Friday, March 15, 2024

Government Assistance Cell Phone Programs

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Us Mobile Unlimited Talk And Text Plan

Free Government Cell Phones – Lifeline Dealer Opportunity

The only way to bring your bill lower than $10 a month is to throw out your data plan altogether. If you know you dont 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.

Now that you know about free government cell phones and how to apply, here’s your next steps:

Check out our cell phone deals page that is updated weekly.

What Are The Lifeline Eligibility Rules For Each State

The eligibility requirements vary from state to state, due to various government aid programs that are state-specific. However, these programs are simply added on to the qualifying federal programs that are available in all states. Here are the federal programs you can count on qualifying with in every state:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit.
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Tribal Head Start
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

In addition, you are able to qualify by your income level. Most states want to see that your total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your state a smaller number of states are at 150%. Each state page we link to above will tell you in detail what those levels are.

If you need more information on the overall program before selecting a cell phone provider, please begin from the top at our free cell phones home page.

Just tell me how to get a Phone!

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Easy Steps To Get A Free Cell Phone

It is easy to obtain a free cell phone if you are in need and earn a lower than average yearly income. To qualify for a free Obama phone, you can follow the below steps to receive one in the mail.

If you earn an income that is under 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, then you may already qualify to receive a free cell phone under the Lifeline Assistance program. You can generally qualify for a free government phone if you are receiving assistance from a government based program. Those programs include SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, Section 8, TANF, and Tribal assistance. You may qualify based on your level of income even if you are not currently participating in a government assistance program.

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Surprise Fees And Sales Tax

You will still be paying for the full tax as required by law regardless of your credit score. You may be expected to pay an upgrade fee which ranges between $35 and $40. These are costs which are meant to cover switching to a new phone line and exchanging your old phone with a new one.

Should you decide to return your new handset, you may be asked to pay a restocking fee for putting this phone back to the market. This costs $35-$40.

What this means, in short, is that:

  • Early upgrades or instalments will require full tax payment of the full amount of the phone as if you are purchasing the phone and paying for it in slow instalments.
  • You dont have to pay the full amount of tax since you are not owning but leasing the phone.
  • Should you need to change providers, you will be expected to pay all the remaining instalments on your phone or you return it.

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Why Didnt I Receive My Confirmation Email

Free Government Smartphones

Please make sure that your confirmation email is not in your spam folder. If it is, you will have to move the email to your inbox and add Q Link Wireless to your address book. This is an important step that will ensure you see and read all of our emails that contain order updates.

If youre a Gmail subscriber, you may see your confirmation email in your Promotions folder instead of Primary. Please note that Gmail updated the organization of your accounts inbox folders. Instead of having one primary inbox folder, Gmail now has Primary, Social, and Promotions. To ensure you read all of Q Link Wireless emails, we ask you to please mark Q Link Wireless as a primary sender. Heres how you can do that:

  • Find a Q Link Wireless email.
  • Hold down the left clicker on your mouse on the email.
  • Drag the email from the Promotions or Updates folder to the Primary folders tab until the email and the Primary folder tab turns light yellow and says Move 1 conversation. Release the mouse.
  • Upon asking if you wish to mark future Q Link Wireless emails as Primary, click Yes.
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    Does Every Phone Or Internet Carrier Offer Lifeline

    No. Only 6 companies in Massachusetts offer Lifeline. They offer cell phone, landline, Internet or a combination plan. Some wireless carriers may also offer a free or low cost device like a cell phone, computer, or tablet. The company you use depends on where you live.

    If you already have a cellphone, landline, or Internet plan, ask your carrier if they offer Lifeline. Also ask them if they offer other discount programs for low-income customers. You can ask your company to apply to the state to become an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier so they can accept Lifeline.

    Q Link Wireless Limited

    Q Link is a major player amongst regional free government cell phone companies. It covers Arkansas, Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. The Q link program also has an excellent bonus program. For every approved referral you make, you get 100 minutes extra of your monthly talk time. This program is partly responsible for the rapid growth of Q Link Wireless Limited.

    There are various online tools that show you free government phone locations to buy the government phones. You can try and first search using your Zip code as this is the best way of getting information about government phone programs near your location.

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    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.

    Am I Eligible For Liheap

    Lifeline Wireless Free Government Phone Providers

    This chart from Benefits.gov shows the average LIHEAP eligibility requirements. Actual requirements may vary by state, city, or region. Each local LIHEAP office sets its own eligibility requirements.

    • A person or family participating in certain other benefit programs, such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Supplemental Security Income , Temporary Assistance for Needy Families , or certain needs-tested veterans benefits may be automatically eligible.
    • Being qualified for LIHEAP does not guarantee that you will receive help. Whether or not you receive help depends on how much LIHEAP funding is available for the year.
    • On average, about 20% of households that are qualified for LIHEAP receive benefits. When LIHEAP funds run out for the year, no more benefits can be given until Congress makes more funds available.

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    What Happens If I Mark A Q Link Wireless Email As Spam

    If you intentionally or accidentally mark a Q Link Wireless email as spam, two things may happen:

  • You will not be able to sign up for your FREE phone service through Q Link Wireless. If you already applied, your account will be blocked.
  • You will no longer receive Q Link Wireless emails, which include important information and updates about your account details.
  • If you marked a Q Link Wireless email as spam, please contact us right away to remove the block on your account. You can send us an email by . Make sure to provide your information just like it is on your Q Link Wireless account, and explain the issue clearly. It may take up to 72 hours for our Customer Support team to begin processing your request.

    Wait Are These Obamaphones

    Yes, they are often called that but this program didnt start with Obama.

    This program actually has its roots back in the 1930s, when the government established the need for universal phone service. It began providing free phone service under Reagan and was later expanded by Bush and Obama but the free phones provided by this program is nevertheless referred to as Obamaphone program.

    It is more properly referred to as the Lifeline program.

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    What Is The Lifeline Assistance Program

    Lifeline Assistance is the Federal Communication Commission’s long running program designed to provide equal access to phone service for all Americans. It specifically caters to low-income residents who may not otherwise be able to afford a cell phone device or plan. The program entitles those who are eligible to wireless service for $9.25/month. It also applies to internet service, also priced at $9.25/month.

    You can read more about the Lifeline program here.

    What Happens Next

    Lifeline: A Free Government Cell Phone Assistance Program

    If you qualify through the National Verifier, you have 90 days to choose a company.

    You must recertify every year. You have to show you still qualify for Lifeline and that you only have one Lifeline service. If you do not recertify, you will lose Lifeline.

    Phone companies may add extra costs for extra minutes or other fees. Be sure to ask about these costs before you sign!

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    How Do I Qualify

    Qualifications for the Lifeline discount program are provided on the Lifeline application. Verizon Wireless offers Lifeline service in parts of Iowa, North Dakota, New York and Wisconsin. Lifeline service is not available in all areas in these states.

    You must provide documentation to demonstrate that you are eligible for the Lifeline benefit.

    Proof Of Identification Options

    Is the Lifeline program really free?

    Yes! Qualifying individuals receive Free cell phone service.

    If you qualify for programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Food Stamps, or meet California Lifeline Guidelines for low income you may qualify for Free Service. Enroll Today!

    How do I qualify?

    The Online Enrollment Form is easy to use and will walk you through each step of the process.

    If you qualify for programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Food Stamps or are considered Low Income, you likely qualify for Free enTouch Lifeline cell phone service. Learn more about Lifeline and qualification here.

    Can I bring my own phone?

    What is the quality of service?

    While enTouch provides Free service through Lifeline to eligible customers, enTouch uses the same technology and connections as non-Lifeline cell phone providers. You will receive great, reliable service!

    How easy is it to sign up?

    Yes, enrolling with enTouch Lifeline cell service is easy!

    The Online Enrollment form is easy to use and will walk you through each step of the process. Click here to Enroll Today!

    If you qualify for programs like CalFresh, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, Food Stamps or are considered Low Income, you likely qualify! Learn more about Lifeline and qualification.

    You can also enroll by mail with a paper application. .

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    Is data really unlimited?

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    Is California Lifeline Right For You

    There are two ways to qualify for the California LifeLine Program. You may qualify for California LifeLine via Program-Based OR Income-Based. Documentation of proof of eligibility is required. Submit COPIES of proof of eligibility with the completed and signed application. Make sure that your signature is very clear and legible.

    1)Program-Based Qualification Method:

    You can qualify for California LifeLine if you or another person in your household is enrolled in any one of these qualifying public assistance programs:

    • Medicaid/Medi-Cal
    • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
    • Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program

    2)Income-Based Qualification Method:

    Household Size

    Lifeline Program For Low

    Fox News Special Report covers fraud in the government’s free cell phone program

    Lifeline

    Lifeline Fraud Tip Line: 1-855-4LL-TIPS or . Please provide as much detail as possible, including your name and contact information and the company you are using to receive Lifeline-supported phone service.

    The FCC is currently developing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that Congress created in the recent COVID relief legislation. Program specifics will be available in the coming weeks. Consumers should contact broadband providers that serve their area to learn more about current low cost offerings.

    Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

    The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company . USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. USACs website provides information regarding administrative aspects of the low-income program, as well as program requirements.

    Below are highlights of the reforms made in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order:

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    Some Providers Load Their Free Phones With Malware

    In early 2020, it was revealed that many free phones that are provided from these government programs come preloaded with malware. The affected phones discussed in this article were provided by Assurance Wireless. The preinstalled malware aggressively displays ads and cant be removed without uninstalling the Settings app which can basically destroy the phone.

    Thus, it is very important to carefully evaluate which plan and phone you will use. If you arent careful, you could end up with a nearly unusable device.

    What Kind Of Phones Can I Get

    You usually wont 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 wont 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.

    To give you an idea of what to expect, Assurance Wireless has its cell phone lineup public. You can find phones like Coolpad Illumina and Coolpad Legacy.

    You can also find other smartphones like the Alcatel Dawn, Kyocera Hydro Reach, and ZTE Prestige 2.

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    Georgia Lifeline Cell Phone Service

    enTouch Wireless offers government assisted wireless services to low income families and individuals in Georgia. Qualified customers receive Free cell phone service. Certain residents may be eligible for a Free cell phone. We offer Lifeline discounts to qualified Georgia customers who meet certain eligibility requirements such as government assistance or a household income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Your Lifeline benefit is limited to one per household and cannot be combined with any other Lifeline offer.

    All plans are 30-day plans. All plans subject to Acceptable Use Policy.

    *Data is 3G/4G/LTE based on network availability and device capability. For more information, view our Open Internet Transparency Policy.

    What If I Dont Qualify For An Obamaphone

    Government Assistance Program

    Fortunately, there are other providers that offer cheap cell phones and services for all customers .

    Mint Mobile offers wireless service starting at just $15/month! Mint has been highly recommended by many of my readers. Learn more about Mint here!

    Do you know of another provider we havent written about yet? Let us know in the comments and well check it out!

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    Free Government Cell Phones: Plans Devices How To Apply

  • FAQs
  • 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.

    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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    Wait For Your Free Government Phone To Arrive

    After you fill out the application, watch your mailbox for your free cell phone to arrive. When it arrives, you will be able to utilize the 250 free minutes of airtime provided along with any other bonuses granted by the provider.

    Getting a free cell phone through the Lifeline Assistance program has never been easier. If you follow the four easy steps, you could be on your way to receiving the phone assistance you need to keep in touch with doctors, family, and emergency contacts.

    If you earn a lower than average household income, it is possible to apply for and receive a free government phone. Search for providers in your state that offer free phones to residents based on income requirements or government program participation.

    The Lifeline Assistance program offers phones for free in 49 states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. Eligibility rules for participation may differ depending on the state in which you reside, but they are typically similar.

    While signing up for free phone service online is the easiest option, if you are not technologically inclined, you may apply in person. To do so, locate a government office to apply for free service. There, you can speak with a representative about the plan options available to you under the different providers so that you are able to make an educated decision about what is right for you.

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