Phones are an indispensable part of life as it works as the means of communication, staying connected online, and many more. In the age of the internet, it is important to stay connected online nicely to make sure everyone is getting all types of services and facilities that make life faster and easier. The price of the phones, especially smartphones, doesn’t come with a cheap price and is costly. For this, some low-income families don’t afford to go phones due to low income. But they need to have a phone for successful communication and getting services as citizens and families.
Lifeline is a government benefit program to make sure low-income families lower the cost of phones and internet service. There are many Lifeline providers through which free phone and phone services are available. So there are different Lifeline providers to go free phones as the government program, and it is important to check such programs for getting free phones for low-income families. So we are going to discuss some issues regarding free phones for low-income families.
Content Outline
- 1 Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Services From The Government
- 2 Inception Of Obama Phones
- 3 Qualifying Factors For A Free Government Phone
- 4 Documents You Need For Free Government Phone And Phone Service
- 5 Application Process For Free Government Phones And Phone Services As A Low-income Earner
- 6 15 Best Providers That Offer Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Service
- 7 Types Of Phones From The Government
- 8 Can I Get An Iphone As A Government Phone?
- 9 Can I Get A Free iPad From The Government?
- 10 Does Verizon Wireless Offer Free Government Phones?
- 11 Can A Senior Get A Free Phone Or Social Security?
- 12 Final Verdict
Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Services From The Government
The United States of America government wants every citizen to be connected online nicely. As part of this issue, different government departments go online, and people can visit the government website and get services applicable to them. Graduate students need a phone to apply for a job and get a job. The patients may visit different health websites to learn about health issues and contact emergency services. Seniors need to use their phones to know Medicaid and Medicare facilities and different senior assistance programs from the government department.
Additionally, free phones make life fast and forwarded as smooth digital communication is never possible, keeping a part of the people far away. When everyone uses phones, it is possible to see a connected and combined digital community where communication and service are more accessible and available.
So, the government of the United States of America always believes in a digitally connected world. There is a subsidy program to make sure low-income people can get free phones and cell phone services to let them live equally and go ahead according to their living status.
Inception Of Obama Phones
There is a historical background behind the Obama phone, and we have to go back to the 1930s. The government then felt the need for universal phone service. For this free phone service was initiated under Reagan Administration. The program was established by the FCC and named Universal Service Fund, funded by tax through everyone’s phone bill. This fund enabled people to get subsidies for basic telephone services.
Obama was the 44th president of the United States of America, and he worked so hard for universal phone services. After that Obama worked to expand this universal phone service in line with the FCC’s approach. In 2009, Congress enacted a law ordering the FCC to develop its National Broadband Plan. Obama Administration highly realized the need for broadband and Cellular services, and citizens of the United States of America could qualify for a cell phone as a basic one but not the latest such as iPhone or Galaxy. This program comes with Lifeline and it is one of the most talked-about topics in recent days as Obama phone.
There is a Lifeline program provider in every state and one may locate easily reach those lifeline providers to get started for free phone service. So, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for eligible low-income families since 1985. This is surely helping people connect jobs, family, and emergency services.
Qualifying Factors For A Free Government Phone
When you are going to opt for a free phone from the government, you need to qualify for the lifeline program. There are policy guidelines set in place to make sure you have a low income, and you can qualify for a free phone from this program. Here are the eligibility requirements that one needs to fulfill.
- You need to reside and be a citizen of the United States of America, and this program is available in every state, territory, and tribal land.
- Income is the most important factor for qualifying. For this, you need to have at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
- You may also need to participate in the following government assistance program such as
- Medicaid
- SNAP
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal public housing assistance
- Veterans pension and survivors benefits
- Tribal program
In addition, you need to have one lifeline subsidy for one household, but you may transfer your benefit between providers. It is also possible to use the subsidy to get help with your phone, cell phone, and high-speed internet broadband service.
Documents You Need For Free Government Phone And Phone Service
Surely every assistance process needs document-based work, and you need to know carefully and get prepared with documents. There are some documents that you need to apply for a Lifeline phone. These includes
- A statement form
- Department of Social service
- Veteran’s Administration
- Social Security Benefits
- A current Federal Tax return
- A letter from unemployment/Workman’s Compensation
- A payroll statement or current check stubs from your job
Application Process For Free Government Phones And Phone Services As A Low-income Earner
When you have a low income, you may go with numerous government assistance programs. But before going to any Lifeline provider, you need to get started with the Lifeline program and apply to be eligible. Then you should apply for the free government phone program to the Lifeline provider, and it is a simple process. For this, you need to choose the provider and visit their website. There are guidelines on how to get started with the application process. If needed, you may call their hotline number and download the application form. After filling up the application form, you should fax or reach the application form to the company. The application process may vary according to the provider, and It is important to check out all instructions before going through the application procedure.
15 Best Providers That Offer Free Phones And Free Cell Phone Service
So there are providers that free phones and free cell phone service are available. It is important to check the availability according to your location where you are living. So we are going to discuss some providers.
1. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a federal Lifeline Assistance program and participates in the Government’s Affordable Connectivity program (ACP). It provides free phones and free cell phones for eligible low-income households. This comes with the Lifeline program to make sure the internet and use of phones are more accessible for those parts of the people. Some plans include unlimited texting, free data, and minute allotment.
2. SafeLink Wireless
SafeLink Wireless is a Lifeline-supported service, and it is a government benefit program for low-income households. SafeLink is partnering with the government’s ACP program that works in most states. When you feel the need to get SafeLink free phone and unlimited phone calls, texting, and data, you may visit the website of SafeLink Wireless. More importantly, you may transfer your phone number to SafeLink Wireless and can get free service.
3. Access Wireless
Access Wireless is another service provider that works with Lifeline. This wireless service providers serve the community by providing mobile phone service to low-income people in line with the government-funded lifeline assistance program. So you may check out phone service, data plans, and other services by visiting their website.
4. Blue Jay Wireless
Blue Jay Wireless is an eligible telecommunication carrier that provides free cell phones to income-challenged citizens living in many states. Blue jay Wireless also ensures a free wireless phone packed with all the needed for quick and reliable communication features. This goes with the Lifeline Assistance program, which is designed for low-income people. There are free smartphones, free minutes, free unlimited text and messaging, and free data under this wireless provider.
5. FeelSafe Wireless
FeelSafe Wireless provides free government-assisted cell phones and free monthly phone service for eligible low-income people. This goes with Lifeline or EBB program and people qualifying Lifeline program can go with FeelSafe Wireless for cell phones and free monthly phone service. FeelSafe is available in California, Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Wisconsin. The eligible low-income people can also get voice, text, and data amounts that may vary according to state. So you may check out by visiting the website of FeelSafe wireless and get information according to your location.
6. Life Wireless
Life Wireless will be another way to get a free touchscreen government phone and a free monthly or discounted monthly plan. Some plans include 500 minutes per month or unlimited talk and text and up to 30 GB of data for every month. The monthly plan is part of the federal affordable connectivity program, and people participating in the lifeline program are eligible to get such offers. Life Wireless is available in 32 states, and you need to check if Life Wireless is available in your state.
7. SafetyNet Wireless
When you are residents of California, Colorado, Georgia, Kentucky, Michigan, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New York, Missouri, and Wisconsin, you are lucky to get SafetyNet Wireless. SafeNet wireless provides prepaid, free, and discounted smartphone plans, and it ensures such offers for low-income people participating in Lifeline, the EBB program. There are unlimited talk and text and up to 12 GB of data plans. So, you just check out their website according to your location.
8. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is a lifeline provider that is a government benefit program for low-income individuals. The low-income people who qualify for Medicaid, SNAP, Federal Public housing, and Veterans Pension can apply for free cell phone service with the government benefits program. There is unlimited talk and text and 10 GB of data each month. It is important to note that StandUp wireless provides 5G nationwide coverage and allows you to bring your compatible phone. So, you check out by visiting the website and entering the ZIP code to see the availability according to your location.
9. TAG Mobile
TAG Mobile is a wireless telecommunications provider based in Dallas, Texas, United States of America. This is a leading Lifeline Cell phone company in the USA that offers free government phones, free phones, and free texts for low-income people with a government benefit program. TAG Mobile participates in Lifeline and EBB programs, and it is available in 19 states of the United States of America. So you may check out the program of TAG mobiles, such as unlimited talk and text and up to 8 GB of data per month. So you need to visit the official website of TAG mobile according to your location and see the latest offers with the government benefits program.
10. Tempo
Tempo Wireless is another lifeline provider, and it is lifeline supported service. The Lifeline wireless plan is for you if you are a low-income person and looking for a free wireless plan such as voice, text, and data. Tempo Telecoms Lifeline plans are according to all FCC minimum service standards for voice and data service. You just check out their website if it is in your location.
11. American Assistance
American Assistance is another Lifeline Assistance program brought to you by American Broadband and Telecommunications and supported by the government. This lifeline provider offers qualified applicants free government touch screen smartphones with a new monthly plan. This program is available in 21 states and Puerto Rico, and you need to check out its availability according to your state.
12. Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is a Federal Lifeline cell phone service provider in Louisiana. It offers eligible customers free government cell phones and free minutes, free talk, and text. You may check out this program when you qualify for the Lifeline program. For this, you should visit the website and learn what is waiting for you according to your location.
13. TarraCom Wireless
TerraCom Wireless is another Lifeline provider that provides a free smartphone and free monthly cell phone service to low-income individuals. This program is available in 21 states, and you may check out their website on how to get started for a free smartphone.
14. TruConnect
TrueConnect also provides free cell service and phones to low-income eligible customers. Those customers must participate in Lifeline, EBB, and Affordable Connectivity programs. There are unlimited talk and text up to 12.5 GB of monthly data and free international calling to some countries. TruConnect is available in 33 states of the United States of America, and you need to check out by visiting their website if there is availability in your location.
15. Q Link
QLink wireless is an Untied State-based telecommunications company that provides free wireless services to lifeline-eligible American consumers. It is one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the United States of America. There is free cell phone service with unlimited data, unlimited minutes, and texts from Q Link wireless under the lifeline program. This plan includes 3 GB of data, 1000 minutes, and unlimited texting, including unlimited picture messaging. More importantly, it is possible to earn extra minutes and data by referring your friends to Q Link.
Types Of Phones From The Government
Everyone wants to have the latest and most costly phone indeed. But the purpose is to serve low-income people with basic phones to make sure they can get connected. But it is not sure what kind of phone you will get. But you don’t lose hope because most of the Lifeline Assistance eligible carriers provide a variety of smartphones that you may choose. But there are smartphones such as Coolpad Haylo, REVVL 4, ZTE Prestige 2, Alcatel Dawn, etc.
Can I Get An Iphone As A Government Phone?
As said, Lifeline is a government benefit program to make sure low-income people can get connected online nicely. For this, it is important to have at least a smartphone. But everyone wants to get an iPhone with the latest features and brands. An iPhone may be the first choice for everyone and it may not be possible to get from the provider. In this case, it is important to check out if there is any iPhone offers from the provider. Some providers may provide iPhones as government phones and these are Cintex, SFone Wireless, and NewPhone Wireless.
Can I Get A Free iPad From The Government?
An iPad is an important device that is used for numerous online tasks. The students badly feel the need for this device to go study and research and online class. Surely an iPad is a costly device and so many people don’t afford to go. For this, it is important to seek help from different sources. Surely you may hear the government program named EBB and Lifeline program that assists in getting a device like laptops, computers, and tablets from participating providers. In this case, you may need to contribute with the assistance and then can buy an iPad for your need.
Does Verizon Wireless Offer Free Government Phones?
Verizon is an American Wireless network operator where you can shop Verizon smartphone deals. Wireless plans on the largest 4G LTE network. Verizon also provides Lifeline plans for home phone service, wireless, and Fios home internet. Free phones from Apple and Android customers may be available, and they can get 5G unlimited plans. You may check out Verizon wireless for free government phones.
Can A Senior Get A Free Phone Or Social Security?
Seniors need phones and smartphones to get connected online. When they receive social security income benefits, they can qualify for a free government cell phone and service. Additionally, they can also get benefits for a free phone when they participate in different government assistance programs.
Final Verdict
The low-income people and families have no boundary of sufferings due to low income. Indeed the government stands beside these families and ensures what they need for a smarter and faster community. Free government phones for low-income families come with a different provider and it is important to go deeper study and research especially by visiting the provider’s website. Then it is important to check out if these providers are coming with the Lifeline program. Then they need to get started with the application process, and they can get a free phone which is worth fulfilling the need for a connected world digitally.