Feb 29, 2024

Getting Supplemental Security Income? Get a FREE Phone!

Getting Supplemental Security Income? Get a FREE Phone!

Reading time: 7 minutes

It’s true.

If you qualify for assistance in the form of Supplemental Security Income, then you qualify for a FREE phone and service through the Lifeline program from Life Wireless!

Older woman with gray hair sending a text on her phone.

In fact, according to Social Security Matters (an official website of the federal government), "Any household with an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is eligible to receive discounted internet service through the ACP. Social Security doesn’t count ACP assistance as income or a resource for SSI purposes. Receipt of this assistance will not affect your SSI payment. You may also be eligible, if your household participates in other assistance programs, such as:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

  • Medicaid.

  • Federal Public Housing Assistance.

  • Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).

  • Lifeline."

But if you don't...

Again, according to Social Security Matters, "If you don’t receive SSI or participate in another qualifying assistance program, you may also be eligible if your household income is at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines."

And guess what else makes you eligible for the Lifeline program and Life Wireless service?

If you get housing benefits through the Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) or Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) you’re already qualified for FREE wireless from Life Wireless. Get nationwide coverage, unlimited talk, text, 5G hotspot, and a smartphone – free.

All you need to do is apply.

Young couple smiling and looking at a cell phone.

Exactly what qualifies you for free or low-cost cell phone service from Life Wireless?

Low-income households qualify for free phone service or low-cost cell phone service under the Lifeline program, which Life Wireless is a provider of, if you get housing benefits from housing choice vouchers or through federal public housing agencies.

What are housing choice vouchers?

Housing choice vouchers are for families with low incomes, seniors, and people with disabilities. You can use the vouchers for privately owned single-family homes, townhouses, and apartments. Housing choice vouchers can pay for all or part of the rent and are administered locally by Public Housing Agencies (PHAs).

A senior man on a cell phone.

According to Benefits.Gov, "A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice where the owner agrees to rent under the program. A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the public housing agency (PHA) on behalf of the participating family. The family then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the program."

If you are interested in applying for a voucher, contact your local public housing agency (PHA).

If yours is one of the thousands of very low-income families receiving housing assistance this way, you automatically qualify for the Lifeline program and Life Wireless!

Family of three sitting at kitchen table.

Are there other federal assistance programs that help me qualify for FREE service with Life Wireless?

Absolutely!

If you participate in any of the federal assistance programs listed here...

You meet the eligibility requirements to receive Life Wireless assistance.

  • Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

  • Medicaid (not Medicare)

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

  • Section 8 Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

  • Veteran's Pension or Survivor's Pension Benefit

Additionally, if you are a resident of any federally recognized Tribal lands, you may qualify to become lifeline subscribers under the following programs:

  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance (TANF)

  • Head Start (if you meet the income-qualifying standards)

Senior woman with gray hair talking on a cell phone.

So, I can qualify for free service from Life Wireless because I receive one or all of these benefits?

Yes.

And Life Wireless is part of the Lifeline program?

Yes.

Can you tell me more about that?

Of course!

The Lifeline Assistance Program is one of the government's federal assistance programs. It was started in 1985 to provide low-income individuals with free cell phones and free service because having phone service is a necessity for emergency services like 911, staying in touch with your child's school, and being able to look for and find work.  The Lifeline program/Lifeline service is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company.

In addition, during the pandemic, when people were working from home and children were being taught remotely, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) expanded the Lifeline Program to provide more data and unlimited talk and text on the free phones being supplied. This expansion of internet services is named the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).

Dad and his two kids snapping a selfie.

Ready to Apply?

Remember, if you have a housing voucher, receive assistance from a federal public housing agency, or receive any of the benefits mentioned above, you already qualify for FREE wireless from Life Wireless. Get nationwide coverage, unlimited talk, text, 5G hotspot, and a smartphone – free.

Visit Life Wireless and complete our easy application!

Young dad and daughter sitting on the sofa.

 

 

Posted 1 month ago