Get Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security 2023
Millions of seniors living in the U.S. receive social security benefits, and many of them are without a working phone. The problem? They can’t afford one. And because they can’t afford one, they can’t stay connected with loved ones, access emergency services, or participate in critical government programs that could help improve their quality of life. That’s why a growing number of people are pushing for free phones for seniors on social security.
Staying in touch with our close friends, family, and loved ones is a breeze with our cell phones. The cost of smartphones can be quite high for everyone, therefore not everyone can afford these devices. Having a phone, however, is quite essential for certain groups of people such as the elderly or those who are disabled.
In addition to staying connected, a cell phone may be useful in the event of an emergency. Therefore, to assist seniors and people with disabilities, the government offers them free telephones as part of its programs such as the Lifeline Program, the EBB, and the Social Security Administration.
Check out the detailed post below to learn how to get free phones on social security for seniors. On social security, we have also discussed the benefit of free cell phones for seniors and the eligibility criteria to receive them. Applying for a free cell phone for seniors is as easy as following the guide below.
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What is Social Security?
An important part of the United States government, the Social Security Administration administers the financial assistance program for the elderly, disabled, and widowed. Pension benefits and disability income are given to eligible elders and disabled people under this program.
Applicants must be at least 62 years old to receive benefits under the social security program. A minimum of 10 years’ worth of contributions must also have been made. Information about their website can be found there.
How to get a Government Free Cell Phone for Senior Citizens in 2023
Having a free cell phone is a blessing today when communication is very important, but the means can also be very costly. Get a free cell phone if you are a senior receiving Social Security.
Seniors and disabled people need free cell phones
The comfort of smartphones is quite necessary for many people. However, smartphones are more important for staying connected and can prove to be very helpful, especially during emergency situations. The following reasons provide some explanations as to why seniors should have free phone service.
Free cellular phones for seniors are crucial for their safety. Several vulnerable groups of people, such as seniors and people with disabilities, may also require prompt medical attention due to deteriorating health.
Features of Free Cell Phones for seniors and disabled people
Seniors, especially, can benefit greatly from the free cell phones available for seniors. Such cell phones are often designed to be helpful to seniors and disabled people and to improve their experience with the phone. Among the great features are the following:
- Phone Tracking – One of the best features of free cell phones for seniors is the phone tracking feature that can help your family and friends to track your location easily. This can be helpful in case of emergencies.
- Long-lasting battery power – It won’t be rare for seniors and disabled people to forget to charge their phones. For such cases, a long-lasting battery for the phone can be very helpful.
- Display features – The display of these free phones for seniors and the disabled is such that it helps them to use the phone with ease. The keypad is large and also the screen is huge. It becomes easy to look at.
- Health tracking – Most cell phones for seniors have health tracking features that can help them to keep a track of their health conditions.
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Eligibility to get Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security
Given that you now know the benefits of social security’s free cell phone program for seniors, I’m sure you’d like to sign up and take advantage of it. Make sure, however, that you are eligible for this program before you apply.
It too has certain criteria in order to be eligible, as is the case with the vast majority of government assistance programs. Due to limited resources and a very high demand, resources for this program are limited. There is a criterion of eligibility for the program so that only needy people can receive the phones.
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Those on Social Security can receive a free phone if they meet one or more of the following requirements:
- Families should have an income less than or equal to 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
- If they are eligible, they must receive assistance from a federal government program such as Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, TANF, SSI, FPHA, etc.
- Applicants must be part of a household participating in any of the tribes’ assistance programs, including Tribal TANF, Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations, etc.
BIRGA, Head Start, etc.
A Free Phone for Seniors on Social Security can be obtained by following all of the above requirements. And once you are eligible for the program, you can then sign up for it using the below guide.
How to apply for Free Phones for Seniors on Social Security?
Lifeline is the program that allows seniors to get Free Phones on Social Security. Make sure, however, that you have reviewed the eligibility criteria from the above section before applying. Following the below steps will allow you to apply for free cell phones for seniors on social security if you are eligible.
Step 1: Firstly, locate a lifeline provider in your area. You can check the official website lifelinesupport.org/companies-near-me for this purpose.
Step 2: Visit the provider’s website for more information on the Lifeline program. The provider can be contacted or the application can be completed online.
Step 3: When you are filling in your information in the form, you will also be required to submit certain documents as proof. Make sure you enter truthful information. The program will not accept false information. Visit lifelinesupport.org/documents-needed to view the list of documents required.
Wait a few days for the process to be completed once you have submitted the application form. Your eligibility for the program will be notified to you soon.
Companies that offer free phone service to Social Security recipients
The following is a list of telecommunications companies that offer free cell phones for seniors. The Lifeline service is available from a variety of providers. Here are some of the most popular providers.
- Q Link Wireless
In addition to offering telecommunications services, Q Link Wireless also provides lifelines. Senior citizens who qualify for free phones on Social Security are offered a good phone.
Free unlimited data, free unlimited talk, and free unlimited text can be found here. They also give the option to the eligible seniors to bring their own phone as well as their number. Apart from the phone, one can also get a new tablet for just $10.01.
- SafeLink Wireless
The company SafeLink Wireless, owned by Tracfone, offers one of the most popular Lifeline services. With Social Security benefits, seniors can get free smartphones, as well as services such as free unlimited talk, free unlimited data, free unlimited text, free 10 GB hotspots, and of course free smartphones.
- Assurance Wireless
Wireless services provided by Assurance Wireless are widely known and used in the United States. Nearly all states offer the service. Depending on the rules of the state, different providers offer services through the lifeline plan.
One can also obtain free mobile data, free unlimited minutes, free unlimited texts, as well as 10 GB of mobile data of 4G LTE speed, along with the free phone for seniors on Social Security. You can learn more about Assurance Wireless by visiting their official website.
- TruConnect
TruConnect is a well-known provider of network services. Prepaid wireless services are offered by this Lifeline Provider and Mobile Virtual Network Operator in multiple states.
A number of free services are available, including Free unlimited talk, Free international calling to specific countries, 14 GB of monthly data, Free unlimited text, and a free Android phone or Wi-Fi hotspot.
- SafetyNet Wireless
SafetyNet Wireless is another provider that provides free phones to seniors on social security. Free phones and services are provided by this telecommunications lifeline provider in the states of Georgia, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Michigan, and California.
The free phone offered by this service provider comes with unlimited talk time, unlimited text messages, unlimited data, and of course, a free phone. It depends on the rules of the states to determine how many free services are provided. Visit safetynetwireless.com to learn more about this service provider.
Conclusions
Thanks for reading the above guide, I hope you have been able to get free phones with Social Security for seniors.
These days, communication is of utmost importance. The importance of staying connected with family, friends, and close relatives cannot be overstated. Especially for the elderly, who may be lonely and need other people in their lives.
However, due to their limited fixed income or no income, they cannot always afford to have a phone. This is where the government and charity organizations come forward to help those in need.