10 Facts About the Free Cell Phone Program From the Government
Jessica Williams
Published Dec 19, 2023
The struggling people in the world now have an opportunity to have a cell phone for emergencies. The Lifeline Assistance is a special governmental program that offers a phone and some minutes to those who qualify. The following are 10 facts about the program:
1. Seventy-Six Percent of States Use the Program
Thirty-eight states in the U.S. offer Lifeline Assistance to their underprivileged residents. The growth has blasted since it first started in 2008.
2. Millions of People Have Government Phones
More than 10 million people have been given Lifeline mobile phones since the program’s implementation in 2008. That’s a lot of phones.
3. You Qualify for Government Phone by Qualifying for Government Aid
You read it right! Food stamp recipients and Section 8 persons can qualify for the phone program just because they are eligible for their current programs.
4. Poverty Level Determines Your Qualification
Some states will approve phones for people who have incomes that are 135 percent below the poverty level. Other states such as Florida and New Jersey will approve people who have incomes that are 150 percent below poverty level.
5. People Call It the Obama Phone
Some people refer to the Lifeline phone as an “Obama” phone because it became popular during his reign. However, the program first hit the population while George Bush was president.
6. Aliens Can Get Cell Phones
No, little green men and residents of Mars cannot get these phones. However, people who are not U.S. residents can.
7. A Rich Man is a Supplier
Carlos Slim owns Safelink. He is the richest man in the world.
8. Fraud Plagues the Program
Many people obtain these free phones by fraudulent means, and the FCC is going to take action. Puerto Rico, for example, has more than 200,000 citizens with fraudulent free accounts.
9. Government Internet Is Coming
The government is considering adding free Internet plans to the menu.
10. Program Differs Between States
Most states offer the same plan, which is 250 free voice minutes per month. However, Oklahoma residents pay $2.50 for 250 minutes. Californians pay $1 to get 1,000 minutes, and Alaskans pay $1 for unlimited talk and text.
Bonus: The “Business” Is Expanding
The government expects the program to increase to more than $2 billion over the next few years.
You may be eligible for one of these phones. Complete an application and find out if you can get one today. The program is administered by the FCC. Please use the following link to apply to their program:
Use This Application
1. Seventy-Six Percent of States Use the Program
Thirty-eight states in the U.S. offer Lifeline Assistance to their underprivileged residents. The growth has blasted since it first started in 2008.
2. Millions of People Have Government Phones
More than 10 million people have been given Lifeline mobile phones since the program’s implementation in 2008. That’s a lot of phones.
3. You Qualify for Government Phone by Qualifying for Government Aid
You read it right! Food stamp recipients and Section 8 persons can qualify for the phone program just because they are eligible for their current programs.
4. Poverty Level Determines Your Qualification
Some states will approve phones for people who have incomes that are 135 percent below the poverty level. Other states such as Florida and New Jersey will approve people who have incomes that are 150 percent below poverty level.
5. People Call It the Obama Phone
Some people refer to the Lifeline phone as an “Obama” phone because it became popular during his reign. However, the program first hit the population while George Bush was president.
6. Aliens Can Get Cell Phones
No, little green men and residents of Mars cannot get these phones. However, people who are not U.S. residents can.
7. A Rich Man is a Supplier
Carlos Slim owns Safelink. He is the richest man in the world.
8. Fraud Plagues the Program
Many people obtain these free phones by fraudulent means, and the FCC is going to take action. Puerto Rico, for example, has more than 200,000 citizens with fraudulent free accounts.
9. Government Internet Is Coming
The government is considering adding free Internet plans to the menu.
10. Program Differs Between States
Most states offer the same plan, which is 250 free voice minutes per month. However, Oklahoma residents pay $2.50 for 250 minutes. Californians pay $1 to get 1,000 minutes, and Alaskans pay $1 for unlimited talk and text.
Bonus: The “Business” Is Expanding
The government expects the program to increase to more than $2 billion over the next few years.
You may be eligible for one of these phones. Complete an application and find out if you can get one today. The program is administered by the FCC. Please use the following link to apply to their program:
Use This Application
