Are you looking for free cell phone service? Then good news for you! The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) started the Lifeline Assistance Program called Obama phone. The program produces qualifying low-income families with a monthly credit of $9.25 on their wireless bill to help pay for service.
As someone who would qualify as “low income,” I am very interested in this program because it means my family can save money on our monthly bills. To find out more about how to apply for Obama phone, continue reading!
What is an Obama Phone?
This Lifeline Assistance Program gives free cell phones and services to lower-income families. The program was initially meant to provide low-income households with landline telephones to remain connected. However, the program has recently developed to include wireless (or cellular) phone service.
Recent changes made by the Obama administration mean that residents of all 50 states now have access to the Lifeline program. In addition, service providers are no longer limited to providing landline service only. That means that more people can benefit from the free government cell phone service offered through the Lifeline program.
What Are the requirement for getting an Obama Phone?
There are two requirements for receiving an Obama Phone through the Lifeline program. First, your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (for example, if you earn $16,245 a year as an individual, you would qualify). You may also qualify with assets that do not exceed $32,000 for a single household or $46,000 for a family of two.
While you must be low-income to qualify for an Obama Phone, the program is open to all US residents, including homeless, veterans, students, and senior citizens.
The second requirement is that you must either have an income that exceeds 135% of this Federal Poverty Guidelines or be registered in some government assistance programs. The programs add but are not limited to Medicaid, Food stamps, SSI, and WIC.
If you meet both of these requirements, then you can apply for an Obama Phone through your wireless service provider or the Lifeline website.
How To Apply For Obama Phone
How to apply for Obama phone, you need to contact your local service provider. You can get the list of eligible service providers here.
Once you have contacted your service provider, they will take you through the application system. You will probably want to provide documentation to prove that you are a low-income household.
This could include things such as proof of income, Medicaid or food stamp documentation, or a letter from your local government agency.
If you qualify for the Lifeline Assistance Program, you will be able to receive a free cell phone and service through your local service provider. Keep in mind that the program is limited to one phone per household, so only the primary applicant will receive a free cell phone through the program.
Are there any other ways to get an Obama Phone?
Yes, you can also qualify for a free cell phone by participating in the FCC’s “LifeLine Program.” To qualify, you must get benefits from one of the following programs:
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) -Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) -National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program -Supplemental Security Income (SSI) -Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
In addition, you will need to live in a household that earns less than 135% of the national poverty guidelines. For more news of the Lifeline program, visit the FCC’s website.
Getting Your Obama Phone Providers
There are currently three wireless service providers that offer Obama Phones. Those companies are Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless, and Reachout Wireless. Those organizations will walk you through the application system to get your free phone and service.
Safelink Wireless is the original company allowing free cell phones through the Lifeline program. They offer phones and services to residents in all 50 states.
To qualify for a phone from Safelink, you must be enrolled in one of the following government assistance programs: Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, or TANF.
Assurance Wireless is another company that offers free cell phones and services to low-income residents. You can qualify for a phone and service from Assurance if you are enrolled in any of the following programs: Food Stamps, SSI, Medicaid, or TANF.
If you do not meet either Safelink or Assurance Wireless requirements, there is one more option. Reach Out Wireless offers free cell phones to people who qualify based on their income. You can qualify for a phone from Reachout if your household earnings are at or under 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
Each of these carriers will walk you through the application system and help you take your free Obama Phone.
What Are The Benefits Of the Obama Phone?
The Obama Phone produces many benefits, the most important of which provides access to communication. With a free Obama Phone, you will be ready to stay in touch with your buddies and household, find work, and access vital information.
In addition, the Obama Phone can help you to save money. You will no longer need to pay the high cost of traditional cell phone plans by having a apply for a free phone.
Can I Keep My Obama Phone After The Program Expires?
If you are participating in the Lifeline Assistance program, you can keep your free Obama Phone even after your eligibility expires. This is because the program does not provide phones to recipients but instead provides a subsidy to help cover the cost of phone service. This subsidy is available to all participants in the program, regardless of their eligibility status.
Final Verdict
The Lifeline Cell Phone program is a vital part of President Obama’s plan to help low-income individuals and families. By providing residents with access to communication, this program will help millions of Americans to improve their quality of life.
The Obama Phone is a great program that provides low-income families access to communication. If you qualify for the Lifeline Assistance Program, you can sign up for a free cell phone and service through your local wireless carrier.
