According to a survey by the Pew Research Center, 85 percent of Americans own a smartphone. Moreover, 97 percent of Americans own a cellphone – if not a smartphone – meaning there’s only a minuscule minority without access to a mobile device.
Given our world is becoming increasingly digitized, cellphones have almost become a necessity rather than a luxury. Luckily for most Americans, the US government sees cell phones the same way. Under the Reagan administration, the government recognized the importance of telecommunications and declared it a need rather than a luxury. Since then, the government has been offering free cellphones to low-income individuals via the Lifeline program.
Initially, the lifeline program provided landline telephones. However, the program evolved with technological advancements and now offers access to cellphones and data services.
Statistics show that the lifeline program has been an unprecedented success. There are over 45 million households eligible for the program, and 12.5 million homes are actively benefiting from it. If you’re someone who can’t afford a cellphone, you can get free cellphone services from the government too. Allow us to show you exactly how to get access to government-assisted cellphones.
How to Get Government-Assisted Cellphone Services
The Lifeline program is a cellphone assistance program designed to facilitate access to telecommunications for low-income households. There are numerous ways to qualify for the program. These include:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Typically, if you’re part of a government aid program, you qualify for the Lifeline program. The supplemental nutrition assistance program (SNAP), formerly known as the food stamp program, makes beneficiaries eligible to receive a free cellphone from the government. The federal government runs SNAP to supplement the food budget of needy families so they can eat healthily.
Supplemental Security Income
The supplemental security income (SSI) program is a federal program that relies on tax revenue to keep it functioning. The SSI program provides monthly payments to senior citizens, disabled people, and those who qualify as low-income households. If you’re eligible for the SSI program, you can get into the Lifeline program too.
Medicaid
Medicaid is a federal and state-run program that helps cover healthcare costs for people with low-income and resources. It’s a national healthcare insurance program that approximately one in five Americans use. People with Medicaid coverage are eligible for the Lifeline program.
Federal Housing Assistance
If you’re someone who relies on federal aid from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), you’re eligible for the Lifeline program. The HUD is a federal agency that provides financial aid to low-income people to ensure safe housing.
Tribal-Specific Programs
Some tribal-specific programs are eligible for the Lifeline program. These include the Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, and the Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy families that can ensure your eligibility for the Lifeline program.
Low-Income Homes
If you come from a low-income household but aren’t part of any government aid programs, you can qualify for the Lifeline program. However, this process is slightly more complicated as you’ll have to prove that your income lies at or below 135 percent of the US Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Getting a Free Cellphone from the Government
Now that you’ve read this blog post, you’re aware of the many ways you can qualify for a free cellphone from the government. Life Link Today is one of the top-rated cellphone service companies in the United States. We provide free government cellphones with service in all 50 US states and Puerto Rico.
We’re one of the best cellphone service providers, offering premium-quality cellphone service to low-income people.
Visit our website to sign up for free cellphone service today.
