Wednesday, March 6, 2024

How To Get A Free Government Issued Cell Phone

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What If You Are Already A Verizon Wireless Customer

Government Issued Cell Phone Fraud

For customers already subscribed to regular Verizon plans, it is much easier to switch to the free government cell phone plan. All you have to do is confirm that the program covers your locality and that you meet the qualification requirement plans. You can then easily transit to the free plan. There will be no need to get a new device, as your current one will be compatible with the network.

Verizon Wireless USA is one of cell phone companies, they offering free cell phone services under the Lifeline Assistance program. Beneficiaries of their free cell phone plans stand to benefit a lot not only from their wide network coverage. You can look up if you qualify for their program and get yourself a Verizon Wireless free government phone.

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.

Lifeline Monthly Rate Options For Verizon Wireless Customers

Generally, a lifeline beneficiary can choose from either the home phone connect plan or the Lifeline plan. The wireless lifeline plan costs $15.75 offering nationwide 750-talk time and unlimited text. Any other additional minute can cost the subscriber up to 45 cents with a single payment of $35 for activation.

You also need to know that the installation, roadside assistance, and maintenance fee is not included in the monthly charges.

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If You Have Low Income Or You Have Medicaid Food Stamps Ssi Section 8 Energy Assistance Or The School Lunch Program Then You May Qualify For A Free Government Cell Phone Service

The Federal Communications Commission launched the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program in the 1980s. The goal was to help low-income Americans stay connected by offering discounts on landlines. Now that cell phones have replaced landlines in most households, the program has partnered with several approved companies to provide free government cell phones service with free talk, text and Data to low-income families so that they can keep in touch with emergency services, medical services, schools and libraries. But how do you qualify for a free government cell phone service?

With millions of qualified people participating in this program, it seems to be one of the most successful government benefit programs ever. However, there are certain criteria which you need to fulfill in order to be eligible for this program so that you can receive your free cell phone service.

So how do you know if you qualify for this government assistance program? You can either continue reading this helpful guide about Lifeline qualifications before applying.

To see if you qualify for a free government cell phone service, just click the red button below to be redirected to a Lifeline provider in your area and start the easy signup process right now!

However, since Lifeline is a government-regulated program, many of the eligibility requirements are applicable regardless of the state you live in.

Does Every Phone Or Internet Carrier Offer Lifeline

Government

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.

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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.

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

The program runs under the Federal Department of Agriculture . It gives financial aid to low-income persons and families to relieve the high cost of grocery foodstuffs. It enables them to purchase food items from the convenience and grocery stores, also at some cooperative food programs and farmers markets.

However, despite FDA regulations, record SNAP aids are running at the state level or locality. Eligibility depends on the number of persons residing in a household and their income and monthly expenditure. The benefits are given month per month through an electronic card. The list of beneficiaries includes people living with a disability, the elderly, the employed, and the youth.

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Federal Public Housing Assistance

Federal Public Housing Assistance, mostly referred to as section 8, is a housing choice vouchers program that is run under the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development and funded by the Federal Government. The caters to the elderly, disabled, persons, and families surviving on low-income. The program gives financial aid to meet individual housing requirements and leaves the person to choose where they would like to stay.

Generally, section 8 offers subsidies that allow beneficiaries to afford to stay in private homes or apartments away from public housing facilities. If you qualify for this or any other Government assistance program, then you are eligible for free government phone in Texas.

Lifeline Free Government Cell Phone Program In Alabama

Get a free government smartphone in 2020 | QLink | How to get a free government phone ( revised)

Most carriers who provide free government cell phones have the same application process and qualification criteria. Under Lifeline Assistance, youre going to be getting pretty much the same deals from most of the carriers. Below is a list of carriers that provide free government cell phones in Alabama.

  • Tribal Head Start
  • Section 8/ Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribal Head Start
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

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What Handsets Does Feel Safe Wireless Offer To California Lifeline Participants

Feel Safe Wireless provides a free handset to California LifeLine participants ,1 or customers may bring their own compatible device. Handsets are brand new, not refurbished. However, if a California LifeLine participant desires to purchase a different handset or is not entitled to a free handset, Feel Safe Wireless will offer all handsets to participants on the same basis as the Company’s retail customers.

The Lifeline $25 Plan

The Lifeline Plan requires a compatible Verizon wireless free government phone. This is either provided by the company upon signing up or can be bought separately. Of the $25, the government pays $9.25. Verizon Wireless, therefore, bills you the remainder, that is $15.75 a month.

The package is comprehensive and covers both calls and text messages. It includes:

  • 750 talk minutes. These can be used at any time, any day.
  • Unlimited local mobile to mobile call minutes
  • Domestic long distance calls
  • Free night and weekend talk time

The Lifeline Plan also charges a one-time activation fee of $35.

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Does Feel Safe Wireless Offer California Lifeline Discounts To All Customers

Feel Safe Wireless offers California LifeLine discounted services on a non-discriminatory basis to any customer residing within the service territory where the Company offers retail wireless telephone services. Feel Safe Wireless will only provide California LifeLine discounts to participants that are found eligible for California LifeLine Service by the California LifeLine Administrator.

Qualify For Lifeline By Participating In A State Or Government Assistance Program

assurance government phone

A large percentage of people, specially senior citizens, will qualify for Lifeline government cell phone service by participating in a state or government assistance program. Since you participate in one of these programs, you may also require other financial assistance. In order to prove you qualify by participating in a state or government assistance program, you will need to submit a copy of your approval letter, ID card, or something else showing you currently participate in one of the qualifying programs.

Although state and government assistance programs vary by state, here are the most common programs found in all states:

  • Food Stamps, or SNAP
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families
  • National School Lunch Program
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

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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
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
  • Supplemental Security Income
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
  • CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Women, Infants and Children Program
  • National School Lunch Program
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
  • Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
  • Welfare-to-Work
  • Greater Avenues for Independence
  • Tribal TANF
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Head Start Income Eligible
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program

2)Income-Based Qualification Method:

Household Size

Restrictions On The Verizon Wireless Free Government Phone Program

Getting a Verizon wireless free government phone does not necessarily mean you have full autonomy of your plans and access to Verizons services. There are certain restrictions that may limit your use. These include:

  • Only one user in a household can benefit from the program. Also, this means that families have to pick one member to get the phone.
  • Must sign a contract of service, which includes a minimum duration in which you will benefit from the program. Any termination of the contract before expiry will attract a termination fee.
  • Participants need to provide two different documents to certify their identity and sign under penalty of perjury that they are eligible for the program.

Violation of any of these terms will most likely lead to you being kicked out of the program, or even fined. You are also required to re-apply for the free cell phone service every year, where all the parameters are again re-assessed.

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Who Qualifies For Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Service

In order to qualify to participate in the Lifeline program, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must be located in the United States. The program is available in every state, commonwealth, territory and on Tribal lands.
  • You must have an income that is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty GuidelineOR participate in one of the following federal assistance programs
  • Tribal Programs

You must only have ONE Lifeline subsidy per household but you can transfer your benefit between providers. You can either use the subsidy to receive help with your home phone, cell phone OR high-speed broadband internet service. This is verified by the National Verifier system to prevent fraud.

What Type Of Cell Phone And Service Does Lifeline Cell Service Provide

Free Government Cell Phones 2017: AMERICANS GET FREE ANDROIDS(LINK IN DESCRPITION)

In some cases, individuals are eligible to receive fully functional smartphones from the government. Additionally, qualified applicants can receive free talk time – up to 250 minutes – each month. Companies such as SafeLink Wireless, Assurance Wireless, and ReachOut Wireless provide service for Lifeline.

Read Also: Government Assistance Cell Phone Programs

How Do I Apply For Lifeline

Apply for Lifeline through the Lifeline National Verifier. You can apply online or mail in a paper form.

You can get approved for Lifeline faster if you include documents that prove you qualify when you apply.

  • You can use documents that show you get benefits like SNAP, MassHealth, or SSI. These documents must have:
  • Your name or the name of the person who qualifies for the benefit,
  • The name of the program that makes you eligible for Lifeline,
  • The name of the agency that issued the document, and
  • A date that is within the past 12 months or that shows when your benefits end.
  • You can also use documents that show your income is 135% of the federal poverty level or less, like:
  • An Unemployment Benefits statement,
  • A Social Security benefits statement,
  • A paycheck stub, or
  • Another document that shows your income.
  • If the National Verifier does not show that you qualify with the information you upload, you may need to give Lifeline other documents.

    Do not give a copy of your Social Security Number card or your full SSN to a Lifeline sales representative. You only have to give the last 4 numbers of your SSN. Lifeline workers can only ask for your Social Security card if there is an error verifying your identity.

    If you have questions about how to apply, call The Department of Telecommunications and Cable Consumer Hotline: 1-800-392-6066.

    Who Qualifies For Lifeline

    The program is limited to individuals with low income. The inclusion criterion, therefore, focuses on income levels. Anyone with an income that is below 135% of the poverty income line qualifies for the program. The poverty income level varies from state to state and even city to city. Therefore check to ensure that you truly qualify for it. Also, anyone who is a beneficiary of any government welfare program is eligible for Lifeline Access. These programs include:

    • Food Stamps and Supplemental Nutrition Program
    • Medicaid
    • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program
    • Childs Health Insurance Program
    • Supplemental Security Program

    There may be other requirements that vary depending on the company offering the service.

    Read Also: Apply For Free Government Cell Phone

    Selecting The Best Offer

    When you determine which companies offer phones in your area, you must next visit the websites of the companies that distribute these phones. Many of the providers that offer phones in different states vary what their programs offer each individual consumer, so you may need to shop around at each of their websites in order to determine which has the best deal.

    Some providers give you the 250 minutes as part of the government program, but also offer additional minutes at a reduced rate. In addition, some of the providers may also offer texting at reduced rates.

    The Ultimate Guide For Free Government Cell Phone Service For Senior Citizens

    Totally FREE Cell Phone and Monthly Minutes ⢠Guide2Free ...
    • Only 3.6 percent of seniors reside in a nursing home
    • 50 percent of seniors will battle at least two chronic conditions
    • 33 percent live in federally subsidized housing
    • 42 percent of people 65 and older are part of minority groups
    • Seniors are the fastest growing age group

    Reliable phone service is an important feature of modern life one that many of us take for granted.

    However, for many low-income Americans, the cost of cell phone service can be unaffordable. This can prevent access to the family and friends we love, as well as vital support networks such as doctors and emergency assistance. What if we told you there are free government cell phone service for senior citizens?

    Because phone service is so crucial in our lives, lacking access to it can be dangerous particularly for senior citizens, who may need help at a moments notice.

    Thats why the Lifeline Assistance program exists to help low income Americans, including those over the age of 65, to have reliable, modern phone service at no cost.

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    What About Verizon Wireless Free Government Phones

    Its regrettable for Verizon subscribers because Verizon Wireless currently does not offer this service despite it having the fastest internet speed in the USA.

    Other than this offers, therere existing discounted phone plans by Verizon wireless upon availing your chosen smartphone.

    Continue reading below to know more about these plans and offers by Verizon wireless.

    Minimum Service Standards & Support Amounts

    Date Voice Support Amount Broadband Support Amount

    Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination

    Usage Allowance: 2 GB

    Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination

    Usage Allowance: 3 GB

    Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination

    Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism

    Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination $5.25

    Speed: 3G or Bureau Determination

    Usage Allowance: Updating Mechanism

    Usage Allowance: CAF Standard or Bureau Determination $0** $9.25

    * Minimum service standards and support amounts will be implemented on the later of December 1, 2016 or 60 days after PRA approval.** Continued voice support of $5.25 per month in areas with only one Lifeline provider.*** 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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    Bureau Of Indian Affairs General Assistance

    The Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance program offers aid to American citizens of Indian descent and members of Alaska innate tribes. It gives out cash to beneficiaries who use it to help cater to their necessities of food, housing, clothes, utility bills, and in other circumstances, it may also help offset funeral expenses.

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