Who is Eligible?

    To qualify, a customer must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the following programs by providing a card, letter, or official document, as proof that you participate in one of these programs when applying for Lifeline.

    In addition, individuals are only allowed to get one Lifeline discount per household, not per person.

    If someone else in a household address already gets Lifeline, the provider company will use a Household Worksheet to see if more than one household lives at the address.

    Discounted Broadband Internet Services:

    Bureau Of Indian Affairs General Assistance

    This is a federal government program administered by the Bureau of Indian affairs. It offers financial help and caters for shelter, food, utility costs of Indian-American households.

    Requirements for proof of membership

    The program requires that beneficiary present documentation to prove membership. You can submit the ISP since its direct evidence to prove that you are a beneficiary of the help plan.

    Don’t Miss: Hp Federal Government Employee Discount

    What Are The Other Ways To Get A Free Cell Phone From The Government

    There are many other ways to get a free cell phone from the government. And in case you are not eligible for a free government cell phone with the Lifeline program, then you can still receive a Free smartphone using different ways. You must eligible for getting a free cell phone from the lifeline program.

    Now it goes without saying that not everyone will be eligible for a free government cell phone through the lifeline program and the resources are available limited but the number of participants is very large. Hence, you need to qualify for the eligibility criteria. But the ways are limited and a large no. of participants so, there is everyone cannot eligible for the program.

    But you dont worry if you cannot get a free smartphone from the Lifeline program, because other ways are using which you can get a free cell phone from the government. Below there are given many other ways:

    Best Free Government Cell Phone Companies

    Free Internet! for Everyone 2021 | Boost Mobile | Government Emergency Assistance Benefit Program

    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.

    Read Also: Los Lunas Gov

    You May Like: Government Incentive For First Home Buyers

    Qualify Based On Your Income

    To qualify for Lifeline based on your income:

    • Based on household size, your annual household income must be 135% or less than the federal poverty standards. For example, a household size of one would need a yearly income of $18,347 or less.
    • A household of eight would need an annual income of $62,951 or less.

    See a complete chart of income requirements based on household here.

    Free Government Cell Phone: Everything You Need To Know

    The Federal Communications Commission has been running the Lifeline Assistance program since 1985. The initiative design aims at ensuring equal access to phone services for all citizens. It explicitly caters to the needs of disadvantaged persons and households who are unable to afford a cell phone or mobile plan.

    The project provides up to $9.25 every month to each qualifying candidate for wireless services. Lifeline also offers internet service to eligible Americans at the same monthly rates. You can qualify for the free government phone financially, or be a beneficiary to other government-led initiatives like Medicaid or SNAP.

    Only a select group of wireless carriers, such as Safelink and Q-link Wireless provide low-cost service and free phones via Lifeline, hence the name Link-Up companies. Besides, most Lifelines are regional wireless providers, save for the major mobile Telcoms that are available in almost thirty-six states.

    Before you apply for a free government phone, its advisable to know which participating Lifeline company offers services in your state. Should you qualify for a free phone from the government, the company will not ask you to pay monthly service charges, connection fees, down payment, or sign an annual agreement. However, you must observe the programs yearly certification arrangement to maintain your service. Furthermore, some Lifeline Link-Up operators offer free smartphones.

    Also Check: Government Jobs In Lakeland Fl

    Support Options For Qualifying Low

    Qualifying customers have access to these support programs:

    Get Free Internet And A Refurbished Laptop From Pcs For People

    Free government phone programs

    PCs For People is another nonprofit organization that gives away free refurbished laptops for those that need it the most. Qualified recipients are able to get laptops that are complimentary. This organization donates computers that have Windows 10 licensed copies since it is a refurbishing organization registered with Microsoft. All you need to do is to get on their website and see if you meet their eligibility requirements to get a laptop for free. The best part is that this organization even offers free unlimited internet plan for eligible applicants. Make sure you look at the list and see if you can avail of free internet from this organization.

    Recommended Article:

    Recommended Reading: Government Pell Grants For Single Mothers

    Who Is Eligible For A Free Government Cell Phone With Internet

    The US government has strict rules regarding the acquisition and utilization of free government cell phones. This means that not every citizen is eligible to use these cell phone services. The free government cell phone offers 250-1000 unlimited minutes and every month.

    Those eligible for this service are not supposed to pay any charges for the phone and services. Usually, the free cell phone providers are the ones that conduct the vetting and approval of individuals who qualify for these services. The qualification criteria and rules set by the state tend to be the same in all the states. So, you will be eligible for a free government cell phone if you fit in any of the following federal government.

    What Are The Benefits Of A Landline

    Many people these days dont have a landline and rely on a cell phone or internet-based system like a digital phone. What they dont know is that a landline may be the most reliable phone on the market.

    A landline works during an electrical outage and doesnt need batteries to charge, making it the perfect security blanket in an emergency, especially if you need to call 911. Those living in areas prone to hurricanes, storms, or tornados may find it particularly life-saving.

    Landlines also have excellent sound quality and clarity, never drop a call, and cant be hacked.

    You can use your landline for unlimited local calling, access a directory listing, and save money if you bundle it with other services or get it free through Lifeline.

    Recommended Reading: Government Subsidized Housing For Elderly

    More articles

    Popular Articles