How to Qualify a Free Phone for Disabled
A free phone and plan may be extremely beneficial to the disabled, as their condition makes it nearly difficult for them to work and fulfill their basic necessities, such as paying their bills. While the disabled are mostly dependent on social security disability benefits, this does not make it any easier for them to make ends meet, particularly for those with major disabilities. If you fall into this group, one of your perks is a free phone for disabled.
Why Cell Phone Is Necessary for the Disabled?
The disabled with little income and abandoned elderly over 65 are eligible for free smartphones, according to the government. They provide complimentary services in addition to the phones. The government felt it vital to give a free phone to the disabled for the reasons listed below.
For personal safety: The handicapped are among society’s most vulnerable citizens. Most handicapped people require free cell phones for personal protection. They struggle to keep up with daily duties and activities. An individual can use a smartphone to contact relatives or friends for aid.
Medical safety: The disabled require mobile phones for medical safety rather than personal safety. The handicapped, as we all know, are more vulnerable to sickness. They require constant access to a smartphone in order to call for assistance in the event of an injury or illness. They are sick or have physical problems that require medical treatment.
For mental health: Disabled people face a variety of physical and emotional obstacles that are detrimental to their mental health. Cell phones allow them to engage in pleasant leisure activities such as social networking. This allows people to unwind, relieve stress, and improve their mental health.
How to Qualify for A Free Cell Phone for the Disabled?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 1 out of every 4 American adults has a disability that prevents them from performing basic living responsibilities, such as working for a steady income. The figures are incredible, especially when you consider the $771 maximum supplemental security income. As a result, even if you qualify for disability benefits such as social security disability insurance, you will still struggle to pay your monthly costs.
Cell phone services are now a vital component of your monthly budget, despite the fact that they might be costly. Stay home if your disability payments aren’t enough to cover all of your monthly expenses. We’ll teach you how to get a free government cell phone for the disabled.
Free Phone Through the Government Assistance Programs
Not all disabled qualify to benefit from free cellphones from the government. To qualify, an individual should meet one of the following requirements:
- Have an income below the Federal Poverty Level.
- Be an active member of any government aid program like the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
- Be an active member of any social security program.
Free Phone through Social Security
The Lifeline program provides low-income people with a free phone. Being the disabled and receiving social security disability payments qualifies you as a low-income person for the government-sponsored program that provides free or subsidized phone services. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) funds this program by charging a modest fee on every cellular account, known as the Universal Service Fund charge. Is that, however, all you need to be eligible for the program? Definitely not.
There are several ways to qualify for a free cell phone for the disabled on social security. Here are the requirements that will automatically qualify you for the Lifeline program:
- Disabled people who receive supplemental security income can qualify for the free phone service.
- Participating in the supplemental nutrition assistance program as a person with a disability is an automatic qualification for the lifeline assistance program.
- If you receive temporary assistance for needy families because of a disability, you also stand to gain from lifeline support for affordable communications.
As previously stated, formal government disability certification is not the only criterion for eligibility. You should determine whether your salary qualifies you for a free phone and basic service.
Read more: Free Phones For Seniors On Social Security
How to Apply for A Free Phone for The Disabled
To get the free phone for the disabled on social security, here are some steps to follow:
Step 1: Choose a provider.
There are many Lifeline and ACP providers in the US. The Feds authorize these providers to offer free phones and plans to every individual who meets their eligibility.
Step 2: Fill in the application form.
You may either fill out the application form on their website or prepare a paper application and mail it in. You should indicate that you qualify through social security while filling out the qualifying requirements.
Step 3: Approval.
In most circumstances, approval takes around 3-5 business days. Once you’ve been accepted, a customer service representative will contact you or send you an email informing you if your device will be picked up or mailed to you.
Step 4: Device and plan activation
Once you get the phone, the activation process is simple and will be already outlined to you with the approval email. Some providers will send you the already activated phone.
Final Words
The disabled are entitled to high-quality phones with internet access. This will make it much easier to communicate with distant relatives via video calls and other forms of communication. Applying for a free phone for the disabled on social security is one of the best methods to save money. Consider deciding between the Lifeline and ACP programs if you are qualified.
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