Be Familiar With The Free Phones Program

As you already know, the government is giving away free cell phones to deserving individuals. The project is funded by the Federal Communications Commission or FCC. The project is named Lifeline Assistance, which will cater to low-income citizens. In the past years, millions of devices have already been given away, but there are still more individuals who have no idea about the project. Here are some facts to enlighten you more about the Lifeline program.

• Since 1999, there are more than 10 million phones that have been given away. It started with regular phones, which later evolved to wireless devices in the year 2008.
• Not all the states in the country can avail of the project. Only 38 of them can benefit from it and hopefully the rest can enjoy it soon.
• Citizens who are under the government’s assistance programs are the only ones who can avail it. Some of these programs are food stamps, Medicaid, Public Housing Assistance, National School Lunch, and so on.
• One of the criteria is that every household should have an income of 150% or lower than that of the poverty level of the eight specific states.
• Other states only require an income of 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
• The project is created for low-income households so that they can have their own device which they could use during emergency situations. They could also utilize it to keep in touch with families and friends who are faraway.
• The gadget comes with 250 free minutes of calls and SMS. If you will go beyond the given minutes, you will be billed and have to pay but at a lesser cost.
• The application process is easy. You will have to present some documents to prove that you are worthy for the Lifeline Assistance. Proof of income will be asked from you as well as some documents that will attest that you are receiving assistance from the government.
• You will have to wait for a few days in order to know if you are qualified or not. If you are, your phone will be delivered to your home within a week.
• The term is only good for one year. If you wish to continue with the service, you have to inform your service provider before the term ends.

This program is specifically created for less fortunate individuals who could barely afford to purchase their own gadgets. This is beneficial for them for they can stay connected with their loved ones and they could even use it when they apply for work. Their prospective employers will be able to contact them regarding the status of their job application.