In partnership with some wireless providers like Verizon, the Federal government offers a program called “Lifeline.” This program was created to provide cell phones or free home phone service for emergencies purposes important for seniors.
However, free cell phones for seniors Verizon offers a free cell phone and free minutes every month for qualified members. Nowadays, seniors possessing a cell phone are almost necessary to connect to the modern technological era.
Mainly, due to the emergencies that require immediate attention to address, free cell phones for seniors and the disabled are of significance to many. So many seniors are on limited income since they depend on social security benefits.
For this reason, cell phones might be at the bottom of the list of things they can purchase. Therefore, this program that offers a free cell phone for seniors could be a relief to many.
Besides, anyone who is qualified can apply for the program. If you receive assistance from the federal government through program participation or if your income equates to or less than 135% of the federal poverty standards, you are eligible for the program.
Verizon is one of the nation’s largest cell phone providers and offers a full range of devices to seniors, from flip phones to modern, intelligent devices.
Verizon Lifeline Program
The Lifeline program is an initiative concerned with offering free cell phones for seniors, and with authorized wireless providers, they offer free cell phone service plans for low-income citizens. This program is government-supported, and if you participate in the Lifeline Assistance Program, you will receive a free government smartphone and a free service plan.
Notably, many free phone providers like Verizon provide free phones for seniors on social security. If you’re eligible, the type of cell phone you receive depends on your service provider and the state where you reside.
More than 15 million US citizens have participated in the Lifeline Program, and there are strategies laid in place to enable more millions eligible to enroll today.
Verizon Free Phone for Seniors Eligibility
The provisions for free cell phones for seniors Verizon may vary from one wireless provider to another and from state to state. But generally, you must attain the income guidelines or participate in any of the following programs to qualify for free government smartphones:
- Medicaid
- Head Start (if you attain the income eligibility criteria)
- 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)
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- State assistance programs (if applicable)
Choosing the Right Verizon Plan
Verizon offers a great plan for those above 55 years of age to access high-speed data. Verizon 55 plus plan is the new plan tailored towards senior citizens and provides most of the Verizon Go Unlimited plans features at fair rates. However, the Verizon 55 plus plan features a Verizon senior discount and enables you to save up to $50 per month, unlike the Verizon standard plan.
Unlike the ancient Verizon senior plan, which is Verizon 65 plus plan, this plan is made for both basic and smartphone users on Verizon’s low-income internet. If you are an old subscriber, you can enroll in this plan by calling Verizon customer service at (800) 922-0204 or walking in the nearest Verizon store.
Verizon 55 + Plan Features
- Unlimited talk, text, plus high-speed 4G LTE data.
- Streaming at DVD Quality.
- Unlimited Hotspot at 600 kbps speed.
- Service to Mexico and Canada gets featured in the plan.
Qualifications for the Verizon 55 Plus Plans
To receive this plan, the account owner must meet the following requirements:
- The age must be 55 or over.
- Possess one phone or two phones on your account (based on the account number of lines).
- Two lines are the maximum number of lines applicable for this plan.
- The account holder must have an Illinois, Texas, Florida, Missouri, or Detroit, Michigan, billing address.
Besides, if you are a new Verizon customer, you can enroll online, call Verizon customer service, or go into a local Verizon store. Your account will get activated after verifying your eligibility.
Way of Selecting free cell phones for seniors Verizon Wireless
There exist different phones models that are well-suited for seniors. However, choosing the right one depends entirely on the individual’s needs of the individual. For instance, if you have challenges with vision, a cell phone with a large screen and sizeable font options is the best option. Additionally, there are different advanced health monitoring apps, and most need a smartphone.
Types of Phones
There are various phone brands today, but most models fall in one category of basic phones and smartphones.
i) Basic phones
Basic phones are portable devices that enable users to make calls, send or receive texts and phones with no internet access. If you require a phone strictly to make calls and send texts, this is the cheapest and easy-to-use option, though they have limited capabilities. These devices usually have tactile keypads, not touch screens.
ii) Flagship Smartphones
Smartphones are devices with touchscreens and are the most adopted option for modern consumers and tech-savvy seniors. However, they have been quite costly in the past decades, but they’ve become much more affordable in recent years.
These devices come equipped with advanced operating systems to take advantage of fast internet speeds. Besides, they have high-fidelity cameras and enable consumers to utilize advanced software. Ultimately, to select between these options, you first consider why you purchase a phone.
- Are you searching for the most affordable option to make calls or send and receive texts? A basic phone should handle your needs.
- Are you interested in experiencing the benefits of advanced technology, which allows you to connect with friends and family in diverse ways?
- Do you need to use the health monitoring apps?
In the above cases, you will benefit more from a smartphone than a basic model. You have to access your options first before making a decision.
What Smartphones Does Verizon Have For Seniors
Verizon Wireless is the reputable free phone provider for the citizens residing in North Dakota, New York, and Wisconsin, among other US states. The following are the Verizon Wireless free Government phones for senior citizens:
- iPhone Xs Max
- iPhone XR
- LG V40 ThinQ
- Samsung Galaxy Note 9
- Google Pixel 3
- Samsung Galaxy S9
- Red Hydrogen One
- Moto Z3
- HTC U12+
Reasons To Choose Verizon Compatible Phones
Verizon is one of the best providers of wireless services and the most reputable network in the states. Most customers know it as American’s most reliable network. However, Verizon also has excellent customer support, offers the most up-to-date nationwide 5G that spreads over 2,700 cities, many additional perks for customers, a diverse selection of plans, and much more.
Moreover, to enjoy all of the above, you must possess one of the Verizon compatible phones. There are two options to receive one of these:
- You can purchase a new phone at Verizon,
- You can use your existing phone or one you purchase elsewhere through Verizon’s ‘Bring Your Own Phone option.
If you purchase a Verizon phone, compatibility is not a problem. However, if you proceed with the second option, it is crucial that you check compatibility using your IMEI or through the company compatibility checker tool.
Does Verizon Have Any Phone Deals
You can save huge on the phone and plan you desire by exploring the numerous options of cell phone deals that Verizon has to offer. You can get more out of your plan and device with amazing, great deals on no-contract phones. Besides, stay connected with the newest cell phones for the Verizon network, and select from Verizon cell phone plans that deliver a wide variety of talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot options.
Additionally, Verizon plans function with phones from all the leading brands such as Samsung Galaxy, iPhone, Motorola, LG, and many more. On top, you can protect and pimp your cell phone with accessories such as clips, cases, and headphones. You can shop on the entire selection of Verizon phones on its website and authorized retailers to find suitable devices for your specific needs.
Verizon always has juicy offers on tap for new and existing customers, so there are Verizon phone deals for existing customers to upgrade your phone service. These offers are the easiest ways to save huge for new flagships such as Apple’s iPhone 13. So, if you’re interested in some smartphone deals or even free cell phones, you can always check on Verizon. This carrier has all the best Verizon new and existing customer deals and sign-up offers of the month.
Bottom line
Verizon Wireless is tops in the most extensive wireless carriers and delivers a highly reliable network. It also provides the Lifeline assistance discount to qualified households across the US. Interestingly, many seniors can apply for and receive a free cell phone or home phone with Verizon and a free monthly phone plan. The above tips will equip you on your journey towards applying for a free Verizon cell phone.