Free Phones For Veterans
It’s impossible to thank veterans for their service properly, but providing them with free phones and more affordable military cell phone plans is a start. In this post, you will learn how to get free phones for veterans and discover free phone plans they can apply for.
Can Veterans Get Free Cell Phones?
The Government created 2 assistance programs: Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), to help people in need, including veterans. Hence, qualified veterans can receive a free cell phone from the Lifeline and ACP providers.
The FCC’s Lifeline Program offers a discount on services to those who meet certain income or eligibility requirements.
Many veterans may be eligible for this program by simply showing proof of eligibility. This proof can be an award letter from the VA indicating that you are receiving disability benefits or a VA letter indicating that you are receiving a Veteran’s Pension.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a program that offers monthly broadband service and certain connected devices at a reduced price.
If a Veteran combines these two programs together, then they can get a free smartphone and free unlimited cell phone service from some Lifeline and ACP provider like AirTalk Wireless.
How To Qualify For Free Phones For Veterans
Qualify Through Veterans Pension
If veterans receive benefits from the Veterans Pension program, they are eligible for veterans’ free phones as part of the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program.
In case you don’t know about the Veterans Pension, this program pays monthly payments to wartime veterans who meet certain age or disability requirements and income and net worth limits.
Veterans qualify for the Veteran Pension if they meet all of the following criteria:
- Were discharged from the military for reasons other than dishonorable.
- Served at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (a minimum of 90 days is required) with at least 1 day during a period of wartime; or, if entered service after September 7, 1980, at least 24 months or the full period for which called or ordered to active duty (a minimum of 90 days is required).
- Have a family income that is less than the limit set by Congress.
- The individual’s net worth is not excessive.
- Are 65 years old or older, or have a permanent and total non-service-connected disability; are a patient receiving skilled nursing care in a nursing home, or are receiving Social Security disability benefits.
Qualify Through Income
A veteran who has an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines is also eligible for a free cell phone.
Qualify Through Certain Federal Assistance Programs
Veterans can also be eligible for free smartphones when participating in one of the following federal programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps
- Medicaid/Medi-Cal
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the income qualifying standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Free and Reduced-Price School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program
- Received a Federal Pell Grant in the current award year
Read more: Who qualifies for Lifeline?, Who qualifies for ACP?
Best Cell Phone Plans For Veterans
AirTalk Wireless Free Unlimited Cell Phone Plans
In addition to a free 4G/5G smartphone, qualifying vets can enjoy free unlimited phone service from AirTalk Wireless when applying for the Lifeline & ACP programs. This company offers includes:
- Unlimited high-speed 4G LTE/5G data
- Unlimited talk
- Free unlimited text & picture messaging
Especially, you can receive all these offers from Airtalk absolutely free of charge with no monthly bills and no contracts. You don’t have to pay for anything, including the phone shipping.
AT&T Military and Veteran Discounts
On qualified AT&T unlimited plans, military members and veterans receive a 25% discount (member must be the primary name on the account). Proof of service is required, and the discount may take 2 or 3 months to appear on your account.
Active Duty, Guard, Reserves, Retirees, Veterans, and spouses of active-duty and deceased service members are all eligible.
T-Mobile Military and Veterans Discount
Last but not least, T-Mobile gives military and veteran customers a 20% discount on their first line and a 50% discount on additional lines. This is a great deal when combined with T-no-contract Mobile’s unlimited plan.
Active-duty personnel, guard/reserve personnel, retirees, veterans, and family members are all eligible. Small businesses owned by veterans are also eligible for up to 12 lines of credit.
Apply For Free Phones For Veterans Now
All in all, a free cell phone for veterans is available for all eligible customers who meet certain eligibility requirements as listed above. In order to receive both free phone and free phone plans, a veteran should sign up for the Lifeline and ACP programs. Click the button below to save your money today!
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