Phones At No Charge For Seniors
With so many people living on tight budgets, especially seniors on social security, buying a cell phone often falls to the bottom of their priority list. Here are some free phone service providers that can offer assistance.
1. Free Phones For Seniors
Lifeline, a federal program, was created to provide cell phones or free home phone service for seniors. If you already receive assistance from the federal government or if your income is equal to or less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can qualify for the program.
2. Who's Eligible?
Eligibility requirements for obtaining a free phone for seniors can differ depending on the state, but generally, you must either meet specific income criteria or be enrolled in one of the following programs:
· Medicaid
· Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps)
· Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
· Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
· Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
· Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
· National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
· Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
· Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
· Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
· Head Start (provided income eligibility criteria are met)
· State-specific assistance programs (if applicable)
Be aware that only one phone is allowed per household. Furthermore, the program permits you to receive either a cell phone or a home phone, but not both. Eligibility requirements vary by region.
3. Which Service Providers Offer Free Phones For Seniors?
Several providers, such as SafeLink Wireless, ReachOut, US Cellular, and Assurance Wireless, offer free phones and monthly plans to eligible seniors through the Lifeline program. Some even provide plan upgrades. Visit their websites for details. If you don't qualify for Lifeline but still need a phone, many companies offer prepaid or low-minute plans with basic phones for essential use.
4. How Did Lifeline Evolve Over Time?
Initially aimed at providing free home phone service to low-income families, the program expanded in 2005 to cover cell phones and monthly plans, and saw further improvements in 2012. As a result, phone service availability has grown from 80% in 1985 to 92%.
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