Why Pay for a Cell Phone? Check Out These Free Options Instead

A cell phone is pretty much necessary these days. Unfortunately, phones aren’t getting any cheaper and not everyone is able to afford such a high-ticket item—particularly when you tack on that monthly service fee.

Lifeline Support

A cell phone is pretty much necessary these days. Unfortunately, phones aren’t getting any cheaper and not everyone is able to afford such a high-ticket item—particularly when you tack on that monthly service fee. 

Lifeline Support1 is a government-funded program that reduces the cost of cell phones for qualifying individuals*. Those who qualify can receive at least $9.25 each month toward their cell phone bills and a free Android smartphone. 

The Federal Lifeline Program has been in place since 1985 and is part of the Universal Service Fund. As mobile technology has become more and more commonplace and accessible, the program evolved to cover cell phones*. As most of us rely on our cell phones for consistent communication, (especially since landlines are not as relevant or easily accessible these days) access to cell phones is seen as a basic need that everyone should be able to have. This program is aimed at assisting low-income consumers with a cell phone, data plan and broadband internet at little or no cost. It all depends on a few qualifying factors.

Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is part of the Lifeline Assistance program*, so anyone qualifying for Lifeline Assistance can take advantage of the plan. Users can receive unlimited talk and text and 2GB of data each month for free. They can also receive a free Android phone.

In order to get approved for a plan, you must provide proof of program participation or proof of income. Only one wireless or wireline account per household is eligible2. Separate households that live at the same address are eligible, including residents of homeless shelters and nursing homes. Residents with temporary addresses can also apply.

TAG Mobile

TAG Mobile4, a Lifeline partner*, provides free cell phone service to residents living in 19 U.S. states. With the TAG Mobile program, participants can receive 1,000 free voice minutes, unlimited texting and 4.5GB LTE data every month.

Their services are currently available in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin and West Virginia.

Nextdoor

NextDoor is a social network5 that connects people who live inside your community. Users often post things they’re trying to sell or give away. Oftentimes, electronics like cell phones are listed on Nextdoor at affordable prices or completely free.

SafeLink Wireless

SafeLink Wireless, another partner of Lifeline Assistance, offers free phone service and cellular devices to low income individuals. Individuals can use their own device to begin the service or can opt for a free Android device3.

Subscribers must either have proof of income that lies at or under 135 percent of the Federal Poverty listings. Alternatively, they could be participants in Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Stamps or Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit.

The FCC has simplified the process* for individuals who have lost their employment during the coronavirus pandemic and who qualify for Lifeline benefits to enroll in the Lifeline program. The requirement that consumers seeking to qualify for the program based on their income must provide at least three consecutive months of income documentation has been temporarily waived. There can only be one Lifeline Program benefit per household, and this includes any wireless or landline telephone, in addition to any home internet or cell phone plan that you might be a part of.

Individuals must meet one of these requirements to become part of the program…

  – An income of less than 135% of the federal poverty amount each year. In most states, that’s $16,862 for a one-person household.

  – A participant of SNAP

  – A participant of Medicaid

  – A participant of the Supplemental Security Income

  – A participant in the Federal Public Housing Assistance program

  – A member of the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

  – A member of the Tribal Programs (for residents of federally-recognized Tribal lands)

Works Cited: 

1. https://www.lifelinesupport.org/
2. https://www.assurancewireless.com/
3. https://www.safelinkwireless.com/
4. https://www.tagmobile.com/
5. https://nextdoor.com/
6. http://craigslist.org
7. https://www.facebook.com/marketplace