One: Check If You Are Eligible
Once you fill in your customer information, you can choose qualify through a government program or qualify through your income. You dont need to qualify through both.
If you or someone in your household already gets Federal Public Housing Assistance , Supplemental Security Income , Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Medicaid or Emergency Aid to Elderly, Disabled and Children you already qualify for Lifeline.
If you choose qualify through your income youll see the following checkboxes:
Check the box beside the number of people who live in your household. Then, look at the dollar amount next to the number you chose. Is your income the same or less than that amount? Check Yes. If your income is more than that amount, check No.
You May Like: Money For Homeschooling From The Government
Can I Get More Than One Phone Per Person
No. The Lifeline Program covers one phone per household. A household is a group of people who live together and share money, even if they are not related to each other.
If you live with someone but you dont share money with them, you can fill out a Lifeline Program Household Worksheet to find out if you both qualify for a Lifeline Phone.
You May Like: Government Assistance To Help Pay Bills
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.
Read Also: Government Programs For House Downpayment
How To Change Lifeline Companies
All Lifeline providers are not the same. You may want to switch providers because you do not like the current service, you need a phone upgrade, you want more voice minutes and text messages, or your Lifeline operator may have left the Lifeline Assistance initiative. Link-Up services dont lock subscribers into yearly contracts. If you are getting poor customer service, the first thing you can do is to launch a complaint with the FCC. And if the situation doesnt improve, then you can even change your cell phone provider.
Most customers believe that they must first end their service with the current operator before joining a new carrier. But the Universal Service Administrative Company has a different approach to a Benefit Transfer or switching Lifeline providers. The USAC allows you to change cell phone companies if you have been on the service for a minimum of 60 days. The best thing is to ensure you cancel your previous provider to avoid being on multiple Lifeline services as it might lead to termination of your benefits.
Here is what you can do to switch Lifeline wireless providers:
Choosing The Best Free Government Phone Service Option For You
When it comes to choosing a Lifeline wireless service provider, trust and credibility are important.
StandUp Wireless has been providing low-income customers with free or discounted communications services for over 35 years. Under the StandUp Wireless program, you receive a free SIM card with at least 1,000 minutes, 4.5GB of free data, and unlimited texting every month.
While the federal program only allows each household one free account, with the StandUp Wireless Prepaid Program you may activate additional devices, allowing you to have reliable service at an affordable price.
Overall, you need to work with a provider who can meet your needs and provide you with support when you need it. Standup Wireless has customer service representatives who will treat you with dignity and respect and help you find a plan that will meet your needs, no matter what those are.
Recommended Reading: Hotels On Government Street In Mobile Alabama
Twigby Mobile Cheap Plans For Low Income
Twigby is a Nashville-based prepaid virtual mobile operator that works with the Sprint and Verizon networks . The plan highlighted below costs a few dollars more than Gen Mobile, but you get an extra 200 minutes of talk per month. Twigby sells a lot of cheap phones, the least expensive of which is the $ 15 Alcatel Cinch. If you want a device that looks more like todays smartphones, the Unimax Express costs $ 34.
What Happens After I Receive My Phone At A Feel Safe Wireless Event Or Location
Even if Feel Safe Wireless provides a handset directly to you when you apply for LifeLine service, this does not mean the LifeLine application process is complete. After you receive your phone, you will have free unlimited promotional minutes and texts that you can use as normal until your LifeLine application has been approved. We will notify you via text message when the California third-party administrator has approved your LifeLine application and verified your eligibility. Once your LifeLine application has been approved and your eligibility verified, you will be placed on the LifeLine plan you chose at the time of enrollment.
If your LifeLine application comes back with a denial requesting more information, we will reach out to you and/or direct you to Feel Safe Wireless customer service when you attempt an outgoing call, in order to gather the additional information required. If your LifeLine application comes back with a firm denial, you will be switched to the retail plan of your choice or you can choose to cancel wireless service with Feel Safe Wireless and mail back your handset to Feel Safe Wireless headquarters.
You May Like: How To Do Government Contracting
Are Calls To 911 And Feel Safe Wireless Customer Care Free And Unlimited For California Lifeline Participants Do They Count Against My Allotted Voice Minutes Or Number Of Calls
Pursuant to D. 17-01- 032, effective January 19, 2017, The California LifeLine fund will pay for no more than two activation/conversion fees per household per year Feel Safe Wireless will be responsible for any California LifeLine participantâs activation fee that is not eligible for reimbursement from the LifeLine fund.
Donât Miss: Government Grant For Women Owned Business
Free Wireless Internet Service Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
EBB is a limited-time program operated by the Federal Communications Commission that provides discounts on monthly broadband internet access service and certain connected devices. The EBB monthly service and device discounts are non-transferrable. An eligible household is limited to one monthly service discount and one device discount. EBB Program benefits may be obtained from any participating provider of your choosing and your monthly service benefit may be transferred to another provider at any time.California Lifeline Customers: The TruConnect California FREE EBB plan includes 14 GB of 4G/LTE data with wifi hotspot capability Lifeline Customers Outside of California: The TruConnect FREE EBB plan includes 12.5 GB of 4G/LTE data with wifi hotspot capability Stand-Alone Service: The TruConnect FREE EBB plan includes 8 GB of 4G/LTE data with wifi hotspot capability and your choice of an LTE-enabled hotspot device or Google Play Certified LTE Android handset
About TruConnect Lifeline
Dont Miss: Apply For Personal Government Grants
Read Also: Government Jobs In Warner Robins Ga
Free Phones From At& t
AT& T free phones are typically offered as part of a trade-in deal, though sometimes you will find them discounted to free when you switch to Big Blue and sign up for one of their top-tier unlimited plans. This offer is usually more common on slightly older phone models like the iPhone 12 or the Samsung Galaxy S21 series.
For the latest on which free AT& T phones you can find, check out our .
Why Do Phone Companies Offer Free Phones And Life Unlimited Everything Services
As mentioned above, there are no service providers that offer free cell phone service for life with unlimited everything. However, there are:
Now, you may wonder why any of these providers offer free cell phone service and free phones. Commercial and Lifeline providers do so for very different reasons.
Commercial wireless providers offer free phone service and cell phones as a part of a promotion that attracts clients to subscribe to their services. While these promotions may start off free of charge , the promotion period only lasts for a while. Afterward, the customer must pay for their services.
You May Like: Hospital Administration Jobs In Government
Heres What You Get With Your Free Cell Phone
We wish we could tell you that the free government cell phone youll receive is the latest, greatest smartphone, but that simply isnt always true. In most cases, Lifeline Assistance companies are likely to send you a used, but refurbished model. The companies usually buy these refurbished phones in bulk, and you never know which make or model you will receive. While a few companies offer newer smartphones such as Androids, many will send a basic feature phone. If you feel that you must have the most up-to-date technology, such as an iPhone, the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program may not be a good match for you.
In addition to the phone, which comes with voice mail, call waiting and caller ID and other features, you will typically get at least 250 minutes per month, but as weve pointed out, you could receive unlimited voice minutes per month with some providers in some states. In addition, all companies offer the ability to send and receive text messages, some offering an unlimited number of texts.
Find The Best Government Cell Phone For You
If your income is below certain levels or if you already participate in other government benefit programs, you could qualify for a free government cell phone plan. This can be incredibly important if youre trying to find or keep a job, as well as for coordinating childcare and more. Make sure you work with a provider who will give you the flexibility, service, and coverage you need.
Recommended Reading: Government Retirement And Benefits Platform
Best California Lifeline Cell Phone Providers
What is the best free government phone service in California?what is the best lifeline provider in California?
1- Access WirelessAccess Wireless California Lifeline: Access Wireless free cell phone service for Lifeline qualifying customers in California:Free unlimited talk and texts, plus 5GB of data.Access Wireless Add-on Plans
- $1 for 100MB of Data.
- $3 for 500MB of Data.
- $5 for 1GB of Data.
- $10 for 2GB of Data.
- $20 for 4GB of Data.
- $30 for 5GB of Data.
For more information about Access Wireless, coverage, phones, and calling features, check out the Access Wireless review.
2- Assurance WirelessAssurance Wireless California Lifeline: Assurance Wireless free cell phone service for Lifeline qualifying customers in California:Free unlimited talk and texts, plus 5GB of data.Data Add-Ons
- At $5 500MB of data.
- At $10 1GB of data.
For more information about Assurance Wireless, coverage, phones, and calling features, check out the Assurance Wireless review.
3- Entouch WirelessEntouch Wireless offers the following free phone plans for qualified applicants in California
- CA Basic Plus Plan: Unlimited talk, unlimited texts plus 4.5GB of data.
- CA Standard Plan: Unlimited talk, unlimited texts plus 6GB data.
- CA Tribal Plan: Unlimited talk, unlimited texts plus 6GB data.
- CA Talk & Text Plan : 1100 minutes, unlimited text, no data.
- $5 for 500MB.
Qualified Life Wireless applicants in CA can get:Unlimited talk, unlimited text unlimited MMS, 3GB data.Data Add-Ons
- $10 per 1GB.
Documents Needed To Prove Your Identity
As you are a Lifeline member or want to take part in it then you have to show your identity proof, so they will verify you and you will get the benefits from the Lifeline assistance program continue. But for this, you have to show the identity proof which is valid or given to you from Lifeline or any other government program. Even you can show your or your household member participated government program document as well, so, it is verified that you can continue to take advantage of the Lifeline program.
To get the benefit of the Lifeline program features you have to be participated in the program as a low income or on the behalf of your household who is participating in any of the government programs. If you are unable to do so then you can have to prove your identity.
Here is the list is given of the documents that you can use to prove your identity to get the benefit from Lifeline. The documents that you can use to prove your identity for applying the Lifeline support are:
You can use any of the documents to take part in the Lifeline support program and to prove your identity. Or your household members participated document that they will get from any government program when they participated in that.
Also Check: Red Roof Inn Government Rate
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.
Safetynet Wireless California Lifeline Providers
Another reliable free government telephone provider is SafetyNet Wireless. In fact, this is the best California life line provider in the USA. They offer California lifeline renewal services as well to customers. Essentially, their cellphone plans can be classified into three categories. California residents receive extra benefits from the SafetyNet Wireless phone program.
Besides offering a California lifeline phone number, eligible applicants also receive unlimited text and talk time, as well as free 5GB data.
Recommended Reading: Why Is Data Governance Important
How Can I Apply For The Free Iphone From The Government
Applying for a free iPhone from the government or any ACP/Lifeline program is simple. You only need to take the following steps:
Get Free Phones With Trade
The phones you can get for free by switching to a new carrier are usually solid budget to mid-range devices. If you want a higher-tiered flagship-level phone for freelike the iPhone 13 or Samsung Galaxy S22you will likely have to trade in your old phone.
The major carriers often offer big trade-in for old phones, which usually cover the cost of the base model of the current flagship phones. For example, the base Apple iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 mini were available for free with trade-in from AT& T, Verizon, and T-Mobile for most of the phones existence. Usually, youll have to get your new phone on an installment plan, and the carrier will apply credits each month to your bill.
Check out our guide to available to see if you can get your hands on one of the hottest phones for free.
Read Also: By The People Debating American Government Ebook
You Dont Have To Spend Hundreds On A New Phone
Cell phones are expensive, but theyre an essential part of daily life. Even if you dont plan to use yours for anything but phone calls or texts, having one can offer some peace of mind.
Taking advantage of an opportunity to get a free phone means you can get an essential tool without paying a premium price.
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 $3 a month is your best bet. Bonus, US Mobile operates on both T-Mobile and Verizon networks, which offer excellent coverage.
Recommended Reading: Federal Government Watch List Search
Determine How To Get A Free Government Phone
Through the governmentâs Lifeline program, eligible low-income people can acquire a free Android phone and phone plan. Anyone enrolled in one of the following programs is eligible to get a free phone from the government:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Tribal-specific programs
Those not enrolled in any of the above programs may still be eligible for the Lifeline program based solely on their income. The Affordable Connectivity Program will also provide unlimited data on your device.
Carriers in each state can get you set up with your free government phone and service. These carriers include Assurance Wireless, Life Wireless, and Safelink Wireless.
Free Government Cell Phones: Which Phones You Can Get
The various carriers that participate in the Lifeline Assistance program do a pretty good job of giving their customers some great options in terms of cheap or free phones. The available models are typically older devices that have reached their age of “maturity”they’re still excellent devices that can keep you connected, but are no longer as popular as newer devices, meaning the manufacturers are more willing to take on the financial hit of discounting the phone for free.
Note that regardless of which Lifeline carrier you choose, it’s rare to find a free government iPhone. Most carriers discount Android devices, so if you do find a government iPhone for free, jump on it before it’s gone!
Some free phone carriers aren’t very forthcoming with their phone lineups until after you go through the qualification process. However, doing so will help you determine what kind of stipend you’re working with for your free or cheap government phone.
Of course, if you want a smartphone that’s slightly newer than those available through the Lifeline Assistance program, you can always see which current models have associated with them at the moment. Here are a few free phones on sale from standard cell phone carriers.
You May Like: Free Government Phones In New Jersey
