The US government offers free cell phones to needy households, seniors, and the disabled through the lifeline program. The program started in 1980, and in 2005 it was revised and included communication services to eligible American citizens. However, the free phones for seniors on social security are a government-supported program, which seeks to avail free cell phones to seniors and low-income families. The qualified seniors get free cell phones along with free cell phone plans.
Among the eligible members, the seniors and the disabled get priority due to their vulnerability. However, not all the said categories of people are entitled to the free cell phone for seniors and the disabled. The eligibility requirement states that you must be an active member of any federal government program. Additionally, your annual gross income should be less than or at 135 % income according to the federal poverty level.
Moreover, the free cell phone service plan varies from one state to another and from one wireless provider to another. Thus, before you enroll, you need to confirm your wireless provider’s offers in your state of residence. When we talk about free cellphones, the government considers only the disabled with low income and the neglected seniors above 65 years.
Why the government qualify free phones for seniors on social security
The following is why the government saw the need to give deserving seniors and the disabled a free phone.
i) For personal safety
Seniors and the disabled are the most vulnerable group in society. Additionally, most seniors get abandoned and spend most of their lives alone. These situations call for the need for a cellphone to respond to an emergency. On the other, the disabled requires free cellphones for personal security.
ii) Medical safety
Seniors and the disabled also require cell phones for personal and medical safety. Old age people are more prone to illness, and they need a cell phone close to call and request help during injury or illness attacks.
iii) For mental health
Seniors and the disabled undergo several physical and emotional challenges affecting their mental health. Using cell phones can help them access some sites to help them relax, calm stress, and boost their mental health.
How Lifeline Works?
Lifeline Program is available to deserving low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. The Universal Service Administrative Company administers this program (USAC).
Therefore, USAC is the body responsible for assisting members in applying for the program. You need to understand the eligibility requirements and keep your benefit current through an annual recertification process. USAC’s website avails additional information concerning the program, such as program requirements.
However, Lifeline offers a $9.25 monthly discount on service for eligible low-income members and $34.25 monthly for those residing on Tribal lands. Lifeline also provides broadband Internet service and broadband-voice bundles. And, FCC rules don’t allow more than one Lifeline service per household.
There are various ways that individuals with a disability can qualify for the Lifeline program. You can automatically qualify if you attain one of these requirements:
- Your annual income must lie at or below the federal poverty level.
- If you are a member of any government-sponsored program like the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
- Be an active member of any social security program like
- SSI benefits recipients
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) recipients
How Do You Qualify For Free Cell Phone Service
The lifeline program is a US government initiative that offers low-income families such as seniors and those with disabilities free government cell phones for low income. The program gets funded through the Universal Service Fund and contributes a small charge to every wireless bill.
However, you don’t qualify automatically for this program, and there are some eligibility criteria used to filter those who qualify. There are several ways members with disabilities, seniors, and low-income families qualify for the Lifeline program. You can qualify if you attain one of these requirements:
Your income is less than 135% of the federal poverty level guidelines. Notably, a few states require a higher limit, so ensure you check your state’s guidelines.
If you are currently participating in one of the public or government-aided programs such as below, you’re qualified to get a free phone, plus a monthly free cell phone service for seniors and the disabled.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Supplementary Security Income (SSI).
- National School Lunch Program’s Free School Lunch.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Stamps.
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Medicaid.
If you are wanted to find out if you qualify for disability benefits, you can check out the information documented on the Social Security website.
How To Sign Up For Free Phone Service
After confirmation that you’re eligible for a free cell phone and service, you’ll have to identify a provider that operates within your state. You can do so by visiting the Lifeline support website. There you can:
- Locate a local provider that participates for Lifeline in your area
- Check out what documents you’ll require to provide
- Find instructions on how to change providers
- Receive help in case of technical issues
If you are a member of any government programs mentioned earlier, such as SSI, verification will probably be automatic. This way, it is fast to receive your free cell phone service.
How Do You Choose the Best Lifeline Provider
Lifeline benefits vary from one provider to another and from state to state. Thus, it would help look for the cell phone companies that offer better deals than others, including more minutes, data, or free government smartphones.
Most Lifeline providers currently provide Android smartphones with touch screens and not the primary cell phone. So, below are some tips to enable you to choose the best deal.
- Every state features many free cell phone providers, and you have to check who serves your area.
- One of these wireless carriers may give more free minutes or enable additional low-cost minutes. To land on the best deal, you have to compare what the free cell phone company’s offer in your area.
- Afterward, you must sign up for the lifeline program on your select wireless company website.
Who Are The Best free phones for seniors on social security Providers?
1) Safetynet Wireless
This provider offers free smartphones to all qualified seniors in America. The basic plan provides 750 free voice call minutes, free cellphones, and 500 free text messages every month.
2) QLink Wireless
QLink Wireless is one of the well-known Lifeline providers and provides a free smartphone in addition to free unlimited texts, unlimited minutes, and 3GB of data every month.
However, the provided service or deal may vary from one area to another. You should utilize your zip code to find out the service availability in your area.
QLink Wireless Offers:
- Free unlimited talk and text messages.
- Free 3GB of data every month.
- Nationwide coverage.
- Call features such as Free Voicemail and Free Caller ID.
- Free wireless service with no credit check, contract, or bills.
- Bring your own phone option.
3) Safelink Wireless
Safelink Wireless is a brand of Tracfone that offers free cell phones and free cell phone service. Safelink Wireless’s plan in many states features 350 minutes, unlimited text messages, and 3GB of data per month. Besides, it provides nationwide coverage via 4G LTE-capable networks.
Safelink Wireless Offer
- There are free 350 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3GB of data every month.
- Free SIM card.
- Nationwide coverage on reliable networks.
- Features such as Voicemail, Caller ID, 3-way Calling.
- Free 911 Accesses and 411 Directory Assistance.
- Bring your own phone option.
4) Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is a section of the Virgin Mobile Corporation. It provides free cell phones and free cell phone plans from monthly 350 minutes to unlimited talk, text, and 2GB of data.
However, the free cell phone services may vary from one state to another so, you have to identify what is available in your area.
5) Life Wireless
Life Wireless provides free government phone service for low-income individuals and families.
Life Wireless Offer?
- Free monthly 1000 minutes
- Free unlimited texts for SMS and MMS
- Get free monthly 3GB data
- Nationwide Coverage
- Caller ID, Call Waiting, Voicemail, and Three-way calling
- No domestic long-distance calls or roaming charges
- Free 911 Access
Bottom line
Lifeline Assistance program through the US government offers free phones for seniors citizens on social security , especially those with financial difficulties. This initiative believes that everyone needs access to communication services, including the disabled and senior citizens.
These free devices help these individuals stay connected with their family and friends. Additionally, free cell phones enable seniors to attend to the necessary emergency calls.
