Best Strategy To Get AARP Free Cell Phones For Seniors In 2024

Nowadays, a cell phone is a must-have device, especially for seniors, to help improve their lives and protect them during emergencies. However, AARP free cell phones for seniors target citizens who are more than 50 years and above, and the discounts get issued by the participating cellular providers. AARP discounts feature deals on cell phone plans tailored to older citizens’ needs and free phone offers.

Most importantly, AARP is a non-profit organization for the American Association of Retired Persons. The organization is based in Washington, DC, and was founded in 1958 to serve the interests of 50 years and older demographic category. Consequently, seniors can save money on their monthly bills and stay connected to the modern digital world. Additionally, they can benefit from free tablets for seniors if they meet the eligibility requirements set aside by the Federal Government.

On the other hand, AARP partners with several wireless carriers to offer free cell phones for seniors. You can buy some of these devices at a discount or get others for free. Notably, 50 years and above American citizens are eligible to apply for AARP membership. Interestingly, they will enjoy numerous AARP accredited cell phone plans and discounts, plus AARP cell phones for seniors.

Benefits That An AARP Member Get

The American Association of Retired Persons has more than 38 million members. However, one of these perks that the AARP members enjoy is access to various discounts. The discounts include car rentals, movie tickets, restaurants, health insurance plans, vacation packages, and other services such as cell phones for seniors AARP.

Again, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) helps seniors facing the challenges of healthcare costs, financial security, and community involvement. Through the participating wireless providers, the AARP features a wide variety of discounted cell phone plans for senior citizens. Upon eligibility, this category of the American population can get free phones for seniors on social security.

Furthermore, to get updates on any AARP discounts available for senior citizens, you must log on to the membership section on the organization’s official website and research. The discounts are available through wireless providers like Consumer Cellular, AT&T, Verizon, and Sprint.

Best Providers To Give AARP Free Cell Phones For Seniors 2023

i) AT&T

AARP AT&T senior discount provides a 10% discount on the monthly wireless bills and doesn’t include in the unlimited plans, overages fees, and shared plans having less than 300MB data packages per month. Additionally, AARP members can receive another 15% discount on select cell phone accessories. AT&T enables AARP members to save money in different ways. First, if you are an AARP member switching to AT&T Wireless, you can obtain a $100 credit for each line when purchasing a new mobile phone on an eligible installment plan.

On the other hand, AT&T gives AARP a cell phone service discount if you subscribe to a specific plan. For instance, if you enroll in the AT&T Unlimited Extra plan, you’ll receive a $10 monthly discount per line if your account feature 5 lines or fewer. Besides, you’ll receive a $5 monthly discount per line if your account registers more than 5 lines.

AARP members can:

Receive a $100 credit per line when purchasing a new cell phone on an eligible installment plan.
Save $10 per line monthly when buying the AT&T Unlimited Elite plan.
Save up to $45 on upgrade and activation fees.

ii) Cricket Wireless

Cricket Wireless is a well-known cell phone carrier that provides amazing discounts to AARP members. However, all AARP members who purchase a cell phone from Cricket Wireless will receive a $20 Visa promotional card. There are simple instructions that AARP members must adhere to get a Visa promotion card using a mail-in rebate.

In this case, AARP members qualify for this offer upon purchasing a phone from Cricket Wireless exclusive authorized dealers, online shops, retail shops, or stores. You must complete and postmark the Cricket Wireless credit form within 60 days of the cell phone’s activation.

However, AARP members must remain active throughout the rebate processing time. Cricket Wireless’s new customers qualify when they buy their first phone, while the current senior customers qualify when they upgrade their cell phones every 2 years. In every AARP cell phone deal, there will be a maximum of 5 lines of service on one AARP member ID.

iii) Sprint

AARP senior members can get a discount on their cell phones and plans from Sprint. Notably, Sprint currently merged with T-Mobile and most of their services, and you can find most of their services exclusively at T-Mobile. To do this, you must complete the application form for the Sprint discount to prove your qualification to get the discount.

Thus, if Sprint proves your eligibility for the AARP cell phone discount, you will have to produce a copy of the document that confirms that you are an AARP member. To receive the Sprint discount, you must sign a 2-year service contract. Additionally, AARP members are not the only customers who receive these discounts from Sprint.

Furthermore, members from various credit unions, UPS employees, military personnel, AAA members, and Costco employees are eligible for discounts. The discounts provided include free phones to help the seniors save money on their phones and their monthly cell phone plans bills. Notably, Sprint provides numerous mobile phones from several renowned manufacturers.

iv) Consumer Cellular

Consumer Cellular is the leading cell phone company in the US that provides AARP cell phone discounts for customers who are AARP members. Besides, Consumer Cellular provides customized cell phone plans for seniors that satisfies the seniors’ needs. The plans start for as low as $15 per month. It also provides specially designed cell phones and smartphones for seniors, including the Doro 7050 flip phone. The following is a list of the discounts AARP members can receive from Consumer Cellular.

You can get a 5% discount on the monthly cell phone plans bills.
Receive up to 30% savings on mobile phone accessories.
Get the money-back guarantee period extended from 30 days to 45 days.
Get Consumer Cellular free mobile phones and plans for seniors.

Steps To Get A Free Government Phone

i) Ensure You Qualify

Generally, if you’re already participating in a government-supported program, you can automatically qualify for a free government phone, and you can get free phones for seniors on medicare. The following programs are eligible:

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Medicaid

Tribal-specific programs:

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Head Start
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF),

Additionally, you can qualify based on your gross household income. According to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, if you’re not a recipient of any of the above government programs, you’ll have to prove that your household income equals or less than 135%. Notably, one household cant has more than one free phone or home phone.

ii) Select A Participating Wireless Provider

You can use the online tool to identify a company near you that provides Lifeline. Then, request a Lifeline application for a free senior phone from the company in your area. You will require the following details to apply.

Full legal name
Tribal identification number, or the last 4 digits of your Social Security number
Date of birth
Physical Address

Additionally, you should provide any of these documents:

Medicaid card
Last year’s tax return
Valid ID like a Driver’s License
Social security card
Any other relevant documents that show your identity

Afterward, your preferred company will process your application and may ask you to fill out additional forms if necessary.

The last thing is to get your Lifeline discount on free senior phones and plans on your bill if you qualify.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Lifeline Assistance Program

Lifeline Assistance is a program by the Federal Communication Commission (FCC) that has been long-running (since 1985). This program aims to offer equal access to phone services for all Americans, especially low-income families. Besides, it assists low-income residents explicitly with broadband services who may not otherwise afford a cellular device or plan. Additionally, the program gives qualified members a wireless service discount of $9.25 per month.

What is the Affordable Connectivity Program

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a permanent federal government program that replaced the FCC’s Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program. However, the ACP program offers a free phone plan and home internet, similar to the Lifeline Assistance Program. Additionally, the ACP helps qualifying low-income households get a one-time discount on purchasing a laptop, tablet, or computer.

Am I Eligible For a Free Government Phone

To check out if you are eligible for a free government phone, you’ll have to ensure that your household income equals or at below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You’ll have to prove your household income by submitting a W-2 form, pay stubs, or a certification from the government entity you get enrolled in.

Wrap Up

Cell phones are a necessity for senior citizens in our society today. These devices provide a convenient method of communication with family and friends, especially during emergencies. However, AARP provides discounts for seniors to save on cellular service. If you are over 50, you can enroll in an AARP membership and enjoy AARP cellular plan discounts or free AARP phones for seniors. The participating cell phone carriers who provide discounts exclusively for AARP members include AT&T, Consumer Cellular, Cricket Wireless, Sprint, and others.