The free government cell phone program has gained much popularity. Companies such as ReachOut Wireless, SafeLink Wireless and Assurance Wireless offer to mail free cell phones to qualified individuals. The free cell phones come with a pre-set amount of free airtime.
The free government cell phone programs are made possible through the Lifeline/Link-Up government program. This program was created to assist low-income households that would otherwise have a difficult obtaining and paying for home phone service.
Discounted Home Phone Programs
Although the free cell phone programs are more widely publicized, there are other phone services offered on a state level (also made possible by the Lifeline/Link-Up program) for low-income individuals. These programs do not get the media attention that free cell phone programs do, but each state has its own discounted phone service, which is offered to qualified individuals/households.
The amount of the monthly discounts will vary from state to state and by phone service provider to phone service provider. To get an idea of how much of a discount your phone company offers, visit the Lifeline Support website. This website is run by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the Universal Services Administration Company (USAC). The Lifeline Support website provides a state-by-state listing of participating phone companies and the monthly discount offered.
Phone Installation Charges
In addition to the lower monthly phone bill, qualified individuals who are looking to set up new phone services can offset part of the phone installation cost through the Link-Up portion of the program. Link-Up will pay up to 50% of the phone installation costs. There is a maximum, however, of $30 per installation.
Some states allow customers to pay the rest of the installation costs on monthly installments spread out over a period of a year. Such installment programs make it financially easier for households to cover the installation charges.
Federally Recognized Tribal Lands
There is an exception to the Link-Up $30 installation charge maximum. Qualified households/individuals living on federally recognized tribal lands might qualify to receive Enhanced Link-Up benefits. Through the Enhanced program, Link-Up increases the maximum by $70 to a total of $100 in Enhanced Link-Up benefits.
Qualifying for Discounted Home Service
Although each state establishes its own qualification criteria, the common thread is that a qualified candidate must be the recipient of at least one government assistance program. The programs include, but are not limited to:
- Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- National School Free Lunch Program
Some states use household income as a basis for eligibility. For example, in the state of Indiana, households with incomes at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline are eligible while Texas requires household income at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Applying for Discounted Phone Services
In general, most states allow you to contact your phone company directly to obtain the Lifeline/Link-Up phone application. Some states have a state-created application with specific procedures for applying.
For more information on your state’s eligibility criterion and application procedures, contact your state’s Public Utility Services Commission or visit the Lifeline Support website.
Note: The discounted phone service programs and free government cell phone services are all made available through the Lifeline Program. That being the case, you may only participate in one Lifeline program at a time. Therefore, you may not receive a free government cell phone and sign up for discounted home services simultaneously.
Felicia A. Williams - Felicia A. Williams is a full time freelance writer with over 20 years of business writing experience.
