Tuesday, April 23, 2024

Free Phone If On Food Stamps

In General You Qualify For The Program If:

KGBT ARCHIVES: Food Stamp recipients now get free cell phones

You or someone in your household receives:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income , but not if you just receive regular Social Security
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

* You will need to provide a card, letter, or official document as proof when you apply.

* Until June 30, 2021, you may also qualify if you are receiving or have applied for Unemployment Benefits. You will need to provide a copy of your benefits statement or proof of your application.

Your household income is equal to or less than these amounts:

Number of People in Your Household Annual Household Income
For each additional person, add $6,048

Note: There is a limit of one phone or service discount per household.

What Is The Lifeline Assistance Program

Lifeline Assistance is the Federal Communication Commission’s long running program designed to provide equal access to phone service for all Americans. It specifically caters to low-income residents who may not otherwise be able to afford a cell phone device or plan. The program entitles those who are eligible to wireless service for $9.25/month. It also applies to internet service, also priced at $9.25/month.

You can read more about the Lifeline program here.

Why Is The Government Doing This

Lifeline is provided by the US government to help ensure that low-income consumers can afford 21st-century broadband and the access it provides to jobs, education, and opportunities.

How Does the Program Work?

Lifeline is available to eligible low-income subscribers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

To participate in the program, subscribers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in the assistance programs listed below.

The following is a list of assistance programs that qualify a participant for Lifeline:

  • Medicaid
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance

Apply for Georgia Lifeline Cell Phone, Home Phone or Internet

If you live in the state of Georgia and are on Food Stamps, you can apply for a Lifeline Cell Phone Service, Home Phone, or Home Internet Broadband Service. Note that you can only select one of the programs so you can either use your lifeline credit towards a cell phone plan, or home phone plan or broadband internet plan.

How to Apply

Step 1

To apply, you have to contact the provider for the service you are interested in below. Scroll down to see our list of lifeline program providers for cell phone, home phone or internet broadband service in Georgia.

Step 2

Recommended Reading: Alabama Food Stamps Income Eligibility

Low Cost Landline Telephone Service

Maine’s Link-Up and LifeLine Programs are providing eligible Maine residents with low cost telephone installation and services. The Link-Up program provides Maine residents with a 50% reduction in phone service installation charges up to a $30 maximum. The LifeLine Program helps with the cost of telephone service by offering up to a $13.50 per month discount on phone service.

To qualify for these services, you must receive assistance from one of the following programs:

  • MaineCare
  • Food Supplements
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Supplemental Security Income

What Types Of Proof Of Id Do You Accept

How to Get a Free Cell Phone through Food Stamps  TAG Mobile

We accept several types of Proof of ID. Please make sure your ID is valid, not expired and they must be your documents. Make sure that we can read the copy of the ID and that important information hasnt been cut off. Here are all of the types of I.D. we accept:

  • Drivers License
  • NOTE: If you have more than one form of ID, just upload one copy.

Also Check: Alabama Food Stamp Income Limits 2020

Lifeline Discount Companies In Florida

If you qualify for Lifeline Assistance, but you find that none of the companies offer free government cell phones where you live, you have another option. The companies below, while not offering free cell phone plans, do offer substantial Lifeline discounts off their regular mobile phone plans in Florida:

How Can I Apply For Food Stamps

To apply for food stamp benefits, or for information about the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , contact your local SNAP office. You can find local offices and each State’s application on the USDA national map. Local offices are also listed in the State or local government pages of the telephone book. The office should be listed under “Food Stamps,” “Social Services,” “Human Services,” “Public Assistance,” or a similar title. You can also call your State’s SNAP hotline numbers. Most are toll-free numbers.

Each State has its own application form. If your States form is not on the web yet, you’ll need to contact your local SNAP office to request one. Please don’t call USDA or HHS headquarters as only your State accepts applications and determines eligibility.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is administered by the US Department of Agriculture , Food and Nutrition Service program.

You May Like: Local Food Stamp Office Phone Number

Easy Steps To Get A Free Cell Phone

It is easy to obtain a free cell phone if you are in need and earn a lower than average yearly income. To qualify for a free Obama phone, you can follow the below steps to receive one in the mail.

If you earn an income that is under 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Level, then you may already qualify to receive a free cell phone under the Lifeline Assistance program. You can generally qualify for a free government phone if you are receiving assistance from a government based program. Those programs include SSI, SNAP, Medicaid, LIHEAP, Section 8, TANF, and Tribal assistance. You may qualify based on your level of income even if you are not currently participating in a government assistance program.

Is There Anything Else I Should Know About Getting Free Government Cell Phone Service

Galaxy J1 Food Stamp phone review

There are just a few things you should know before applying for a free government cell phone with free monthly talk, text and Data. Knowing these key facts will help determine your eligibility and will help with your enrollment process.

First, you may only have one wireless or landline Lifeline account per household. If you already have free government cell phone service from another provider, you may not be able to sign up for another phone. Therefore, households cannot connect to multiple providers.

Secondly, the address you provide on your application must be your current place of residence. Please also note that service on free government cell phones is non-transferable.

Third, it is considered good practice to use your free government cell phone service with free monthly talk, text and Data at least once per thirty days. Lifeline service providers may suspend or de-enroll you if you do not make a phone call or send a text for more than thirty days. Also, if you suddenly no longer qualify for Lifeline service, then you must notify your chosen Lifeline service provider within thirty days of your eligibility change. Please refer to your chosen Lifeline service providers terms and conditions for more information.

Ready to apply for your free government cell phone service? Just click on the red button below to start the easy signup process right now!

Don’t Miss: Tulsa County Dhs Food Stamps

The Food Stamp Recipients Guide To Getting A Free Smartphone

You know the drillanother month, another hefty cell phone bill. Are you able to afford this monthly expense, or are you considering having to cut off your cell service in order to pay for something else?

Many families and individuals alike face the same cell phone conundrum at the end of each billing cycle. If youve been worried about how youre going to make those pennies stretch to afford a pricey device and the data/talk/text services that go along with it, you can finally breathe a sigh of relief!

Assist Wireless is the #1 provider of the Lifeline program in Oklahoma. With the Lifeline program, low-income families are able to see if they qualify for cost-efficient cell phones and subsidized servicesand sometimes at NO COST!

Have you heard about phones some people call the SNAP phone or food stamp phone? They are not official terms, but rather just what some people call them. In reality, if you are the recipient of government benefits such as SNAP/Food Stamps, you may qualify for Lifeline and the opportunity to get a free phone.

The Lifeline Assistance Program

If you are the recipient of SNAP/Food Stamps, how can you get a free phone?

There are two ways that an individual and/or a family can qualify for one of these phoneseither through low-income eligibility or program participation eligibility.

  • SNAP , also known as Food Stamps
  • FPHA
  • Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
  • BIA
  • FDPIR
  • Tribal TANF
  • Why should you choose Assist Wireless?

    What Proof Of Participation Documents Do I Need To Upload

    To get your application approved and your phone shipped right away, you need to upload your proof documents. Send us EITHER of the items below:

    A copy of Proof of Participation in a Government Program approved in your state

    -OR-

    A copy of Proof of Income

    NOTE: we only need ONE proof of eligibility. If you participate in a government program AND you have low income, you do not need to upload both proof copies. Just choose one. Also, if you participate in more than one government program, just upload a proof copy of ONE. The system will request you to upload a copy of your ID as well.

    Also Check: Apply For Food Stamps Lexington Ky

    Selecting The Best Offer

    When you determine which companies offer phones in your area, you must next visit the websites of the companies that distribute these phones. Many of the providers that offer phones in different states vary what their programs offer each individual consumer, so you may need to shop around at each of their websites in order to determine which has the best deal.

    Some providers give you the 250 minutes as part of the government program, but also offer additional minutes at a reduced rate. In addition, some of the providers may also offer texting at reduced rates.

    What Types Of Proof Of Participation In Government Programs Do You Accept

    Safelink Cell Phones For Food Stamp Recipients

    To qualify for American Assistance Lifeline please submit a Proof of Eligibility document showing you participate in a qualifying program. Here are the most common types of proof documents:

    Supplemental Security Income

    • Copy of a Benefit Check Stub from the Social Security Administration
    • Copy of your Social Security Statement of Benefits
    • Copy of other official documentation from State Agency indicating current participation

    Food Stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

    • Copy of your Award Letter
    • Copy of your Food Stamp Benefit Card
    • Copy of other official documentation from State Agency indicating current participation

    Medicaid

    • Copy of your Medicaid ID Card
    • Copy of other official documentation from State Agency indicating current participation

    Section 8, or Federal Public Housing Assistance

    • Copy of your Award Letter
    • Copy of your Public Housing Assistance Lease Agreement
    • Copy of your Section 8 Voucher
    • Copy of other official documentation from Public Housing Agency

    Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension

    • Veterans Pension Grant Letter
    • Veterans Pension COLA Adjustment Letter
    • Survivors Pension Benefit Summary Letter

    We accept several types of Proof of Income documentation. Must provide 3 consecutive months, if noted. Here are all of the types we accept:

    Read Also: Local Food Stamp Office Phone Number

    Learn More About The Wic Program

    Your agency may not have enough money to serve everyone who needs WIC. In that case, it will maintain a waiting list and use a priority system to decide who will get WIC benefits first.

    For more information and help applying, contact your state or local WIC agency. You can also call its toll-free number.

    Reliable Telecommunications Access For All

    Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. In 2005, Lifeline discounts were made available to qualifying low-income consumers on pre-paid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund.

    You May Like: Apply For Food Stamps Lexington Ky

    Immigrants Are Also Eligible

    Immigrants are eligible to receive SNAP benefits if they are legal residents and have lived in the U.S. for at least five years. Those who are on disability or are under the age of 18 do not have to meet the 5-year residency requirement.

    In addition, some illegal immigrants who are permanently granted residency in the U.S. or who are admitted for humanitarian reasons can also obtain SNAP.

    Important Pages

    Free Government Cell Phones: Carriers

    ZTE ZMAX 2 Food Stamp Phone Review

    So, what are the free government phones you can get with the Lifeline Assistance program? The carriers below all offer cell phones and plans via the Lifelink program.

    • Assist Wireless
    • TruConnect
    • True Wireless

    Note that each carrier serves specific states for more information on which states each is available in. The easiest way to find out what carriers work in your area is to enter your ZIP code here.

    Also Check: Kentucky Food Stamps Income Chart

    Find A Free Government Phone Provider

    To get a free phone, you must check with one of the companies that offer phones through the Lifeline Assistance program. There are many providers out there, but the most popular ones are Safelink Wireless and Assurance Wireless.

    Many programs exist all over the country that provide cell phones to needy people in most states. Providers include Budget Mobile, Life Wireless, Assist Wireless, I-Wireless, Terracom Wireless, YourTel Wireless, Tag Mobile, Cintex Wireless, Care Wireless, Alaska Communications, and Wireless for Hope. Because of the expansion of these programs nationwide, this list is subject to change.

    Md Free Wireless Plan

    To qualify, you just need to be receiving some form of government assistance like medicaid, food stamps, SSI, Federal Public Housing, etc.

    For a full list of qualifying government assistance programs, go to our easy order form – just click the order now button.

    Receive a handset and 350 voice minutes per month if you are a Maryland resident. Each month your 1000 minutes will automatically be added. If you need more minutes, you can purchase them at discounted rates.With those minutes you can receive or place local and long distance calls, send or receive text messages, and check your voicemail.You won’t receive a bill because the service is FREE! There is no credit check, no deposit, and no contract. You can cancel at any time.

    Also Check: Www.azdes.gov Renewal Application

    How Do I Apply For Lifeline

    Apply for Lifeline through the Lifeline National Verifier. You can apply online or mail in a paper form.

    You can get approved for Lifeline faster if you include documents that prove you qualify when you apply.

    • You can use documents that show you get benefits like SNAP, MassHealth, or SSI. These documents must have:
    • Your name or the name of the person who qualifies for the benefit,
    • The name of the program that makes you eligible for Lifeline,
    • The name of the agency that issued the document, and
    • A date that is within the past 12 months or that shows when your benefits end.
  • You can also use documents that show your income is 135% of the federal poverty level or less, like:
  • An Unemployment Benefits statement,
  • A Social Security benefits statement,
  • A paycheck stub, or
  • Another document that shows your income.
  • If the National Verifier does not show that you qualify with the information you upload, you may need to give Lifeline other documents.

    Do not give a copy of your Social Security Number card or your full SSN to a Lifeline sales representative. You only have to give the last 4 numbers of your SSN. Lifeline workers can only ask for your Social Security card if there is an error verifying your identity.

    If you have questions about how to apply, call The Department of Telecommunications and Cable Consumer Hotline: 1-800-392-6066.

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