Most people these days need a cell phone – it’s not longer a luxury. However, that doesn’t mean everyone has the money to pay for one. If you’re over the age of 55, you may be eligible for a free smartphone and free unlimited talk, text, and data through different programs, such as the Lifeline Assistance Program. This is a federal government initiative that provides free phone service to income qualifying seniors, including monthly minutes and texts. Continue reading below to learn what these programs are, how you can get these free benefits and see if you qualify.
How to Qualify as a Senior
Thanks to these programs, more Americans are able to connect to jobs and their family, now that they have a cell phone. But how do you know if you qualify? These are several ways you can see if you qualify for one of the free phone plans through the Lifeline program. If you are a senior, you may qualify if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you wish to view a chart of this income table, click here.
Furthermore, you may qualify if you are receiving benefits from one of these programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Veterans Pensions or Survivors Pension
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Still not sure if you qualify? Continue reading on the next page to discover additional ways to get free government cell phone service.
Additional Ways to Qualify
97% of people over 50 own a cell phone. However, service for these devices can be expensive, costing upwards of $70 per month. If your household’s income is at 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines, you may be eligible for certain free cell phone services. Take a look at the table below, which reflects 135% of the 2022 Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Search Online to Learn More About These Services
Excellent phone service doesn’t have to be expensive anymore for anyone who lives along the poverty line. Seniors could now qualify for free phone services for as long as they need it. Some programs even provide extra incentives such as a free phone or tablet.
If you wish to have more information on this topic, just do a simple search online to find out what’s being offered. Some providers only operate in certain states; to see if you qualify you may need to enter your ZIP code online. Simply fill out these applications and wait for approval. Always compare different plans and visit different websites to see which plans give you the most.