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Nevada Lifeline Program


Residents of Nevada can sign up for a free government mobile phone through Q Link Wireless, Safelink Wireless or ReachOut Wireless. Assurance Wireless is aiming to have their availability approved by the state of Nevada, so keep checking in to see if you can apply through them.

The Lifeline Program provides free mobile phones with free talk minutes and texts per month to Americans who cannot afford access to modern telecommunications otherwise. Eligibility in the state of Nevada requires that you are a participant in one of these assistance programs:

  • Federal Public Housing Assistance/Section 8
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Medicaid
  • National School Lunches (free program only)
  • Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) aka Food Stamps
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
  • Residents of Federally recognized Tribal lands

You can also apply if you live at or below 135% of the poverty line.

If you do not want to apply for the free Lifeline program, you can opt for one of the discounted phone programs that are offered in the state of Nevada. Call your current phone company to ask for an application form.

Please note that you cannot participate in both the Lifeline Program and a discounted phone service that is provided by the State of Nevada. There is only one account allowed per household/economic unit.

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Change In One Per Household Rule for Lifeline


When the Lifeline Program was created, it was with the poor American citizen in mind. The rules were also created to not waste federal funds and provide the bare necessity. One of the caveats for this free mobile phone program was that there was only one phone allowed per household. At first glance, this seems like a very reasonable request for a program that is providing free mobile phone services, free minutes, free and texts to Americans who would otherwise not be able to afford this. However, upon further investigation, it seemed that things needed to change.

Since the credit crash of 2008, almost 50% of Americans are now eligible for and receiving government assistance. Whether it is in the form of Food Stamps or housing assistance, the fact is more Americans than ever before now rely on social assistance.

With this radical shift of financial stability a new pattern amongst citizens living at or below the poverty line emerged. Families were now moving in with other families in one household in order to save on the cost of rent, or as a result of having defaulted on a mortgage because of the huge financial crisis. As such, with two or more families under one roof, the rule of one mobile per household began to show a little bit of strain at the seams.

Since the beginning of 2012, the wording of the rule has changed so that it is one mobile phone per ‘’economic’’ unit. This means that if there are two ‘’economic’’ units living under one roof, each economic unit can have one free mobile phone.

We hope that those living in hard circumstances can now breathe easier.

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Changes to the Lifeline Program in New York


The Lifeline Program was created in order to provide affordable telecommunications access to those who can’t afford it. It provides free mobile phones, free talk minutes, and free texts every month for eligible citizens across the US.

Previously, eligibility was proven through the honor system. The person would only have to say that they were a participant in a state or federal-run assistance program, such as Food Stamps or Free School Lunches, or living at 135% of the poverty level to be automatically approved for Lifeline. Now, with the rates of fraud wasting hundreds of millions of dollars for this Lifeline Program, the rules are changing rapidly. The Federal Communications Commission has taken steps to ensure that fraud and waste due to abuse of this program is reduced. Those who are caught taking advantage of this system will be punished and fined – there is even the chance of jail time.

The state of New York is undergoing a lot of the changes being implemented by the FCC currently. If you are a resident of New York, and currently a recipient of a free mobile phone through the Lifeline Program, be prepared to provide proof of eligibility. You will be required to provide the following annually to be recertified for the free mobile phone:

  • Full Name
  • Residential address and/or billing address
  • Date of Birth
  • Last four digits of your social security number
  • Proof of documentation showing how you are eligible for the Lifeline Program. This could be in the form of tax refunds, pay stubs, or official documentation showing you are a recipient of social assistance.

These modifications are being put into place in order to reduce the amount of fraud. Many citizens are taking advantage of the Lifeline Program by holding more than one free mobile phone even though the rules clearly indicate only one per household. Mobile carriers were also taking advantage of this by approving accounts without thorough background checks in order to obtain the government subsidies. Let us hope that these new FCC rules ensure free mobile phones will go to Americans who actually need this invaluable service.

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Does Free Cell Phone Addiction Exist?


Has modern technology allowed us to become closer to those we are far away from, but at the same time distance us from those who are right in front of our faces?

Apparently yes. If you look around you, especially since the advent of the smart phone and tablets, you will be hard-pressed to find a couple sitting in a restaurant having a conversation with one another. Instead, the more common scene is two people sitting to dinner with one another but each looking at their respective smart phones. What is even more interesting is that both people are probably posting their date on Facebook or another social media site, instead of actually enjoying the date.

Technology addiction is on the rise, along with cell phone addiction. How do you know if you suffer from addiction to your mobile phone?

  • When you leave your house without your mobile phone, do you run back and get it?
  • When your mobile phone’s battery dies, do you desperately look for someone who has the same charger to plug into?
  • When you reach into your pocket/purse and can’t find your cell phone, does a sense of panic set in?

If you answered yes to any of these above questions, chances are you are suffering from cell phone addiction. But is it really that bad?

The advantages to technology, especially smart phones, are the ease with which you can navigate about. Traveling has never before been so simple, with hotel reservations and restaurant recommendations all available at the touch of a button. Safety and emergency services cannot only be reached, but they can pinpoint your location now, which makes for the services even more efficient for your health and security. There are definite pluses to this onslaught of technology.

The irony is modern technology was created to bring people closer together in this global village. With the advent of internet and mobile phones, the world truly became smaller. However, in narrowing the distance between us and the rest of the world, we’ve actually widened the chasm between us and those living next door.

Cell phones have changed the way we behave in social situations. It has allowed us to have full control of every conversation and interaction with other people, be they family or friends. We want instant messaging with instant responses. We can lay out all our well-thought thoughts without any breaks or interruptions, and then sign off without waiting for a reply. It has changed the way we converse, the way we connect, and even the way we even relate to other people. It has made us more impatient and distant – is this really a good thing?

Addiction to technology, like every other addiction, does need to be dealt with seriously. There needs to be moderation in everything we undergo in life; technology is not an exception. Use technology wisely. Use it to stay close to those who are far away, but do let it drive a wedge between you and those you care about who are already near to you.

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Wireless For Hope


Wireless For Hope is changing the face of the Lifeline Program in the few states that it services. It is participating with local charities and community outreach programs to spread the word and provide access to affordable telecommunications for larger communities.

The Lifeline Program provides free mobile phones to Americans who are unable to afford access to them conventionally. The eligibility criteria changes from state to state; however, in most places, if you prove that live at 135% of the poverty line or are a participant in a state or federally-run assistance programs.

Wireless For Hope offers free mobile phones like many of the larger carriers and participants of the Lifeline Program do. However, they neither provide unlimited texts nor the 250 minutes many of the larger carriers do, but we believe that they will start to increase their numbers in the future. Did you know that Safelink Wireless, who now provides 250 free minutes a month, started off with Lifeline only giving 76 free minutes a month? If they can evolve, then Wireless For Hope can as well.

To apply for Wireless For Hope, you download an application form online and fax it in. If you are approved for a Lifeline phone, you will receive your package in the mail within 7 working days.

For more information about Wireless for Hope, please call 1-888-Hope-USA.

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Cell Phones Made Easy for Seniors!


It cannot be argued there is a huge digital divide between generations. Often, the divide can be between half generations, so fast is the speed at which technology is developing. However, the divide in technology know-how between the current generation and the senior citizens is hindering this older generations’ ability to stay connected, and keep abreast of current knowledge, technology and health. This not only increases the divide, but it also isolates a population that needs to stay connected more than any other population.

There are now phones being created with the Senior population in mind. They are taking into consideration poor eyesight of many seniors, and the lack of need for all the bells and whistles that younger generation truly enjoys with mobile phones. Here are the top three phones for seniors who are eligible for the Lifeline Program:

Doro PhoneEasy 410

This mobile phone has an extra large keypad, and large font to make it much easier on the eyes. This phone is able to send text messages and has Bluetooth capability, for those who are a bit more tech savvy and know how to take advantage of that feature. The only downside is that there is no caller ID as it does not have an external display.

Snapfone Ez One

What is great about this phone is not only the large key buttons, but its easy-to-access SOS button that will immediately access emergency services. This is a great safety feature for people who do not want to fumble about on the keypad or touch screen. The LCD screen has large-print on it so that it is easy to read. There is also an FM radio for music lovers.

Samsung Jitterbug

This phone has a large LCD screen with large font so that it is easy to read. It also handles very easily, with grips on the handpiece so that it won’t slip out of the hands as easily as other touch-screen phones can do. There is Bluetooth technology available on this phone, easy to use emergency call feature and voice dialing- all great features for seniors!

Let’s hope more mobile carriers start providing phones that are easy for the elder generation of Lifeline participants.

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Cricket Wireless Discount


Cricket Wireless, a pay as you go mobile service, has now joined the Lifeline Program. For those of you are unfamiliar with Lifeline, it is a program that has provided free mobile phones for eligible American citizens for many years.

Cricket Wireless has always done their best as a mobile carrier to provide phones to those who have not been approved for cellular access due to credit issues. Now, Cricket Wireless is working with the Federal Communications Commission to provide affordable access to telecommunications in the Lifeline Program. This will bring even more needed help to Americans who cannot otherwise afford a mobile phone.

Cricket Wireless is not offering a free mobile phone with their package; however, it is providing extremely affordable monthly cost bundles. If you are approved with Cricket, you may be eligible for a $10-$35 discount with Cricket Wireless.

In order to qualify for the Lifeline Program, you must prove that you are living at 135% of the poverty line, or a participant in one of the state or federal-run assistance programs. The list of assistance programs that are approved does vary slightly from state to state, such as Food Stamps or Free School Lunches. To be sure, please check with your local authorities.

Cricket Wireless is not available in every state. In order to qualify for the Cricket Wireless discount, you must live in a state where both Lifeline and Cricket are participating.

Restrictions will apply to this program: There is only one mobile phone allowed with this discount per household.

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Free Cell Phone Service


Have you heard of the Lifeline Program? If not, read on!

The Lifeline Program has been providing free mobile phones to Americans who are in need or living at the poverty line for almost 3 decades. If you or someone you know is falling behind because they cannot afford access to telecommunications, this program could be for you!

Did you know that if you participate in select government assistance programs, you are qualified to get a free mobile phone from the Lifeline Program? Did you know that these free mobile phones are not Obama phones? This program was created during the Reagan Administration in 1985. In the mid-1980s it only referred to providing free landlines for American families who could not afford access to them. Then in the 90s, during the Bush Administration, Hurricane Katrina caused death and destruction along the shores of New Orleans and the addition of free mobile phones was created. This was to address the many homeless citizens in New Orleans suffering from the aftermath physically, mentally and financially. As a method of keeping everyone connected to safety, Bush agreed to allow free mobile phones to be added as an extension of the Lifeline Program.

How do you become eligible for this free mobile phone service? First, find out which mobile carriers participate in the Lifeline Program in your state. Not all states are approved, although the program is working hard to ensure that it reaches all of the USA, including American territories.

Second, you must prove you are living at 135% of the poverty level, or an eligible participant in a state or federal-run assistance program. Please check with the rules that apply to your home state to see whether you are eligible. Proof of participation such as tax returns, pay stubs, or official documentation showing that you are a recipient of certain government assistance programs are sufficient.

In our society, staying in touch with access to modern telecommunications such as mobile phones and internet is imperative to survival. Having a mobile phone can take a huge slice out of your meager monthly salary, and suddenly the priorities of whether or not access to emergency services or putting food on the table or paying the electricity and heating bill is a reality for millions of American families. Connection to society and safety services is a human right, like heat and water and food. The Lifeline Program makes this possible for everyone.

For more information, please keep browsing this website or contact your local authorities.

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Upgrade your ReachOut Wireless Phone


Do you feel it’s time to upgrade your ReachOut Mobile phone? Are you disappointed that it might be too small or you are unable to capture those precious moments with a built-in camera? If so, perhaps it is time to upgrade your phone.

There are many phone models and companies compatible with ReachOut Wireless Carrier Company for the Lifeline Program. They are Motorola, LG, Samsung, Audiovox and Kyocera. Just visit their website or local store, and see which phones are right for you.

Once you have decided on your brand new phone, it will be delivered to your home via registered mail (USPS). You will be able to keep any un-used minutes or texts from your last phone, so don’t you worry about that. We are not here to make life more difficult for you just because you chose to get a new phone!

Even better, you don’t have to upgrade through ReachOut Wireless. You can find a ReachOut Wireless compatible phone through your own means, such as Amazon.com. Just make sure that it is compatible with ReachOut Mobile!

This can all be done online on the ReachOut Mobile website. If you cannot find the phone of your dreams, simply contact our customer services and we will be happy to assist you!

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Access Wireless


Access Wireless is one of many mobile carriers participating in the Lifeline Program across the US. The Lifeline Program provides free mobile phones, plus free talk minutes & texts per month for those who are eligible. Eligibility varies slightly from state to state, but in general, if you are living at 135% of the poverty level or participating in any state or federal-run assistance programs (Food Stamps, Housing Assistance/Section 8), you can apply for a Lifeline free government mobile phone.

Access Wireless provides 250 free talk minutes/month. But that’s not all! Access Wireless gives customers the opportunity to earn free minutes monthly by using the Loyalty Care in Kruger Family of Stores. This also allows you a discount on upgrades for accessories for your free mobile phone. Their store locations are available online.

You can purchase extra airtime different price bundles:

  • For an extra $10, receive 150 extra minutes, 150 texts for 10 days and 100 MB of data
  • For an extra $25, receive 300 extra minutes, 300 texts for a month and 500MB of data
  • For an extra $50 receive unlimited minutes, texts, & data/mo.

Go to accesswireless.com to find out which states Access Wireless is eligible in. You will also need to check with your state’s approved assistance programs to see if you are eligible for the free government mobile phone program.

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