A federal program that provides low-income families with free cell phones appears to be riddled with fraud and abuse. CBS4 investigated and found that Total Call is distributing phones without verifying eligibility.
While Lifeline carriers like StandUp Wireless and Assurance Wireless typically don’t reveal their cell phone lineups until you qualify, a few do. Here’s what you need to know about them.
What is Lifeline?
The federal Lifeline program was created to help low-income Americans get affordable access to phone and broadband service. The Universal Service Fund funds the program, which is paid into by telecommunications companies. Those funds are used to offer a discounted telephone plan to eligible households.
Eligibility for the Lifeline free government phone program is based on household income. Typically, single people and families who participate in federal aid programs such as Medicaid, Section 8, SNAP, HEAP or the Federal Public Housing Assistance Program will qualify for the program. It’s also possible to qualify for the Lifeline program if your household is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Several different telecommunications providers offer Lifeline services. Some companies will provide a free smartphone to qualified customers, while others may offer a discount on a compatible mobile device. The free smartphone is often supplied as a SIM card that can be installed into most GSM, 4G LTE or VoLTE devices.
In addition to offering a free smartphone, some providers provide a monthly bill credit and waive federal subscriber line charges for landline phones. Their wireless plans include 1,000 minutes of talk, unlimited text and 4.5 GB of data. They also have a new program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which allows residents to cut or eliminate their cell phone bills.
How do I Get a Free Government Phone?
To qualify for a free government phone, you must first be eligible and apply for both the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Then, you must choose a phone company that offers ACP/Lifeline phones and plans. The carriers that offer these types of phones are MVNOs (mobile virtual network operators) that focus on providing low-cost or even free service. Some of these companies also partner with other larger carriers to offer a complete wireless plan for less.
The phone programs these companies offer vary from state to state, but most include a free smartphone and a monthly plan for qualifying customers. These phones are basic Android devices from lesser-known manufacturers. There are also a few programs that offer free iPhones. Still, they’re usually limited and only available to those who qualify for the phone through a program partnered with Apple.
Residents receiving Medicaid, SNAP, Section 8, HEAP, TANF, or other federal assistance programs can receive a free Lifeline phone. These smartphones are automatically verified through the National Verifier database and can be sent directly to the home address of the qualifying client. However, phones cannot be used for business purposes, and only one device per household is permitted.
What are the Requirements?
The federal Lifeline program has strict eligibility requirements that all applicants must meet. These include proof of income and participation in specific government assistance programs that provide financial support such as SNAP, food stamps, TANF welfare, Section 8 housing, national school lunch program, Medicaid, SSI, veterans’ pension benefits and survivor benefits, and other government aid.
These qualifying programs help low-income households afford vital communications services to stay connected to their loved ones, work, schools, and medical professionals. The programs also provide money that can be used to pay for other essential living expenses such as groceries, utilities, clothing, medicines and much more. This helps improve the quality of life for tens of thousands of people in Pennsylvania and nationwide.
To qualify for Lifeline, all customers must complete a simple online verification process that verifies their information against public records. Then, they must bring documentation of their income or participation in government aid programs to a Lifeline provider. This includes three pay stubs or official letters from the government assistance program and identification such as a driver’s license, passport, state ID, tribal ID number, or social security card. Only one phone is available per household under the program. The service provider will send a free smartphone and SIM card to the customer’s home.
Where can I Get a Free Government Phone?
The federal government has authorized several companies to provide free services and devices to low-income families. Some companies offer a SIM card that goes into your existing compatible GSM, 4G LTE, or VoLTE smartphone to provide unlimited talk, text, and 4.5 GB of data. Some also offer free phones for qualifying subscribers, though only one device can be enrolled per household.
There is a nice selection of cheap smartphones for its customers, including Samsung Galaxy A03s models for free with certain switching deals and Apple iPhones at discounted rates for qualified Lifeline subscribers. These devices are typically older models that have reached the point of “maturity,” so they are no longer as popular as newer devices, meaning the manufacturers are more willing to take the hit and offer them for free with a Lifeline plan.
