Best Free Government Cell Phones To Get In 2021
August 31, 2020Categories: 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 in the digital age where it 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, or 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.
You can also check out this article if you are looking for free and affordable broadband or internet service.
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.
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.
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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.
Getting A Free Cell Phone From The Government
The other route for getting a free cell phone is from the Lifeline Assistance government program. Along with a free cell phone, you also get a cheaper cell phone plan. Dont expect to get the latest Apple or Android devices with this government assistance program, but you can still get a brand new phone for free.
First things first, youll need to make sure that you qualify for a free phone from the government.
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Is It The Bidenphone Free Unlimited Talk Unlimited Text And Unlimited Data For A Limited Time
May 30, 2021 | | Filed Under: InternetTagged With: Emergency Broadband Benefit, FCC
Maybe its time to change the name from ObamaPhone to BidenPhone, because Uncle Joe and the Federal Communications Commission just announced Christmas in May for free government cell phone customers.
Because of the damage the Covid pandemic has wreaked on the lives of low-income Americans, the Lifeline free government cell phone plan has been expanded and now offers free unlimited talk, free unlimited text, AND free unlimited data.
Yes, you read that correctly. Free unlimited talk, free unlimited texts, and free unlimited data.
These new, added benefits are available from EVERY Lifeline service provider and some providers are trying to put their own spin on it, but no matter what name they may give it, its real name is EBB .
Heres a good example of what we mean. Assurance Wireless, one of the largest Lifeline free government cell phone service providers, calls it Assurance Wireless Unlimited and tries to make it sound like a plan they developed on their own.
Assurance Wireless can now offer you our most generous cell phone plan yet Assurance Wireless Unlimited. It combines our Lifeline service with the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit to give eligible customers Unlimited Data & Texts & Minutes, plus 10GB Hotspot Data. See if you qualify today!
Important Pages
Best Verizon Wireless Phone Deals
After the abolishment of the two-year contract deals, many wireless phone companies decided to offer great phone deals to their customers. These phones are hi-tech smartphones from the best manufacturers such as Apple, LG, Samsung, and Motorola.
Below is a list of the best phone deals of the current models that are offered at low cost on Verizon wireless.
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How The Lifeline Assistance Program Works
Every qualifying person will get a free government cell phone or smartphone with free talk-time, data, text messages, and hot spot data. Nevertheless, the offer varies depending on the company and your state. Therefore, youll want to find a phone provider with the best benefits. It is also advisable to look for a Link-Up operator with an excellent customer service record. Like regular cell phone companies, Lifeline wireless services have varying levels of customer support, playing a significant role in a customers overall experience.
The Universal Service Fund finances the program so that you dont have to worry about making payments once you qualify. You are likely to be eligible if you receive government help or participate in one of the government poverty initiatives. Interested citizens can receive a free government cell phone through the following steps:
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 Government Cell Phones In New York
In 2019, the median household income stood at $71,855. The state has a population of 19.45 million. Major employers in New York are IBM, Deloitte, PepsiCo, JPMorgan Chase, Pricewaterhouse Coopers, Citi, Verizon, and ABM Industries. Most of the New York-based are global giants. The state is also home to the New York Stock Exchange, the worlds most valuable exchange. Yet, many individuals are living in New York who cant afford phone services. The poverty rate stands at 13.6% which is a whopping 2.6 million in the entire population. To be fair it has been on the decline in recent years. To mitigate the worst effects of low income, the Lifeline Program is available to New Yorkers also, but you must meet certain eligibility criteria to qualify for one.
How To Access The Best Free Government Phones In Texas
Texas is among the wealthiest states in the USA. It perceived to be the home for many millionaires and billionaires of the world.
Like it is common to many other parts of the globe, Texas is still home to many poor people. Therere so many cases of unemployment in Texas and many low-income earners living in this magnificent state.
Thus, the government has partnered with the Lifeline Assistance program to raise hopes of the poor people living in Texas. The best free government cell phones are given to the low-income earners. Other than the free government phones there are also the discounted phones to people with narrow pockets. These measures have been taken as a way of government in partnership with lifeline assistance companies to help realize an increase in telecommunication services as desired.
If Texas is your home state here are the lifeline companies that offer free government phones with internet. Confirm your legitimacy to be enrolled under the Lifeline program and go for the best free government cell phones from these companies.
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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.
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.
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How Much Does The Free Verizon Cell Phone Plan Save You
Every free government cell phone Verizon plan comes with a fully paid monthly package of $9.25. This is a comprehensive plan that includes both local and domestic long distance calls, as well as text messages. The plan is often sufficient to cover your monthly communication needs, therefore saving you the need to pay any phone bill. In case you go for a higher plan, the free government cell phone plan will cover only $9.25 of the bill, while you pay the rest. So in brief, you get almost $10 knocked off your monthly phone bill.
Emergency Broadband Benefit Providers
The EBB is a limited-time plan created as part of the governments overall COVID-relief efforts. There is currently no set end date, but that is subject to change at the discretion of the FCC.
The primary difference between the LAP and EBB is that EBB isnt just limited to cell phone usage but internet service too. Additionally, more renowned service providers like AT& T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer EBB services in numerous states across the country .
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How To Qualify For Lifeline
The primary requirement to qualify for the Lifeline program is household income level. Low-income single people and families who fall at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines may qualify.
If you qualify for other federal aid programs, you will probably qualify for the Lifeline Program. Other qualifying aid programs include veteran pension and survivor benefit programs, Social Security Income , and Federal Public Housing Assistance.
In addition, if youre on Medicaid or if you receive SNAP benefits, youre eligible for the Lifeline program.
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.
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Free Government Cell Phones With Internet
Close to 12-15 million Americans are beneficiaries of free government cell phones with internet. Regarding the slow rate at which the American economy is growing, its approximated that numbers of people enrolling for the best free government cell phones will increase soon.
Lifeline Assistance cell phone companies are located in different zones, offer different free units and services. Therere two most significant providers of free phones with internet namely:
- Assurance wireless and
- Safelink wireless
These two providers are found in many free government phone locations compared to other players in the industry.
In total, the Lifeline Assistance cell phone companies are 58. So get to know the companies that provide the best free government smartphones and their respective states and cities where theyre found. Also, look at their plans and packages to determine whether they match your preferences or not.
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What Are Free Government Phones
Free government cell phones are cell phones and service plans intended to help those within low-income brackets have access to a cell phone primarily through the governments Lifeline Assistance Program .
Additionally, the FCC offers a program known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit it is similar to the Lifeline Assistance Program but with some slight differences.
Those who are unemployed or working can qualify for the Lifeline Assistance Program. People receiving benefits from government programs such as Head Start, Food Stamps, Section 8, or Medicaid are also pre-approved. You can see if you qualify for either the Lifeline Assistance Program or the Emergency Broadband Benefit.
Many cell phone providers work with both the LAP and EBB, and these vary depending on your state of residence. Be sure to check and see which provider will work best for you.
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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.
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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Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus
S9 plus is the latest release from Samsung. The phone features 6.2 embodied with a curved screen weighing about 188 grams.
S9 plus has two cameras, an 8MP front camera and 12MP rear camera with dual aperture technology.
Its ranked as the worlds first f/1.5 having an aperture included into premium DSLR cameras.
The phone supports 64GB or 128GB storage with 6GB RAM.
The phone has a 350mAh battery capacity able to charge fast about 90 minutes to full charge.
Pros
- Impressive camera specs even in poorly lit areas
- Loud and clear audio system
- Fingerprint sensor
- A so-so battery performance
Verizon Price
In Verizon, the phone goes at a reasonable $ 929.00 plus other prepaid deals. With this phone, you will save 50% when you select the trade in option on Verizon.
