Free Cell Phone/Internet Service Options
Wireless service has become a necessity in today’s society. Whether it’s for communication (talk and text) or information (data), access is a requirement.
And the Lifeline programs are providing that access for individuals who meet eligibility requirements.
If you need help paying for cell phone or Internet access, this information may be of interest.
Lifeline Programs
The Lifeline Assistance and Lifeline Link-Up programs are federal government programs paid for by the Universal Service Fund fee charged on all monthly phone bills.
Lifeline Assistance helps pay the monthly service charges (up to $9.25 toward the monthly bill) and the Lifeline Link-up pays for installation (which primarily applied to landlines, a carryover from when the programs were initially begun in 1996).
There is a limit of one Lifeline discount (phone or Internet, not both) per household.
Some Lifeline providers (Mobile Virtual Network Operators) will also provide a free cell phone for qualifying individuals.
Eligibility
Free cell phone or Internet service is available to individuals whose income is below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines or if he/she participates in a public assistance program such as those listed below (list may not be all-inclusive).
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard )
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
An easy way to check eligibility is at the Lifeline National Verifier site linked below.
Lifeline National Verifier Site Link
Once your information is provided and qualification is confirmed, you have 90 days to select a phone or Internet company and sign up for service.
You may be able to have your current provider apply your Lifeline benefit to your current service to offset its total cost. Not all service providers participate, though.
Participating Cell and Internet Providers
Which wireless and Internet providers are available to you depends on where you live.
You can use this link to find available providers in your area.
Below we’ve listed a few of the major providers that may be an option, along pertinent information such as free phone availability, included service, and on which network the service runs.
Access Wireless
- Voice – 250 minutes (depends on state)
- Text – Unlimited
- Data – 3GB
- Network – Sprint/T-Mobile
Can bring your own device or purchase a phone from their site.
Assurance Wireless
- Voice – 350 minutes (depends on state)
- Text – Unlimited
- Data – 3GB
- Network – Sprint/T-Mobile
Free Android smartphone available. Does not appear you can bring your own device.
SafeLink Wireless
- Voice – 350 minutes (depends on state)
- Text – Unlimited
- Data – 3GB
- Network – Sprint/T-Mobile, Verizon and AT&T
Free smartphone for eligible customers. You can also bring your own device
TerraCom Wireless
- Voice – 500 minutes (depends on state)
- Text – Unlimited
- Data – 3GB
- Network – Sprint/T-Mobile, Verizon
Free smartphone available. Can also bring your own device. Many of the Lifeline plans do not include data (check state/plan specifics). Data can be purchased as an upgrade.
Wrap Up
Qualifying individuals can obtain free cell phone or Internet access via the federal Lifeline Assistance program.
There are a variety of service providers connected to the Lifeline program. Availability, however, is dependent on the state in which you live.
And the plan specifics – monthly allowance for voice, text and data – are also very state-specific.
The providers listed above may, or may not, be options for you depending on the state in which you live. They do, however, provide an example of what Lifeline providers may offer.
Should you find yourself in a position where paying for cell or Internet service is difficult, take the time to check your eligibility for the Lifeline program.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this post, cell/Internet access is a necessity these days…the Lifeline program can help you get that access.
Please share this post to ensure everyone who needs this service can benefit.
