How To Enroll The Free Lifeline Cell Phone Service

Lifeline is a Federal Government financed program to provide free cell phone services to the income-eligible consumers which includes cell phone and limited number of free minutes each month. The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) created this Lifeline Program. It is a great opportunity for those who cannot afford the regular mobile services and their contracts. Best thing is that there is no contract involved in this program. If you get selected with respect to your eligibility then you will get a cellular phone along with free minutes each month. The number of free minutes varies state to state according to state owned policies. You can also buy extra minutes through some prepaid card. Any number of unused minutes roll-over in next month and do not expire. There are some other deals too where you can get discounted rates on long distance callings. If you get selected for the service you will get a parcel at your postal address including the cellular phone and some literature about the service. You may also require submitting updated documents on year end to continue Lifeline services; these will be to verify your eligibility. You must have to submit the required data within mentioned time period and failing to submit will result in discontinuing service to you.

There are around 1,500 telephone companies which are offering this Lifeline program within United States and its territories for income-eligible households. There are many new competitive local exchange and carriers and wireless telephone services providers in addition to the traditional telephone services providers which are now offering Lifeline discounts to eligible consumers. Eligible consumers are encouraged to contact their local telephone service providers or other carriers to offer them Lifeline services. Anyone can get the application form and further instructions that how he needs to apply for this program living in his / her particular state.

Subsequent mentioned is the fundamental eligibility criteria. The punter either has a total household income that doesn't surpass the 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines OR his family unit may be participating in one of the following programs:

- Medicaid
- Food Stamps
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) or
- The National School Lunch Programs Free Lunch Program

There is a restriction that only one person of a family can avail this opportunity and if anyone is already availing this opportunity then to apply for another family member needs to withdraw the previous service. You must also have a valid postal address of United States to receive the cellular package. There are also some cellular companies which have online application system where you can apply for the program if you are eligible.

You can approach your public utility commission or utility consumer advocate office of your state to get a complete list of those carriers which are sanctioned to provide Lifeline services in your area.


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Find out more about free lifeline services by visiting http://www.freeiphoneprogram.org/