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Where do you physically go to get a free phone? If you’ve looked around this site and determined that you can probably qualify, where should you actually go to apply and pick up your phone? Here’s what you need to do, step by step.

Step #1: Research the Qualifying Carriers in Your State

Start by going to www.fasts.org. Click on the “Free Cell Phone Providers By State” link at the top. Find your state in the list. Click the link, then look and see which cell phone providers cater to your geographical area.

Step #2: Apply Online, Or Find Stores

Most free cell phone providers will let you check your qualifications online. You can type in your zip code, enter your social security number, fill out a couple forms and see if you qualify all from your computer. All the data is transmitted via secure 128-bit encryption, the same technology that banks use to secure financial data.

If your provider doesn’t let you apply online, then you’ll need to apply in person. Look for a store using their online interface. Then, go to the store in person, bringing the documents listed below.

Note that even if you qualify online, you’ll usually have to show up in person to pick up your phone. Most phone providers won’t mail you a phone based on an online application.

Step #3: Bring Documentation

In order to qualify for the Lifelink program, you need to bring documentation proving that you meet the FCC’s requirements for the program.

When you show up at a store, bring these documents with you:

• Tax Returns. Having federal tax returns is one of the best ways to show proof of income eligibility. If you have tax returns showing that your income falls into the required income bracket, you have a very good chance of qualifying.
• Pay Stubs. If you don’t have your tax returns, bring at least 3 months worth of your pay stubs. Again, this is used for income verification.
• Bank Statements. If you can’t bring in tax returns or pay stubs, bring in a bank statements. You may or may not be able to qualify using bank statements.
• Government Issued ID. Valid forms of ID include driver’s license, state-issued ID card, passport, green card or military ID card.
• Proof of residence. Some states will require proof of residence in that state. Proof of residence includes electric bills, water bills or rental agreement.

Unfortunately, the amount of documentation you need seems to vary from carrier to carrier and state to state. Some carriers won’t check documentation at all, while others will be very strict on getting all your documents before giving you the phone. Your best bet is to bring as much documentation as you can with you.

Step #4: Get Your Phone!

The application can be processed on the spot, right then and there. Once you get confirmation, you’ll be able to activate your phone and start using it right away.

If there are any problems with your application, or if your application gets declined, there’s no harm in coming back to try again. It’s a good idea to try to apply for another government program before trying another application. For example, if you get approved for food stamps, your chances of qualifying for a free government cell phone go up significantly.

Unlike applying for other kinds of cell phone services, applying for a free cell phone does not go on your credit report. Your credit report is never pulled at all. That means that multiple applications won’t hurt your credit. If you get turned down by one carrier or one store, try applying at another one once you’ve got more documentation or get qualified through a different government program.

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While there is a running joke about how people on food stamps are carrying around the latest iPhone, the truth is, millions of Americans can no longer afford the service prices associated with cell phones. If you’ve ever had to pay that $300 bill with a long list of overage charges, you know this is true. With the continued suffering of the economy, more and more families are cutting costs to make ends meet, and sometimes this means removing the Android from their teenage daughter’s cheek.

In this day and age, having a cell phone is critical for phone interviews, staying in touch with family and having an instant connection to emergency services. Going without one can be nearly as difficult as lacking transportation. Luckily, the government passed a mandate to ensure communications to all Americans, and established a few programs to help low-income households retain these amenities.

In 1985, the Federal Communications Commission, or FCC, created the Lifeline Program to provide financially disadvantaged families with discounted, and sometimes free, landline phone services. As cell phone use increased, the program expanded to include wireless service plans in 2005, and recently added internet services. It is funded by the Universal Service Fund as fees against telecommunications providers. This fee may be passed along to their customers as a charge on their telephone bill. That is right—part of your phone bill may go to pay for someone’s ability to call for an ambulance or talk to their child. The Lifeline program itself only covers monthly discounts on telephone services, landline or cellular, for eligible customers. Cellular companies are not paid by the program to provide free cell phones; some companies have chosen to offer that opportunity to their Lifeline customers on their own.

Lifeline is available to consumers in every state and territory of the U.S., as long as they qualify to enroll. Guidelines vary per state, although to participate, a household must have a total household gross income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Some states even allow a household at an income of 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines to qualify. This means that a household can make 50% over the poverty level and still qualify to receive a free phone. Charts displaying the 2013 135% poverty guidelines per persons in family can be viewed at http://www.lifelinesupport.org/_res/documents/li/pdf/handouts/Income_Requirements.pdf.

A second way to qualify is through participation of another public assistance program, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, National School Lunch Program, Federal Public House Assistance, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. State assistance programs may be applicable for qualification, as well. Some states, including Oregon, do not base qualification on income, but rather enrollment in other assistance programs. More information can be seen at http://www.fcc.gov/lifeline. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) is responsible for collection of data and disbursement for the Lifeline program. Their website, www.usac.org, provides information regarding program requirements and other administrative data, such as the poverty guideline charts and an eligibility pre-screening tool. The government implemented a few restrictions on the program. Consumers can only have one Lifeline discount per household, and it can be applied to either a landline or cell phone service, but not both. However, Lifeline defined household as an “economic unit” so that multiple families living in a group setting could get their own phone. If a household receives duplicate Lifeline services, they are expected to select one provider and de-enroll from the other programs. USAC keeps an eligibility database to verify consumers’ enrollment and continuing eligibility for the Lifeline program. This allows them to track the potential for fraud. They will send out letters to families if they are suspected of having duplicate Lifeline discounts. Not following these federal rules can lead to criminal or civil penalties.

Approximately 2,000 telephone companies participate in the Lifeline program, including some of the big name companies. TracFone supports SafeLink Wireless, currently the largest provider. Nextel/Sprint’s Virgin Wireless backs Assurance Wireless, and Nexus Communications’ company is ReachOut Wireless. Most likely, one of these companies will be able to provide a service that meets your needs, since the features of each plan are similar. If not, USAC provides a map to locate a Lifeline provider in your area at http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/companies.aspx.

SafeLink is Lifeline’s oldest cellular service provider, launched in 2008 by TracFone. It provides a free SafeLink phone and three different plans to choose from, with up to 250 free minutes every month for income eligible customers. These minutes cover local and long distance calls and texting. If consumers run out of minutes, they can add or buy minutes, although some of the plans allow rollover minutes from previous months to help offset times of heavy phone usage. The cell phones provided by the company are modern and up-to-date with caller ID, voicemail and text messaging, even if they aren’t name-brand iPhone, Android, or Blackberry. More information can be found at their website, www.safelinkwireless.com.

Unfortunately, other companies have taken advantage of the idea and created websites designed to compete for the business of low-income families by marketing their own free phone services, even calling them “Obama Phones” as a way to sell. These companies are privately-owned and operated and are not affiliated with the Lifelink program or the Obama administration. The easiest way to avoid a shady company is to enroll in the Lifeline program and contact a cellular service provider listed on their website, or select a provider backed by a well-known company, such as Virgin Mobile or Sprint. No matter what the financial need, the Lifeline program and its providers have various ways to help low-income households stay in touch. One of their plans or options may be right for you.

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Although free mobile phones and wireless service are provided by a government-created program (Lifeline Assistance) which is overseen by the Federal Communications Commission, the program itself is actually funded by minimal customer fees on most wireless service bills. Contrary to popular belief, the program began long before the current U.S. administration; the “Obama-phone” is an inaccurate nickname for the program. It actually originated from a universal access initiative under Ronald Reagan’s administration in 1985 to ensure that low-income households had access to a landline, and the first free government wireless phone was distributed mid-2008 under George W. Bush’s administration.

While it’s true that wireless customers paying full price for their phones and service are also paying for those less fortunate, the contribution is minimal. Additional fees (usually only a few dollars per month) charged on one’s bill are marked for the “Universal Service Fund.” The Universal Service Fund is an umbrella program covering multiple endeavors, such as Lifeline, meant to make telephone communications available to all Americans. All four programs are federally mandated by the Universal Service Fund and are intended to provide landline, wireless and Internet services to the underprivileged. The government requires most telecommunication companies to make contributions to fund the Lifeline Assistance program, at which point the service providers then delegate the costs to their customers as a monthly surcharge. The Universal Service Fund subsidizes four different low-income targeted programs: The High Cost Program which supports telecommunications companies with customers in rural areas which can be difficult to reach. The program is designed to enable telecom companies to offer affordable services and rates comparable those available in urban areas. The program was able to provide over $4.03 billion in 2011. The Rural Health Care Program assists telecommunications companies in making discounted rates an option for rural health care providers. These discounts enable rural health care providers to gain access to communications and Internet services at rates comparable to urban providers. In 2011, the program provided over $81.5 million. The Schools and Libraries Program (commonly known as E-rate) offers discounts to schools and libraries for telecommunications, Internet access, internal connections, and basic maintenance of internal connections. In 2011, the program provided over $2.23 billion in support. The Lifeline Program enables carriers to offer discounted voice telephone, including cellular service, to eligible low-income consumers. In 2011, the program provided $1.75 billion in support.

In 2011, “Lifeline accounted for 20% of the $8.1 billion Universal Service Fund distributed to support connections for rural areas, schools, hospitals and low-income individuals.” The program is increasing in popularity due to the recession and government-approved carrier additions. Lifeline has already gained over ten million households in the past four years alone as more people are eligible for the program in the country’s current economic condition. A household must qualify with an income 135% of federal poverty guidelines or have valid proof that they are receiving other government assistance such as Medicaid or Food Stamps/SNAP. Each of the 38 participating states has set their own qualifying standards but they are all essentially the same.

If one meets these requirements, then they qualify to receive a free phone with a provided allotment of minutes per month. The number of given wireless minutes varies by provider, but it is typically around 250. If the Lifeline customer requires additional minutes at any time, they can be purchased by the subscriber’s own means. About 75% of Lifeline subscribers have opted for the wireless alternative when given the option of having only either a landline or mobile phone. In order to eliminate fraudulent Lifeline accounts, in 2012 the FCC implemented additional requirements. For one, in order to become a Lifeline recipient, people now need to prove their eligibility. The FCC is also enforcing the canceling of service if the phone goes unused for 60 days, and preventing individuals from having more than one free phone account. The agency has canceled a reported 800,000 duplicate contracts and anticipates saving $200 million this year.

In 2008, the FCC permitted the wireless provider Tracfone to join the list of approved Lifeline Assistance providers. Tracfone targets indigent communities with advertising for their free cell phone program, Safelink Wireless. With the current economic state in recession and many households finding themselves down-and-out, the ray of hope in the form a free mobile phone courtesy of Safelink Wireless has amassed 4 million Lifeline subscribers and $452 million from the Universal Service Fund program.

Both opposing and approving standpoints on the program pose good arguments. Supporters maintain that the program is beneficial and essential; a telephone links people (especially of the elderly community) to emergency services, and it is nearly impossible to get a job without providing a phone number. “In this day and age, having access to communications is not a luxury and having a cellphone can make a huge difference in the lives of many people.” said Jayne Wallace, an Assurance Wireless spokeswoman. On the opposing side, Heritage’s welfare expert, Robert Rector, points out that the program has yet to implement any system of checks and balances in order to determine whether to cancel service to individuals if their financial situation improves and they are no longer eligible for the program. “At the very least, policymakers should require greater monitoring of the program to prevent misuse,” Rector said. “Furthermore, if the purpose of the cell phones is truly to give lower-income people more access to potential employers, participants should be required to account for their job search activities.” With the ever-increasing need for technology in daily life, the idea of making telecommunication available to everyone, regardless of one’s social standing or financial situation, is a positive one.

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Free government cell phone program, Lifeline, has been a part of our modern world now since 2008 when the state of Tennessee and the company, TracFone, came together to provide low-income, poverty-based Americans with access to free cell phone service. Quickly appreciated by 2011, it has serviced more than 6 million customers and growing.

Lifeline is called the “Obama Phone” by some since it began the same year Obama was elected as President. The idea of providing discount phone service actually originated during President Clinton’s term back in 1996. This assistance program helped reduce the landline phone bill’s monthly cost and installation fees. This new cell phone assistance saves the government money because it offsets the costs of landlines as there is no installation needed for cell phones. Money the government collects for this program comes from Americans in their monthly phone bills as a “Universal Service Fund” fee. This is usually looked over and most Americans are unaware of this when paying their bill. For those who are aware this has caused a controversy. The question becomes, who should be responsible to provide the cost of free cell phone service for struggling fellow Americans? There is a petition that urges Obama to extend this program. Expanding this free phone privilege would give recipients free 250 talk and 250 text minutes per month. Such a program would support and stimulate the economy by enabling people to stay in contact with potential employers. It would help families keep in touch and thus improve their quality of life. Many can benefit from being able to schedule medical appointments and in case of any emergencies. This importance has brought three major cell phone companies and 38 states to sign up with the government to be providers for such integral services.

The largest free cell phone provider, TracFone, is owned by the world’s richest man, Carlos Slim. This company offers Safelink Wireless in 31 states including Washington, D.C. and Puerto Rico. Customers can purchase more airtime by buying TracFone Airtime cards at major stores nationwide or online with a credit card.

Assurance Wireless from the brand Sprint Nextel is one of the newer companies. It’s the fastest growing and is a subsidiary of a popular Virgin Wireless. This provider covers 23 states including the District of Columbia and coming soon to more states. It also provides customer’s access to reload using Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards sold at thousands of retailers. Reloading rate plans are $5.00 a month for a total of 500 minutes or $20.00 a month for 1,000 minutes and 1,000 texts.

The smallest of the three providers is a regional company, Reachout Wireless, offered in just 13 states which currently range from southern to Midwestern states. They still maintain the quality and features of the larger companies. There are other smaller competitors coming soon as well.

These phones provide features such as three-way calling, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, text messaging and voice mail. For a small monthly service fee all three companies can also upgrade your phone to provide extra services such as 411, international calls, games, graphics, ring tones and web with prices ranging from $5.00 up to $20.00 a month extra. Seeming discreet, other people will never know the customer is being provided with a free or discounted phone. Feeling they have the freedom as any cell phone users have, which may boost one’s quality of life. Provided phones are never required to be returned. Once the phone is yours, it’s yours! If the phone is lost or stolen, these companies replace them with a new or re-furbished phone. Once informed of the lost phone their minutes will as well be saved and suspended for use on their replaced phone. There is just a one time phone replacement limit. There are no lifetime limits on renewing their annual re-certification, which is due 60 days before the annual expiration date. As long as you continue to qualify within the low-income bracket you can keep your plan forever. The re-certification process can be done easily online through each provider company’s website.

I found this program to be more beneficial than any negative complaints or concerns. Some biased opinions say that ALL low income people are drug users and lazy people. The purpose of the program is to help out low-income families of America, not to judge or point fingers. The plan is based on the income of the applicant and a valid mailing address. They receive their phone in just a short time. There is no hassle to check qualifications and sign up. It is easy to qualify if a person is part of a government assistance program such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, Section 8 Housing, Low Income Home energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or even School Reduced Lunch Program. Social Security numbers or proof of citizenship is not required. Proof of income could be a pay stub, tax return, tribal letter, and divorce /child support document, SSI, Veteran’s benefits, retirement or any other income. Although there are no special discounts for senior citizens, they can still apply if their retirement or Social Security benefits are within the low- income guidelines. Senior citizens benefit greatly by having a free cell phone because 250 minutes is all they would need. Typically they wouldn’t want any more talk minutes or contract phone plans that seem so complicated to sign up for. Life should be simple as can be for them. Plus they need this extra security of having a phone with them everywhere in case of emergencies. They would feel more confident.

Facts are that some Americans need other American’s help to better the entire country. This government program funded by other Americans helps to be stronger and support one another as a whole. Be united and provide everyone success and access to a better life. Government free cell phone programs are for the people. Our people, Americans!

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The Lifeline government assistance program, first introduced in 1984, is designed to ensure that those with low income have access to necessary telecommunication services at little to no cost. Expanding into an increasingly wireless world, this program now includes low (or no) cost wireless coverage in over thirty-five states to those who qualify. Through partnership with several different wireless companies, the Lifeline program is constantly expanding and improving to benefit eligible customers with improving nationwide talk and text coverage. Wireless companies that have created programs through their partnership under the Lifeline program vary on a state-by-state basis (with some overlap within certain states), and include: Assurance Wireless, Access Wireless, Safelink Wireless, Budget Mobile, ReachOut Wireless, and several more regional providers as well. With seemingly countless options in certain states, and fewer in others, researching the providers available in your local area is important. Washington State falls into the “several options” category, however nearly all the wireless providers under the Lifeline program have the same basic base plans for qualifying customers. Qualifying customers will meet one of two criteria: current participation in a government assistance program such as Medicaid, Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Supplementary Security Income, or Federal Public Housing Assistance or total household income meeting government guidelinesbased on state of residence and size of household. Those who qualify for the program based on household income will need to provide proof of eligibility with a copy of the previous year’s State or Federal tax return or three consecutive months’ worth of their most recent paystubs, as well as proof of any other form of income such as Worker’s Compensation/Unemployment benefits, divorce decree/child support documentation, or Veteran’s Administration benefits. Those who believe they may qualify can apply for program consideration by downloading a state-specific application (which can be mailed or faxed) or by calling toll-free to speak with a program representative about their available options.

The base plan provided by all Lifeline program partners gives members a free wireless phone and 250 minutes a month, however there are several low cost plans that vary from provider to provider and offer customers options based on their differing needs. All Lifeline programs provide free voicemail, call-waiting, caller ID, 911 access and customer care with no annual contract, monthly bill or activation fees. Some restrictions apply, and all Lifeline programs require an annual re-certification by which customers must provide proof of continuing qualification or face account termination. Wireless customers under the Lifeline program who no longer meet income requirements to continue their service will also be eligible to continue wireless service under the partner provider (for example, Assurance Wireless is a service provided by Virgin Mobile; those who no longer qualify for Assurance can simply transfer to a low cost Virgin Mobile account rather than completely terminating their relationship with the company) if they so choose. No matter the size of household or wireless partner, all members of the Lifeline assistance program are restricted to one non-transferable cell phone or landline account per household under the program.

While each Lifeline program wireless partner offers different plans and rates for those who need more than the no cost 250 minutes initially provided (as well as plans that include text messaging and data), all partners give its customers easy access to additional minutes, texts and data through pay-as-you-go flat rate airtime cards which can be purchased at several convenient locations such as grocery stores, drug stores, and gas stations. Many plans include free long distance calling and a choice of phone model as well. All phones under the program come with a one-year warranty, and any phone lost or stolen can easily be replaced with a quick call to customer care. While not all states provide the Lifeline assistance service at the current time, the network is continuously expanding, and all customers under the program have nationwide coverage under the wireless companies with which Lifeline is partnered.

The Lifeline government assistance cell phone program provides low and no cost options to those who otherwise might not have access to the wireless communication devices that have become so relied upon today. Through the program, low income individuals and families are given an array of affordable options for staying in touch with friends and loved ones, as well as room to grow and future options for when they no longer qualify for the program. The application process is fairly straightforward and hassle free, as is maintaining service and adding coverage when more is needed. The vast array of plans and phones available makes wireless coverage easy to personalize based on individual customer needs. Over half of the United States now has wireless government assistance programs in place, with continued growth in coverage area and options for those who qualify.

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With our current economy plummeting to the depths of the Earth, people are scrambling to find ways to save and what better way to save than free cell phones AND cell phone services? At this point, you might be thinking “What? That’s impossible. It’s probably a scam”. Beep Beeeeep. You’re wrong! This is a true government-funded program that exists. The point is to provide free cell phones to low-income individuals to use in case of emergencies. These government assisted telecommunication services are becoming more and more popular and its usage has expanded tremendously since its inception in 2008. Here are 10 interesting facts that explains it all:

Fact #1: The government has distributed over 10 million cell phones free of charge.The program first began in 1999 with Lifeline Assistance and Link-Up – two programs that started with assistance of landlines to low-income individuals – and expanded into its wireless counterpart in 2008 with its first distribution from Safelink Wireless.

Fact #2: It’s everywhere! The first free cell phone was first handed out in Tennessee but has now spread to 38 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico. That’s only for Safelink Wireless! Unlike Safelink, Lifeline and Link-Up are available in “every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands” (Federal Communications Commission). Where can’t you find it?

Fact #3: Qualifying is as easy as 1, 2, 3. Well, at least for those who already quality for other government assistance programs like food stamps, Medicaid, Section 8 Housing, Supplemental Security Income or any other program along those lines. But even those who don’t qualify have a chance! Why is that? That’s because you don’t actually need to have proof. The people in charge believe you just because you say you’re already getting help from the government. How great is that?

Fact #4: In some states, qualifying can also mean having a household income of 150% or higher of the poverty level. These states include Arizona, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas. In other states, the qualifying mark is at 135% of the poverty level.

Fact #5: It’s named after Obama! Many are under the misconception that the program first started with Obama. However, this is not true. The phone has been mistakenly named. It should be in fact, called the Bush Phone. The idea for the program actually first originated from the Regan administration in 1984 and implemented in 2008 during the Bush administration. However, the company that first started it all was Safelink Wireless, an independent non-profit program and no money was taken out from taxpayers or the federal government. So maybe the Bush Phone isn’t the right name either.

Fact #6: It’s a free-for-all. U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens alike are all welcomed to apply to these programs. Verification mechanisms of citizenship have not been implemented nor put into place.You just have to be alive and breathing. Fill out an application and you’re in.

Fact #7: Carlos Slim – a.ka. the world’s richest man – started it all.He launched the first independent non-profit telecommunication company – Safelink Wireless – that created such a big hit that now other programs are following in suit. The Lifeline and Link-Up programs that first started out with landline services have now expanded into the wireless community and are offering competitive benefits with a wider reception. As mentioned before, unlike Safelink, Lifeline and Link-Up are available in “every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands” (Federal Communications Commission). They’re also offering 250 free minutes and 250 free texting compared to Safelink’s average 68 free minutes.

Fact #8: The program is forever expanding. And why shouldn’t it? After all, the economy has hit rock bottom and more and more families are meeting the qualifications. While the program started out at a cost of $800 million, it’s believed that costs will exceed $3.3 billion by 2014. We’ll have to wait and see if these estimates are correct at the end of the year.

Fact #9: It’s the luck of the draw. How much you pay depends on where you live. Of the 38 states, Washington DC and Puerto Rico, all provide a free cell phone with 250 free minutes as the monthly plan. However, any additional minutes and texting all depends on location, location, location. While California residents pay $1 for 1000 minutes, Alaska pays that same amount for unlimited talk AND text. Oklahoma on the other hand, is not as lucky. They have to pay $2.50 for 250 minutes. Wow, they actually have to pay? Shocking.

Fact #10: What’s after free cell phones? Free internet of course! The Federal Communications Commission – the government body behind it all – is spreading cheers all around the country. They’re actually thinking about not only including free internet on top of the free cell phone service, but also low-cost computers! With all the free stuff being passed around, who needs to work any more?

If you read through this article and you’re still paying your cell phone bill, then you’re missing out on all the free things in life. I mean, how else are you going to get free internet and where else are you going to find the cheapest computer? Think of all the money you can save! And the government is paying for it all. If you think about it, you’re paying for it anyway since it is a government-funded program. And where does the government get its money? Where else but the people? All telecommunications carriers are required to pay into the Universal Service Fund, a fund that pays for all the “free” cell phones. If we have to pay the insanely increasing taxes along with these additional fees, why shouldn’t we get something out of it?

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We are on the frontier of Generation Mobile, an age where everyone from your grandmother to your best friend’s three year old son can navigate their way through a smart phone platform. Alarming? Maybe. Necessity? Questionable. Unavoidable? Absolutely, positively, not. In this day in age, the question we can ask ourselves is this: If one can’t afford a cell phone, and is defined as low-income, do they become less integrated into the rapid rate of growth our culture is experiencing and therefore unable to succeed in changing their income status?

There are many stressors that influence the 21^st century individual. Often times it feels as if the world would stop in its orbit if we lived in a world without readily accessible communication. With the rapidly increasing rate at which this technology dependent culture requires us to be connected to our cell phones, it can become a huge disadvantage for low-income families who are struggling to get their basic need met to find jobs, support, and community if they do not have access to a cell phone. In 2008 many cell phone distribution programs were developed to assist individuals in need of financial help to acquire this particular need.

Luckily, with many phone service discount programs for low-income families, stressors that hinder accessibility to communication do not necessarily need to be a factor in their day-to-day life. Yes, the economy is in a rough spot,

however, it doesn’t mean that there are not programs set up to help those in need of cell phones. Companies such as Budget Mobile, Reachout Wireless, and Safelink Wireless make affordable cell phones available to those in need. To qualify for this service would mean that one would have to be at or below the federal poverty guidelines, which the Clark County website describes that for a family of four in Washington state would be below $28,000 a year.

In 2012, the national unemployment rate was a staggering 7.9%, and although it is down roughly 0.4% from the beginning of the year, it is still a sobering number. Federal programs such as food stamps, federal housing, Medicaid, and the WIC program have been established resources for those who are truly lacking in monetary support for basic needs. However, as the world of technology changes and unfolds at a rapid rate, programs for this kind of assistance are still being developed and fine-tuned to give accessible cell phone service to those under the poverty guidelines.

Having access to a cell phone not only does wonders for one’s social life, giving a direct thread to Facebook, Twitter, and other social media outlets; it mainly does so much for someone who is out of, and currently looking for a job. Cell phones provide an accessibility that a landline just cannot compete with. Having phone service discount programs for low income families really does present opportunities to those who are actively looking for work, and those who simply need to have communication to community organizations and resources that help those in need.

There are basic facts about phone service discounts for low-income families that often get misconstrued by the general public and abiding taxpayers. There has been a lot of emphasis placed on the ideas that phone service discounts were directly related to President Obama’s administration and programming. Which, is in fact, not true. According to an article by Kelly Phillips on forbes.com regarding the many misconstrued facts on the subject, she states:

“Eligibility and type of program may vary from state to state – and this is why there is a flurry of confusion about the program being a product of the Obama administration. In Florida, for example, cell phone service was added to the existing program – in 2008, the year that Obama was elected to office. The conclusion from many folks was that it was a new federal program. It was not. It was an expansion of the existing program and implemented on a state-by-state basis. The federal program wasn’t started by President Obama. It dates back to 1996, as part of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. “

While this topic has stirred-up a lot of controversy across party lines, what people should really be focusing on are the benefits that this service can provide to our common man; not to their political leanings. Yes, access to technology can seem like a luxury item, a name brand vs. generic debate if you will, however it has become increasingly apparent that in this country, in this day in age, life is much, much harder without a cell phone Making ends meet is a stress that takes away so much from the human experience. With cell phone service discount programs, individuals can put some of the stress to bed, and start focusing on other activities that enhance and not hinder what life has to offer.

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U.S. Representative Martha Roby, a co-sponsor of U.S. Representative Tim Griffin, wants answers as to why the Lifeline program’s spending limits have inflated drastically over the past four years. With our economy still struggling through a devastating recession, our country must preserve as much of its money as possible and the Lifeline program’s infamous fraud has many feeling uneasy with the program’s existence. Though Lifeline truly does benefit many low income Americans by providing them with a source of communication to potential employers, family members, child care services and authorities, it’s lack of proactivity has burdened the program with fraudulent accounts.

These thousands of duplicate applicants, ineligible customers and fraudulence has cost been costing the country millions over the past four years. In 2008 the program wrote cost the country $819 million and has grown to an unbelievable 2.2 billion in 2012.

The Lifeline program was established in the 1980s under the Ronald Reagan administration. This program provided government subsidized landline phones to households who would otherwise have no source of telecommunication. Before Lifeline, these people were terminally stuck. Without a contact number to leave on an application or resume, they couldn’t apply for a job. Without an emergency number to call, they couldn’t drop off their children with care services, so they could work. These people felt hopeless.

As technology advanced, Lifeline included cell phones to their program in 2005 under the George W. Bush administration. These cell phones were supposed to only go to individuals who met strict criteria such as, specific government aid program support, a gross income below a certain percentage of the nation’s poverty line and government verified proof documents.

However, not all went to plan. In a recent overhaul of the Lifeline database, FCC representatives uncovered billions of dollars in wasted money spent on duplicate accounts (only one landline or cell phone is permitted per individual and per household), individuals not eligible for the program and a lack of proof documents.

The money that funds this program is from the Universal Service Fund. This fund bills telecommunication providers across the country. This bill is then broken up and often charged to the telecommunication provider’s customers in a small $2-3 fee on the monthly phone bill. It’s called a Universal Service charge. These fees are then collected and used by Lifeline and their many supported providers to issue free or extremely low cost cell phones to supposedly eligible low income Americans.

These phones are simple models, usually only including such features as, voicemail, caller ID and text message capabilities. The cell phone receiver is generally issued 250 voice minutes and 250 text messages per month to be used at their discretion.

In order to gain eligibility into the Lifeline program, applicants must already receive assistance from another government aid program specified by their state. Rep. Roby wants to know how many Lifeline customers have received assistance from this qualification alone and if this is really a strong enough qualifier.

Generally accepted government aid programs include,

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), or food stamps · Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program.

“The FCC failed to impose a verification process to ensure the eligibility of program participants until last year,” Rep. Roby writes. “In a time when federal spending of all types is under serious scrutiny, these reports are cause for serious concern.” Reported by WTVY.

Rep. Roby is on the country’s side when scrutinizing programs, like Lifeline, who seem to be blowing through money, without proper precautions. “Our government ensures a safety net [to] our citizens who are truly in need of assistance during hard times, “ Rep. Roby said. “But at a time when our budgets are already being squeezed, we must ensure that these precious dollars are going toward those who truly need it the most.” Reported  WTVY.

However, getting these much needed amenities to “those who need it most” is easier said than done, when there are so many willing to cheat American taxpayers and receive service from a program fraudulently, but this isn’t Rep. Roby’s first rodeo.

Rep. Roby has fought for American taxpayer’s rights, just last year during the creation of the Farm Bill in the House Committee on Agriculture, she was able to include language in the bill stating SNAP (food stamps) benefits were not directed toward those who are not citizens of our great nation.

Though Rep. Roby does believe in the Lifeline program and its ability to provide low income people a source of communication, imperative in modern society, she does not believe cell phones are the answer.

As Rep. Griffin believes, Rep. Roby plans to eliminate fraud in the Lifeline system, by eliminating cell phones. She is fighting to bring the program back to the ‘80s when the Lifeline program only provided government subsidized landlines to low income individuals.

Griffin and Roby agree that as landlines are a more outdated and less desirable form of communication, they will cut down on the Lifeline program’s current issue of combating duplicate accounts and general fraud.

But, will this cut back on the program be a helping hand or a hindrance to those who really do need and qualify for the Lifeline program? WTVY reported Roby stating she continued to, “struggle to reduce the deficit plus the recent reports of more abuse within the Lifeline program prompted her to ask more questions.”

Hopefully, with these question, Rep. Roby will discover a fair agreement between the Lifeline program and the country’s spending. After all, to discipline the Lifeline users who cheated the program is one thing, but to discipline those who truly relied on the Lifeline program’s benefits, is quite another.

Rep. Roby said, “I look forward to receiving the Commissioner’s response so we can know how to remedy the problem.” according to WTVY.

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Across our country, the FCC funded Lifeline program has been setting up cell phone provider tents. These cell phone provider tents, like the Life Wireless tent set up in Minneapolis, Minnesota, have been distributing cell phones and cell phone service plans to low income people who live in the area.

Seems strange, right? The stranger thing is, these phones and the service plan that comes with them are both free free. The phones distributed from these tents are funded from the Universal Service Fund, which collects money from cell phone providers across the nation.

These cell phone providers than pass the fees onto their customers in the form of a Universal Service Charge, appearing on the bottom of the phone bill each month. These fees usually only amount to about $2-3 per month for a total of $30 in a year. But, why does this program exist? Why should paying cell phone service customers pay an additional fee so some tent can hand out free phones to strangers? The answer is Lifeline.

Lifeline is a program funded by the FCC. It was initiated in the 1980s under the Ronald Reagan administration to provide low income families who met certain requirements a source of communication through a subsidized landline. In 2005, the Lifeline program advanced to also include cell phones and service plans to the program in order to keep their customers up-to-date with the latest technology and able to compete in a society where landlines were becoming obsolete.

Lifeline’s strict customer requirements still exist. A potential Lifeline customer must already receive support from a different government aid program like Medicaid or SNAP (food stamps). Though, specific qualifying government aid programs will vary by state.

If a potential Lifeline customer does not receive assistance from a government aid program, their gross income must be below a certain point. Varying by state again, the individual’s gross income must be below 135 percent or 150 percent of the national poverty line.

Once one or both of these requirements are met, the individual must then be able to produce government documentation verifying that they are indeed receiving assistance and/or have a gross income below 135 percent or 150 percent the national poverty line.

The cell phones that are provided to these people are basic models without data plans available. Generally, cell phone providers, like Life Wireless, offer 250 free voice minutes, 250 free text messages and a voice mail option along with the free phone.

But what is stopping these people from fraudulently receiving free phones and selling them on the streets? A crooked employee.

In certain cell phone provider’s tents, not all are honest with the Lifeline programs rules. Some grant people who approach the tent free cell phones upon request, without proper proof documentation or even ID.

This behavior has cost the country close to $1 billion over the past year. The FCC made a statement saying there have been extra precautions put in place to stop the abuse of the Lifeline program. The Lifeline program has also weeded through all of their accounts, terminating service to those who have multiple phones, false IDs or no verification documents, as well as any duplicate accounts.

But will it be enough? Life Wireless is only one of the 104 Lifeline supporting cell phone providers in Minnesota, each distributing over 55,000 free cell phones through hundreds of tents all over the state.

Jim Carpenter of Life Wireless told CBS Minnesota News, “Nobody does more than Life Wireless to prevent waste, fraud, and abuse, and the best way to do that is to see the customer face-to-face in a live enrollment.”

Congressman Tim Griffin of Arkansas says the FCC’s precautions will never be enough. Griffin has sent a bill to the White House proposing Lifeline be cut back to providing only landlines to eligible customers, as the program operated in the 1980s.

“The federal government doesn’t need to be providing people with cell phones.” Griffin told CBS Minnesota News,

Are landlines going to truly help people? Those for the Lifeline program, say no. Granted, people who cheat the system will always exist, but what about those who honestly benefit from the Lifeline program.

Those like, Michelle Adams. Adams met all of Lifeline’s requirements for her state and was elated when she received her free cell phone from a Minnesota Life Wireless tent outside the Center for Changing Lives in Minneapolis.

Adams told CBS Minnesota News she has been looking for a job. With her new cell phone, her efforts will pay off. “I’m really happy that they have this kind of service for people.” said Adams.

So who is to blame? Our government for attempting to help those in need? Politicians like Tim Griffin who would rather scrap a program than fix it? Or Lifeline for not setting these precautions from the beginning? One thing that is for sure is, people like Michelle Adams, can use these phones for a greater good.

With her new cell phone, Adams can leave a call back number on an application and answer the call back wherever she is, instead of possibly missing an opportunity.

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