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Lifeline Assistance: Free Government Cell Phone Service for Senior Citizens. In the last decade, the government has modernized the program by providing free cell phone service, instead of only landlines. This program is available in all 50 states as well as in Native American tribal communities.
How can a senior citizen get a free cell phone?
Free phone for seniors eligibility and restrictions Medicaid. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP) Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Does Medicare give free cell phones?
Medicaid recipients and qualifying low-income individuals can receive a FREE cell phone with monthly minutes, data, and texts from the government-supported Lifeline Assistance program. Federal regulations allow only one cell phone per household.
How do I get a free phone from Social Security?
The government program that provides low-income people – including those with disabilities – with free or discounted cell phone service is called Lifeline. The program is funded through a small charge on every wireless bill, called the Universal Service Fund fee.
What is the best free phone for seniors?
The 9 Best Cell Phones for Seniors GreatCall Jitterbug Flip. GreatCall is a cell phone company known for its safety and health features. Consumer Cellular GrandPad. GreatCall Jitterbug Smart2. Consumer Cellular Doro 7050. Apple iPhone SE. Samsung Galaxy. Alcatel Go-Flip 3. Motorola Moto G7.
Who qualifies for free cell phones?
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.
Who pays for the free phones?
Federal Law requires telecom companies to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which in turn pays for the free cell phones program, in addition to funding telecommunications services (including high-speed Internet access) for eligible schools, libraries and rural health care providers.
What is the income limit for free phone?
Lifeline Eligibility via Total Household Income People in Household All states except: CA, HI, AK CA 1 $17,226 $28,700 2 $23,274 $28,700 3 $29,322 $32,600 4 $35,370 $39,700.
Does the government still give out free cell phones?
The US government offers a program called Lifeline Assistance that can give you a free cell phone and access to an inexpensive cell phone plan if you qualify.
How can I get free phone service for free?
Lifeline is a government assistance program. Enrollment is available to individuals who qualify based on federal or state-specific eligibility criteria. The Assurance Wireless offer provides eligible low-income households with free monthly data, unlimited texting, and free monthly minutes.
Can a disabled person get a free phone?
Yes, there are free government cell phones for the disabled. The Lifeline Assistance program is designed with you in mind. If you’re struggling to make end’s meet – regardless of your gender, age, or physical ability – then the Lifeline Assistance program may be right for you.
Does AT&T offer free government phones?
AT&T Mobility is the name of the wireless service provided by phone company giant AT&T. The company has been around for more than 100 years and while it doesn’t offer a free government cell phone program, it does offer a Discount Lifeline program for needy Americans who can prove that they are eligible.
Who qualifies safelink?
In general to qualify for Lifeline, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines, or participate in one of the following assistance programs: Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public.
What is the easiest smartphone for seniors to use?
Easiest Phones for Seniors in 2021 Alcatel GO FLIP 3 : Easiest Overall Phone. Jitterbug Smart3 : Easiest Smartphone. Jitterbug Flip2 : Easiest Flip Phone. Sonim XP3 : Best Hearing Aid Compatibility. Apple iPhone XR : Best Features.
Is there a smartphone for seniors?
Jitterbug is well-known for their smartphones for seniors, and the Jitterbug Smart2 from GreatCall is billed as the “simplest smartphone ever.” This smartphone was designed with technologically-limited seniors in mind with features like: Health and safety features: The Smart2 comes equipped with 5Star Urgent Response.
What is the simplest cell phone for seniors?
Without further ado, let’s get into the details of our top six picks! T-Mobile Alcatel GO FLIP 3 – Easiest to use cell phone overall. Jitterbug Flip2 from Lively – Easiest to use cell phone with urgent response. Jitterbug Smart3 from Lively – Easiest to use smartphone. Consumer Cellular Link II – Easiest to use flip phone.
How can I get a new phone for free?
8 Places to Get a Free Cell Phone Lifeline Support. Lifeline Support is a government-funded program that helps to reduce the cost of cell phones for people who qualify. Assurance Wireless. SafeLink Wireless. Craigslist. OfferUp. NextDoor. 7. Facebook Marketplace. Buy Nothing Groups.
Is SafeLink really free?
When subsidized by the California Lifeline Program, this plan is free. You do not need to purchase or redeem a service card to use this plan. Your benefits will be renewed as long as you are eligible for service under the applicable state and federal rules governing Lifeline.
Who qualifies for an Obama phone?
To qualify for an Obama Phone, most states require that your total household income must be no higher than 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline. A few states California, Alaska and Hawaii, have their own rates that are higher than the 135%.
Why do they give out free phones?
The free phones and their wireless plans are paid for by a monthly tax on your cellphone, called the Universal Service Tax. The idea is that people who could not otherwise afford mobile phones would have them to help look for jobs, call 911 in an emergency or stay in touch with family members.
Are free cell phones really free?
Even though free phones are rarely ever free, there are still ways to nab free calls, texts and data on your cell plan. Several US providers are now offering free phone plans to eligible customers. These plans including a set number of voice minutes, text messages and megabytes each month, all free of charge.
What is the best free cell phone service?
These are some of the Top Phone Provider Safelink Wireless. Access Wireless. Assurance Wireless. Reachout Wireless. Budget Wireless. Free Government Internet Provider List.
