Boost Mobile and Lifeline programs are slightly different compared to other Lifeline providers. However, Boost Mobile provides prepaid plans that feature no annual contracts and delivers excellent coverage using T-Mobile network towers. Besides, the Boost Mobile lifeline program details are not precise, although you may apply for your Lifeline discount in select areas. Notably, this carrier previously offered a particular type of Lifeline Assistance, which expired recently.
Moreover, this program was known as the CARE Pilot Program Discount, which ended on June 30, 2021. You can benefit from this Lifeline discount and other Boost Mobile plans with free phones from this carrier. Besides, you must qualify for the California Lifeline, which has similar qualification criteria as the typical Lifeline program. So, you can qualify for the Boost Mobile Lifeline discount under the eligibility requirements discussed in this article.
Most importantly, Lifeline is the FCC’s program that makes communications services more accessible for low-income consumers. Lifeline discounts customers on qualifying broadband Internet service, monthly cell phone service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased by participating wireless providers. As a result, the discount assists low-income consumers to afford the latest broadband and access to healthcare, jobs, and educational resources.
Entire Procedure For Lifeline Program
As earlier mentioned, Lifeline offers a $9.25 monthly discount for eligible low-income customers and up to $34.25 per month for subscribers on Tribal lands. However, you may receive a Lifeline discount on either a wireless service or wireline, but they may not get a discount on both services at once. FCC rules don’t allow more than one Lifeline service per household.
Additionally, to participate in the Boost Mobile Lifeline program, you must meet one of the criteria below. You can confirm if you qualify by reviewing the information available at lifeline support on “Do I Qualify”. If you don’t qualify, you can check on the Boost Mobile new customer deals for discounts on cell phones and cellular services.
i) Program-Based Qualification
You can qualify for Boost Mobile California Lifeline discount if you or any person in your household takes part in any one of the following qualifying public assistance programs:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- CalFresh, Food Stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Program (SNAP)
- Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
- (CalWORKs) California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids
- Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
- Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Federal Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit Program
ii) Income-Based Qualification
You can qualify for Lifeline if your household attains an annual gross income at or less than the recommended annual income limits of 135%.
Benefits Of Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal program that avails phone and internet services at a cheaper rate for low-income households. The qualified households get a monthly discount of up to $9.25. However, consumers residing on Tribal lands receive a higher discount of $34.25 per month. Note the following when applying for free government smartphones under Boost Mobile:
- USAC’s Lifeline Support Center assists you in applying for the program, with no eligibility requirements, and maintaining your current benefit via an annual recertification process.
- Lifeline customers must apply for Lifeline and then enroll through a participating phone or internet company, re-certify annually, and keep their information updated too recent.
- Cell phone or Internet company enrolls you in the Lifeline program, maintains your service, and deals with all the questions about your service, cell phone or device, or bill.
Steps You Can Follow To Get Lifeline Benefits
a) Qualify
You can apply now to confirm if you qualify for the Lifeline program. You may qualify to receive Lifeline depending on your income or through participation in a government assistance program for Boost Mobile Government Phone.
If you reside in Oregon, California, or Texas, confirm with your cell phone or internet company or proceed to your state website to know how to apply for the program. Besides, if you have a disability and require help with your Lifeline application, you can contact the Lifeline Support Center at (800) 234-9473.
b) Sign Up to Receive Lifeline
After you qualify, select a phone or internet company like Boost Mobile that offers the Lifeline benefit. Next, you can sign up for service with them and get free government cell phones for low income.
You can also request your current company to transfer your Lifeline benefit to a service you already have if it provides the Lifeline benefit. After the provider signs you up, you will start enjoying your Lifeline benefit.
Application For Boost Mobile Lifeline
First, start by contacting Boost Mobile support at 1-866-402-7366, and they will guide you on the application process. However, you can follow the general steps as listed below:
- Call the phone carrier, in this case, Boost Mobile, to initiate the application process for the California Lifeline discount or Enhanced Lifeline discounts.
- Boost Mobile will review eligibility rules with you to ensure that you abide by the guidelines.
- Then, you will get the application form having a Personal Identification Number (PIN) in an envelope through the mail within three weeks.
- You have the option of applying through the Online or Manual Process to apply:
- Online Process: Apply at California Lifeline using the PIN provided or
- Manual Process: Fill out, sign, and submit your application form by mail (California Lifeline Administrator, P.O. Box 138014, Sacramento, CA 95813-8014).
However, regardless of the Process you use, you’ll have to avail proper documentation. You will get either an approval letter (if your application went through) or a letter of disqualification (in case your application failed to qualify). Besides, if your application gets approved, you use it to complete the enrolment process through Boost Mobile.
Benefits Of Boost Mobile Lifeline Discount
As mentioned above, Boost Mobile doesn’t offer specific free Lifeline plans. However, you get a chance to use the Lifeline discount on any of the Boost Mobile plans. As such, you get to enjoy the following benefits:
- No annual service contracts
- Mobile hotspot
- 99% nationwide coverage
- Exclusive perks
- Special deals
- Giveaways and Sweepstakes
- Monthly flat rate service discount of up to $14.85
- Option to pick among any of Boost Mobile’s plans, which all feature unlimited talk and text.
- An opportunity to bring your existing phone or buy any of discounted Boost Mobile devices.
Things You’ll Need Before You Switch To Boost Mobile
Since Boost Mobile is a contract-free carrier, there are no special switching requirements. Essentially, you require to select a prepaid plan option that matches your need, and that is it. You also require a device to use with that plan. You can have two options – bring your own device or select one of their devices.
- Get your device’s IMEI or ESN number by dialing *#06#.
- Proceed to Boost Mobile’s “Bring Your Own Phone” page at Boost Mobile bring your phone.
- Input your IMEI/device I.D. number.
If you decide to use a new Boost Mobile phone, you will require the money to purchase it, or you can get a special deal that provides a free phone to new customers.
Final Verdict
Boost Mobile is among the carriers that focus on giving Lifeline eligible customers free plans and phones. However, suppose you are a California resident and eligible for Boost Mobile California Lifeline Assistance. In that case, you may transfer your benefits in the form of a discount on your Boost Mobile wireless bill. You need to meet the eligibility criteria provided in this guideline to qualify for Lifeline benefits.