Free Cell Phone For Seniors

S To Get A Free Phone Government Program

i) Ensure you Qualify

Generally, if youre already participating in a government-supported program, you can automatically qualify for a free government phone, and you can get free phones for seniors on medicare. The following programs are eligible:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program

• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families ,

Additionally, you can qualify based on your gross household income. According to the Federal Poverty Guidelines, if youre not a recipient of any of the above government programs, youll have to prove that your household income equals or less than 135%. Notably, one household cant has more than one free phone or home phone.

ii) Select a Participating Wireless Provider

You can use the online tool to identify a company near you that provides Lifeline. Then, request a Lifeline application for a free senior phone from the company in your area. You will require the following details to apply.

• Full legal name

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Will The Postal Service Program For Free Covid

It’s all about the funding. In an interview with NBC News, an unnamed senior Biden official said, “If Congress provides funding, we will expeditiously resume distribution of free tests through CovidTests.gov.”

On Sept. 2, Office of Management and Budget director Shalanda Young announced that the White House is now asking Congress for $22.4 million in funding to “meet immediate short-term domestic needs, including testing accelerate the research and development of next-generation vaccines and therapeutics prepare for future variants and support the global response to COVID-19.”

Is It True That The Government Provides Free Cell Phones To Social Security Recipients

Senior individuals frequently face poor income, which is why the Social Security program was created in the first place.

Fortunately, low-income seniors frequently qualify for another government assistance program, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program , Supplemental Security Income , Federal Public Housing Assistance , or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. If your cherished elderly adult is enrolled in any such government assistance program, they are immediately eligible to enroll in the government help program known as Lifeline.

Lifeline is a government aid program administered by the FCC that aims to make communication services more affordable for low-income households. Lifeline carriers around the country provide qualifying consumers subsidized or free monthly phone service and, in some cases, a free mobile device. While older folks and the disabled are favored above other qualified customers owing to their frailty, not all seniors are Lifeline-eligible. To be eligible for the Lifeline program and obtain a free phone for seniors on Social Security, you must be enrolled in a government assistance program or have a low yearly income.

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Importance Of Free Cell Phone For Seniors And Disabled People

As you all know that it is quite impossible to live without the comfort of their cell phones as cell phones are the essential commodity of our daily routine. Smart phones are the very crucial thing that everybody needs to stay connected with their loved ones and this may be very helpful in times of emergency as well. The full list of the reasons why seniors and disabled people need a mobile phone is given below. So to know the valid reasons follow the below-given list.

The most important and foremost reason why seniors should have their cell phones with them is safety as seniors and disabled people require more safety and security as compared to others. These people are one of the most vulnerable groups of people who might require medical attention at any time due to their weak health conditions.

In emergency health conditions, cell phones can be a huge relief and work as a heavy support system. Cell phones also help them with their safety and security because in their time of need they can easily reach out to their family members, friends, and so on.

As you all know that seniors and disabled people may need medical attention at any time because of their weak health conditions. So in the case of an emergency, they can easily reach out to the concerned medical authorities with the help of their smart phones.

More on Free Phones

Best Free Cell Phone Service Providers For Seniors

So, which carrier has the best wireless service for free senior cell phones? There are several phone companies that participate in the Lifeline program, although they might not all operate in your area. You will need to confirm with each company whether or not you can qualify for a free phone in the area in which you live, but here are some of the best providers.

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Apply For Lifeline Assistance

Online application is the easiest and most convenient. Once you open the Verizon Wireless website, click Start/Apply/Enroll. Then, proceed with the application and fill out the online form to the end. Alternatively, you can print the application form, fill it out, and send the application manually.

You’ll need to provide information like your name, social security number, date of birth, and residential address. You must verify this information by giving documents to that effect.

Federal Veterans Affairs Veterans & Survivors Pension Benefit

Pension Grant Letter, should contain the following basic information:

• Participants name
• A decision about the participants monthly entitlement amount
• Payment start date

Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

• Prior Years State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
• Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation Benefits Statement
• Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
• Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
• Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
• Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
• Social Security Benefits Statement

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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.

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Please Note: We Do Not Provide A Free Phone For Seniors Or Administer Phone Programs You Must Find Your Local Provider On The Lifeline Website And Call Them

Anyone who is eligible can apply for the program. If you already receive assistance from the federal government or if your income is equal to or less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you can qualify for the program. This program provides a free phone for seniors or anyone else meeting these requirements.

The Lifeline program has many different carriers, which will offer different phones and monthly plans for seniors.

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Why Has Usps Stopped Taking Orders For Free Covid

According to the White House, without new funding for Congress to pay for at-home COVID-19 tests, the government needs to conserve the supply that it has remaining in case of a major COVID-19 outbreak this fall. The Biden administration has been urging Congress to approve more money to fight the pandemic for most of 2022, but efforts have stalled.

A $1.5 trillion omnibus spending bill in the spring was passed only after removing all funding for COVID-19. In a , House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blamed the lack of COVID-19 funding on Republicans’ insistence that all money be offset by cuts elsewhere, to which several Democrats objected.

The Biden administration has suggested that as many as 100 million Americans could be infected with COVID-19 this fall and winter. The White House also recently extended the public health emergency order until Jan. 11, 2023.

Minimum Service Standards & Support Amounts

* Minimum service standards and support amounts will be implemented on the later of December 1, 2016 or 60 days after PRA approval.*** Fixed broadband providers that do not offer a product meeting the minimum service standards to a particular customers residence may receive the $9.25 benefit if that customer purchases a fixed broadband offering that meets or exceeds 4 Mbps download and 1 Mbps upload.

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Why Should Seniors Consider The Lifeline Assistance Program

Known to all, seniors are subjects to numerous risks. They are generally weak and prone to diseases. This calls the need for seniors to consider lifeline assistance program. I mean, through this program, seniors can get all the help and attention they need.

Firstly, the program provides them reliable phones that ensure they are safe in case of emergency. Rather that safety, seniors also need phones for social support and mental health.

Seniors should also consider lifeline assistance program in order to get the best medical care services. The program ensures they get the best and convenient medical care services from the best facilities. Through the program, seniors can also get nutritious food which helps to boost their health.

Does At& T Offer Free Government Phones

AT& T Mobility is the name of the wireless service provided by phone company giant AT& T . The company has been around for more than 100 years and while it doesnt offer a free government cell phone program, it does offer a Discount Lifeline program for needy Americans who can prove that they are eligible.

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Check For Phone Plan Deals

Pair your no-cost or low-cost cell phone with an affordable phone plan. From time to time, providers offer free lines, waived fees, and monthly freebies. For example, Mint Mobile is the cheapest prepaid mobile carrier weve tested, and their new customer offer lets you try them out for three months at their lowest possible price . And if your carrier isnt offering any current deals, dont be afraid to ask!

From the Pros: There are plenty of economical phone plans to choose from. Check out our list of the best cell phone plans for seniors to find out which cell phone providers dominated the competition.

Lifeline Program For Low

• Low-Income Broadband Pilot Program

Lifeline Fraud Tip Line: 1-855-4LL-TIPS or . Please provide as much detail as possible, including your name and contact information and the company you are using to receive Lifeline-supported phone service.

The FCC is currently developing the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program that Congress created in the recent COVID relief legislation. Program specifics will be available in the coming weeks. Consumers should contact broadband providers that serve their area to learn more about current low cost offerings.

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. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund. The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands.

The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company . USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. USACs website provides information regarding administrative aspects of the low-income program, as well as program requirements.

Below are highlights of the reforms made in the 2016 Lifeline Modernization Order:

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Free Cell Phone For Seniors

How to Choose the Best Lifeline Provider?

• Find out lifeline service providers in your area.
• Compare the free cell phone options, and find out what the wireless service plan offers.
• Sing up with the provider that offers the best deal or offers a service that fits your needs.

Safelink WirelessSafelink Wireless Service AreasSafelink Wireless Free Cell Phones and Service

• Free monthly 350 minutes.
• Free monthly 3GB of data.
• Nationwide coverage on 4G LTE capable networks.
• You can bring your own phone, most of the GSM smartphones are compatible.
• Free Voicemail.

Assurance WirelessAssurance Wireless Service AreasAssurance Wireless Free Phone ServiceQ LINK WirelessQ LINK Wireless Service StatesQ LINK Wireless Free Phone Benefits

• Free unlimited talk, and text.
• Free monthly 3GB of data.
• Nationwide coverage.

Life WirelessLife Wireless Free Phone Served StatesWhat Does Life Wireless offer?

• Free monthly 1000 minutes.

• Free up to 3GB of data per month.
• Unlimited international calling to Select Countries.
• You can bring your own phone.

California Free Cell Phones for Seniorsbest California lifeline cell phone providers

• TruConnect free phones for seniors in California.
• Life Wireless free cell phone service California.
• Safelink Wireless free government phones in California.

free government cell phones Illinois

Stop Paying $10 For Every Covid Test: How To Get Free At

Even though the Post Office stopped shipping free COVID-19 tests, you can still get them for free.

Peter Butler

Writer

Peter is a writer and editor for the CNET How-To team. He has been covering technology, software, finance, sports and video games since working for @Home Network and Excite in the 1990s. Peter managed reviews and listings for Download.com during the 2000s, and is passionate about software and no-nonsense advice for creators, consumers and investors.

The holiday season not only brings colder weather to much of the US, it also brings parties and gatherings of friends and family. Testing for COVID-19 before and after such events can reduce the odds of spreading the virus, but the cost of those rapid antigen tests can add up — each one runs about $10.

Earlier this year, a White House program delivered millions of free at-home COVID-19 tests through the US Postal Service, but that program was suspended on Sept. 2, 2022.

Even though you can no longer order free tests through the Postal Service, there are still other ways to get at-home tests for free. Learn about your options for finding free COVID-19 tests, as well as what might happen next with the federal program to deliver free tests.

For more on COVID-19 testing, learn why the expiration date on your COVID-19 test box might be wrong and whether at-home tests detect the BA.5 subvariants of COVID-19.

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At& t Senior Cell Phone Plans

AARP members who are AT& T Wireless customers can save up to 10% on their talk and data plan monthly charges, as well as save 15% on eligible phone accessories. AARP members get:

• 10% off voice and data plan monthly charges.
• Up to $45 waived for activation or upgrade fees.
• Up to 15% off eligible phone accessories.

How To Apply For Free Phones For Seniors On Social Security

The complete procedure of application for the free phones for seniors on social security is given below. The process contains various steps and all the steps are given here. So, follow these steps to apply for this program. If you want to get free phones from the government for seniors on social security then firstly you have to sign up for the Lifeline program. Before giving an application must check your eligibility for the program that is explained above in this document. So, check your eligibility by following those points. When you feel you are eligible according to the prescribed steps for the program then you can follow the below mention steps to apply for free cell phones for seniors on social security:

Step 1: The first thing that you should do for the application, you have to find out the lifeline provider in your area. If you are unable to find it then you can check the official website for this purpose. The website is lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me.

Step 2: After getting the website you have to visit the website of the lifetime provider to get more information about this program. When you feel satisfied with the program then you can either fill out the application form online or if you want then you can contact them as well.

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Seniors Who Can Apply Free Cell Phones Are

As stated earlier, not all senior qualify to get free cellphones from the government. To apply free cellphone, seniors should be:

• 65 years of age and above.
• Should have no retirement benefits, no income or earn 135% below the federal poverty guidelines.
• Should be disabled with no work experience as a result of your disability. Nevertheless, you should not be receiving any disability benefit.
• Should be an active member of at least one government aid program.

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Helpful Information About Cell Phones For Seniors

Cell phones, specifically smartphones, can be confusing, especially to someone who has never used a phone for anything other than making a call. A modern smartphone has the ability to predict the weather for the rest of the week. It can have a driver come and pick you up wherever you are without you even having to talk to anyone. It can even have groceries delivered to your home . Modern smartphones do so much more than what a regular phone or even a cell phone used to do, that they could easily be intimidating for senior citizens if they are not already tech-savvy. This is where cell phones for seniors come in.

Cell phones for seniors are mobile phones that have been designed with older consumers in mind. Their displays, the keypad numbers, the on-screen text, and the icons are larger than usual, in order to make the phones easier to use for those who have conditions that affect their vision. Some phones also include GPS location services and medical monitoring features, as well as an emergency call button, 24/7 access to registered nurses and doctors, check-in calls, and wellness calls.

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