Top Cell Phone Lifeline Providers with the Most Reliable Services
The mobile phone is the easiest way to communicate with others. The majority of individuals wish to use a mobile phone; some people can afford a new phone, while others cannot due to their low income. However, there are several cell phone Lifeline providers operating in the United States. Some provide mobile phone plans, while others provide low-income families with free government cell phones. Let’s check out who they are!
What Is Lifeline?
Lifeline program is a government aid program run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It aims to make communication services more affordable for low-income families. During Ronald Reagan’s presidency, the initiative was formed in 1984, when communication services were no longer regarded as a luxury but a necessity. During the Obama administration, the program underwent significant changes.
Lifeline providers give qualifying low-income households a monthly phone service discount. A Lifeline discount of up to $9.25 per month is available to qualify low-income customers ($34.25 per month for eligible persons on tribal lands). Subscribers can only get a discount on either landline or cellular service. Subscribers can also get a discount on any participating landline or cellular provider’s broadband Internet service or combined voice-broadband bundles. Low-income families and people benefit from the discount by having easier access to employment, educational opportunities, loved ones, healthcare, and emergency services.
Furthermore, some of the Lifeline providers provide savings on mobile devices as well as other perks. The specific list of Lifeline perks varies by provider and state.
Every state, territory, commonwealth, and the tribal area has a Lifeline program for qualifying low-income customers. Only one Lifeline service is provided per home due to FCC regulations. The service cannot be transferred.
How to Get Free Phones from Cell Phone Lifeline Providers?
Lifeline is solely available to the disadvantaged, including the elderly, crippled, jobless, and low–income families who cannot afford phone service. Furthermore, a variety of rules and regulations govern the type of phone you should purchase. So, if you want to take advantage of the cheap service, you might have to acquire other discounts on the device.
However, there are four distinct methods to qualify for free government phones:
Participate In Federal Welfare Programs
Overall, this is the simplest way you can qualify for a free touch screen device and wireless plan. It revolves around using any of the government-sponsored welfare programs. They include Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, Tribal Head Start, Veteran Survivors Pension, Federal Public Housing Assistance, and others.
Low Total Household Income
If your total household income is below the federal poverty level (FPL), you can as well qualify for a free smartphone and phone plan. As per household, it refers to the total number of people sharing one roof like a family. Then, the income may be from sources like salaries, rental income, spousal support, et cetera.
Please note that different lifeline providers have varying FPL requirements, in particular, the minimum margin. Nonetheless, many of them will require it to be at or below 135%.
Qualification Through Disability
Are you on Social Security Disability program, Veteran Administration Disability Benefits, or any other federal benefits for the disabled? If yes, you can also qualify for a lifeline service very easily. These benefits are very similar to the general federal welfare programs, in which case they are available to those without monthly income. Hence, an automatic qualification.
Through Seniors Assistance Programs
Similarly, the requirement involves government financial benefits programs but those for the elderly people. These programs usually target individuals aged 62 and above who have no pension or a monthly income below. Such programs include Medicaid, LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
Read more: Lifeline Eligibility: Who is qualified for the Lifeline Program
Top Cell Phone Lifeline Providers
There are numerous Lifeline providers available in every state. However, not all providers offer the same benefits. This section will find out which the very best Lifeline providers are, where they offer their services, which benefits they offer, and how to apply for their discounts.
AirTalk Wireless
AirTalk Wireless is one of the leading American household Lifeline providers. AirTalk Wireless is powered by AirVoice, an FCC-licensed Eligible Telecommunication Carrier (ETC) that provides eligible clients across the United States with Lifeline, Affordable Connectivity, and Emergency Broadband Service.
Furthermore, the AT&T network supports AirTalk Wireless. As you may be aware, AT&T has one of the fastest and biggest networks in the United States, covering more than 99 percent of the population. As a result, when utilizing AirTalk’s service, you may rely on it.
Cintex Wireless
Cintex Wireless is one of the nation’s fastest-growing Lifeline Assistance Program providers. You’ll get FREE cell phone service as a Cintex Wireless Lifeline user, which includes unlimited texts, 350 minutes of call time, and 4.5 GB of high-speed internet per month. Plus, with the “Always On” feature, you’ll be able to stay connected throughout the month with unlimited text and photo messaging, emergency access to 911, and more.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless is also a significant supplier of Lifeline wireless services in the United States. Subscribers to NewPhone will receive a FREE 4G/5G LTE smartphone as well as a FREE monthly mobile phone plan to keep in touch with family, school, medical services, and jobs. One of America’s most dependable networks provides countrywide coverage for cell phones.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is one of the most famous lifeline programs of its nationwide coverage and friendly phone plans. It gives non-California customers at least 350 minutes of free voice minutes, unlimited texts, and up to 2GB of data. In California, on the other hand, the qualified residents get a free smartphone with unlimited voice minutes and texts, plus up to 6GB of data.
enTouch Wireless
If you’re on a Verizon state, enTouch Wireless could be perfect for you. The lifeline bundle plan includes a free smartphone with at least 1000 voice minutes, 500 text messages, and 100MB of data. Furthermore, the provider does support BYOD in case you desire to have the latest device on the network.
Final Words
As we close, you can see how simple it is to use phone services and communicate with loved ones even if you don’t have a source of money. More than a dozen cell phone Lifeline providers are eager to give their free government phones and wireless subscriptions. You only need to demonstrate your eligibility, which should only take a few minutes, provided you have all of the required documentation.
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