Government Cell Phones- Do you qualify for a free government cell phone?
The present economy is sinking lower and lower. More and more hard working people are losing their jobs. Money is becoming tight. Are you struggling to pay your phone bill because of your low income? Did you know there is a government sponsored free phone program? What are the qualifications to get a free government cell phone? This article will walk you through the basic information you need to know if you want to receive free government cell phone service.
Free Government Phones – How does it Work?
The US government has set up guidelines to help those in financial need. Those Americans in a specified income bracket can apply for government help in medical needs, food stamps, land-line phone service, and now cell phone service to name just a few.
The Lifeline and Link-Up phone service programs were founded in the 1990s by the FCC. Funded by the Universal Service Fund, it provides a discounted or free monthly phone service for those who meet the income qualifications.
There are more than 1500 telephone companies that participate in the government sponsored free phone service. Some of the largest providers are Safelink Wireless, Assuarance Wireless, and ReachOut Wireless. To find out if your local companies offer this service, simply call the customer service line and ask for Lifeline and Link-up information and applications.
Free Government Phones – the Qualifications
The free government cell phone service is known as Lifeline or Link-Up. Cell phone companies will often offer a free government cell phone plan with a stated monthly minute allowance. Each state has different qualifications for enrolling in the government phone program, but it is often required that you are already receiving government help from another program.
To receive government help, your total household income must be at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Charts listing the specific monetary numbers can be found online.
Free Government Phone – How to Apply
When applying for a government phone, you want to be very sure you understand the terms and conditions of the plan. For example, make sure you check the overtime charges per minute. Charging an excessive overtime fee is many times one of the ways that the cell phone companies compensate for the low monthly rate. You may want to check your past minute per month usage to make sure that you will stay within the stated minute allowance.
Often, for those with bad credit histories, an initial deposit is required when you start a government sponsored cell phone program. This fee can be waived if you agree to allow your phone service to be restricted to local numbers only. This limits the potential loss a cell phone company could receive. Restricting your phone to local numbers only is another good way to appease your cell phone company after some late or unpaid bills.
If you are accepted into a government sponsored free phone service, you will receive a complimentary mobile phone, often one of the most basic models, and approximately 250 minutes of usage time per month.
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