web analytics

Navigation

Archive | Blog

Blog and news about free government cell phones

Connect America: Low Cost Internet From the FCC

By on July 23, 2013 in Blog

Many people in a variety of social groups in our country are struggling with the idea of free phones provided by the FCC Lifeline program, and now they’re introducing low cost internet. After just recently recovering from the “Obama Phone” misconception, our country is astounded at the introduction of another ‘freebie’ type program providing low cost internet, called Connect America.

For those who are still in the dark on the free phone controversy, the Lifeline program provides free or extremely price reduced cell phones and cell phone service plans to eligible participants.

There was a rumor inspired by a Youtube video starring an ill-informed woman that she and others could receive a free cell phone and cell phone service plan from the Obama administration. The free phones provided by Lifeline were then depicted as a cheap campaign strategy initiated by the Obama administration to bring in more votes for the candidate at the time of the election. This is not true.

The Lifeline program has been around since the 1980s and was created under Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Then, Lifeline only provided landlines to low income, eligible Americans, who had no other source of telecommunication. During George Bush’s presidency, the Lifeline program expanded to include cell phones, as landlines were becoming obsolete in our prolifically technological society.

Requirements to receive service from the Lifeline program include, a total household income below 135% of the nation’s poverty line (or 150% depending on state), government assistance from another program like Medicaid or food stamps (applicable government programs vary by state) and verification documents proving these requirements, which also vary by state.

These free phones were available in our nation much before President Obama’s re-election campaign and were no way affiliated with his strategy to accrue more votes from the low income citizens of our country.

The FCC has ruminated the concept of adding internet to its Lifeline plan in the past, but now that the idea has come to fruition and Connect America is here, American’s paying for the program are nervous Connect America will have reminiscent issues of fraud as the Lifeline program had.

Lifeline only allows one landline OR one wireless line per household. Frustrated with this rule, people began creating fraudulent accounts to receive more than one phone, some even selling the phones to turn a profit all at the cost of the Lifeline program, and in turn, American citizens.

The Lifeline program is funded by the Universal Service Fund. The USF issues fees to telecom companies across the country, these fees are usually passed down to the telecom company’s customers and collected in a small additional fine. This fine is listed on the customer’s monthly phone bill as a Universal Service Charge.

The FCC did admit the Lifeline program had its flaws and took action to correct the thousands of duplicate accounts, fraudulent identities and oversights. In fact, this is how they plan on funding Connect America; with the money they saved from eliminating Lifeline’s bugs.

An FCC chairman, as reported by PRWeb.com, claims over the next couple of years, the adjustments made to the Lifeline program will save $2 billion, plenty to start a new program for struggling, low income people.

The new program, Connect America, was created to provide broadband, high-speed internet service to low income individuals who own a computer or other source capable of internet access.

The new program costs $10 per month now, but as reported by PRWeb.com, Mark Henry, editor of CheapInternet.com says because the program is so closely linked with the Lifeline free phone program, the internet service will most likely be no-cost as well, in the future.

Henry adds, “Broadband has gone from being a luxury to being a necessity,” “This program is exactly what low income Americans need to succeed.”

As explained above, Connect America will go along the same lines as its free government phone providing sister program, Lifeline. The requirements to gain access to the program will vary by state, but generally will include, as reported by PRWeb.com,

“…you must already participate in any one of a number of other government aid programs, such as the National School Lunch Program, food stamps (SNAP), public housing assistance, Medicaid, Section 8 housing, Supplemental Security Income, various Home Energy Assistance Programs, and other programs. You can also qualify if your household income is no more than 135% of federal poverty guidelines (and as much as 150% in some states).”

Henry states the Connect America program will surely bring in more than enough benefits to keep itself afloat for years to come. He states, as reported by PRWeb.com, “Cheap internet today. Free internet tomorrow,”

It seems the recession has taken more of a toll on average income Americans than previously expected. With new low income benefit programs popping up everyday and the expectation of fees, charges and fines to be payed over, frustration mounts in the middle class.

0

Money Behind the Free Cell Phone Program

By on July 22, 2013 in Blog

Helping your fellow man in his time of need has been the backbone of our country for centuries. Now the countries debt is overwhelming, our spending out of control with fear of wasteful tendencies and government handout programs are beginning to raise some eyebrows.

The government assistance programs in our country are in place to help those who cannot help themselves at that time and are fighting to get back on their feet. These tax paid programs assist a staggering 47% of people in our country who honestly need it and then there is the undocumented population who simply steal it.

American debt

In September of 2012, the National Treasury Department announced the country as being $16 trillion in debt. This enormous number is utterly terrifying to those hoping for an economic comeback in 2013.

Most of this debt, approximately two thirds of it, is due back to our own government. Such government programs as Social Security Trust Fund and other pension programs for our citizens still await repayment.

The Social Security Trust Fund is owed $5 trillion with investors both foreign and domestic, and the Federal Reserve claiming $11 trillion of the nation’s debt.


Although some of our debt is owed to foreign nations, the biggest being China, the vast majority of our debt is owed to ourselves. The debt to China only accounts for a measly, in comparison, $1.16 trillion and to Japan $1.12 trillion.

Americans worry the debt will keep climbing. Records show the debt was already at an alarming $10.6 trillion in 2009. Now we swim in another $5.4 trillion just three years later. Government programs which provide its citizens with free services have been under strict scrutiny during these tough times.

American spending

The 2012 US budget was $3.8 trillion. Slicing up this money amongst the many government programs tends to make people wince. While trying to hold onto as much money as they can, many are feeling reluctant to give their earnings to the government not knowing if it will be used resourcefully or wasted.

Programs that provide free gas, free transportation or free phones are the newest target in American citizen sites to reduce the country’s spending.

Government spending on free cell phones

One of the government programs which has been the topic of much debate is Lifeline. Lifeline is a government instituted program which provides eligible low income individuals with a free basic cell phone and basic service.

In 2008 the government provided $772 million to the program for the low income population. Just three years later in 2011, after word of the program spread across the country, that number jumped to $1.6 billion. There are now 12.5 million wireless subscriber accounts, with many subscribers illegally receiving phone service to multiple Lifeline phones.

Qualifications

To qualify for the Lifeline program an individual must be at or below 135% of the US poverty line. This qualification alone makes an abundance of people eligible for this service. In 2011 the poverty line was averaged to an annual income of $23,021 for a household of four people.

Fifteen percent of Americans are considered living in poverty, that’s 46.2 million people eligible for free phones. This spells disaster for our already severely in debt country and outrage for those who have to involuntarily pay for this program, whether they agree with it or not.

Universal Service Fund

The Federal Communications Commission supports the Universal Service Fund which collects money for the Lifeline program. The Universal Service Fund collects its money from a fine distributed to phone service providers across the country.

Wireless and landline service providers have passed this additional fine for the Universal Service Fund on to their customers. Most phone bills now sport a “Universal Service” charge at the bottom of the page. This forces people who have a high enough income to pay for monthly cell phone service, to pay for someone elses phone service as well.

Lifeline

Lifeline has existed in our country since the ‘90s providing government subsidized landlines to its eligible customers. In 2005 the plan expanded to include cell phones to their list of free services. The plans can be upgraded for a fee at a discounted rate.

The phone models provided through this program are not on the cutting edge of technology. It is not an iPhone or an Android. The phones are usually TracFones or very similar with approximately 250 minutes. Qualifications vary by state and phone models vary by provider.

The popularity of this program is daunting for those who pay a phone bill. From $772 million in 2008 to $1.6 billion in 2011, the controversy continues. Are these ‘handout’ programs the best for our nation right now?

Fraud

The Lifeline program has been questioned enough without the addition of people taking advantage of it. This year the FCC discovered 269,000 Lifeline subscribers who were illegally receiving service for multiple Lifeline phones.

This fraud has created an explosion of outrage amongst American citizens. There are those who believe in helping the lower income population of our country, but no one wants to be scammed. Since the unveiling of these inconsistencies, the FCC has been diligently reviewing the many Lifeline accounts for duplicate service receivers.

The auditing has gone well and eliminated over 270,000 illegal duplicate subscriptions and is still searching for fraudulence. Looking into a better future, the FCC hopes to give phone bill payers at least a $200 million relief this year due to the new more strict rules and audits.

If these government programs want to exist in the future and continue to help those who really need the help, more extreme measures must be put into action to reduce fraud. Not only is this wasteful and sending our country spiraling even deeper into debt, it’s sending the message that it’s okay to suckle from your government instead of taking the help only to better yourself and eventually become independent.

 

0

Low Income Families and Free Phones

By on July 22, 2013 in Blog

Working low income families, our nation’s working class, the backbone of America. These families that survive on the poverty line are truly our strongest foundation. Providing for their children and spouse are all they have on their minds. They want to do right by the people they love.

The working lower income population strives to make ends meet. Making ends meet might mean a 12 hour shift at the restaurant with no breaks, staying late at the office going over the next days work, or coming home from one job only to get dressed and out the door to the next.

They are our waiters and waitresses, our bus drivers and our janitorial crew. The working lower income population bracket is an open-hearted one, working solely for their spouses, children and home that shelters them. If America needed someone to give a break to, these are the people we should look for.

Hard times in America

Our National unemployment rate is still at a staggering 7.9% in 2012, although it has gone down from 8.3% earlier last year. Families across the country are having to spend more time working and less time with their loved ones. This is especially true for the low income working population.

Sixty-nine percent of these families need their younger children watched during the day while the parents are at work. This usually leaves older siblings in charge of their little brothers and sisters after school. Although this seems like an easy decision, these older siblings are still children themselves.

Children watching children puts that household at risk for abduction, in-home accident or home invasion without an adult present or readily available to provide proper assistance. This statistic is even more frightening if the children have no way to contact help.

How a phone can help


By providing these working low income families with phones they could not otherwise afford, we are providing safety. Most modern families only have a landline as their “just in case” phone or do not have one at all. One could only imagine the terrible trouble an 11-year-old could be faced with while babysitting their five and seven year old siblings, with no communication to the outside.

Having a cell phone comes with any responsibility taken on in life. If a child is going to begin babysitting they need an emergency number. Adults need communication to network with others in their field and check-in with family at home.

Telecommunication anymore is unquestionably essential to function in our modern day. Even older adults have said to themselves, ‘what did I do before I had a cell phone?’ It’s true, life is so concentrated on constant connectivity that we couldn’t imagine our existence any other way.

Lifeline

Lifeline is a government created program that provides free phones to lower income families and individuals. These free cell phones are funded by the Universal Service Fund collected from varied telecommunication providers. Lifeline’s goal is to provide safety, communication and opportunity to excel with its cell phones.

In 1985 Lifeline was created to provide government subsidized landline phones to lower income families. This provided these families the help they needed then to stay connected, educated and safe. The program upgraded to include cell phones in 2005 to maintain the effectiveness of their mission.

Lifeline has many different providers. Depending on which provider you choose, varied cell phone models and service plans will be available. Individuals can also alter their plans so it fits their lifestyle perfectly. Additional features may be added to your plan for a fee if the original free plan does not align with your preferences.

How Lifeline can help

Lifeline can help your lower income family finally gain communication, for free. Although there are requirements to be eligible for Lifeline’s help, the program encourages you to learn more about it and see if you qualify for free cell phones.

First collect any documents that prove you are receiving assistance from one of the programs listed below. If you are currently not seeking any assistance, provide documents that prove your monthly income is 135% less than the US poverty line.

If you have proof documents for either or both of these points, you’re halfway to finally getting a cost free cell phone. Learn more about the government assistance programs and other requirements below. These requirements will change by state, but these are the general programs Lifeline looks for when determining eligibility. Research your state’s specific requirements to continue on to the next step of your application process.

Apply

These are some of the things you can use to provide proof of assistance in order to apply for Lifeline’s free cell phones:

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)
  • State assistance programs (if applicable)

Also remember, even if you are not receiving assistance from any of these government programs, you still may be eligible for a free cell phone. Review your monthly income, if it is at or below 135% of the nation’s poverty line, you are qualified to get help from Lifeline.

Lifeline wants to provide the support to our working low income families that they deserve. One less bill to worry about along with the relief of having a cell phone is what Lifeline strives to give every working low income family in America.

You can learn more about our Nation’s largest Lifeline cell phone providers, Assurance Wireless, Budget Mobile, Reachout Wireless, and Safelink Wireless by clicking any of these links.

Lifeline: Affordable Telephone Service for At-Need Americans

By on May 14, 2013 in Blog

Lifeline is a program that provides free mobile phones, and free talk minutes and texts per month for eligible Americans.

Nearly 50% of American citizens are now eligible for government or state-funded social assistance programs. This huge increase began during 2008’s credit crunch when millions of Americans found themselves unemployed. This was the result of the selfish actions of a privileged few that threw the economy into a downward tailspin. As a result, millions of American families are struggling to pay the rent, mortgage, grocery bills, medical bills, and have to reduce ‘luxury’ items such as cable and phone services. What is becoming increasingly obvious is access to telecommunications is now more of a human right as opposed to a luxury, for without access to a mobile phone or the internet, people are left in the dark ages.

The Lifeline Program was started in the 80s during the Reagan Administration by the Federal Communications Commission. This was in response changes in the Telecommunications Act of 1986, which stated that every American citizen had the right to have affordable access to telecommunications. Back in the 80s, this was in the form of a telephone landline, with certain states offering discounts with installation fees.

Now, with our society relying almost solely on mobile phones and broadband for communication, access to health care and emergency services and even applying for jobs and higher education, the need for mobile phones has jumped from luxury to necessity. Without a mobile phone, one is hard-pressed to have access to the free number, 9-1-1, to reach emergency services. Without a mobile phone, one is hard-pressed to receiving callbacks for job interviews. Without broadband, one is hard-pressed to keep up in school and will most likely fall behind and not be able to apply to university or college as a result. Now, more than ever, mobile phones and broadband are necessary in order to stay competitive in the current market and stay safe and connected.

The Lifeline Program offers discounted phone lines for eligible households. In certain states where Lifeline is working in combination with larger mobile carriers and state funding, free mobile phones are available for those who are eligible. Please check with your local authorities to see to what extent Lifeline is available in your region.

Link-Up is another program that offers telecommunications aid, particularly to those living on government approved Tribal lands. Link-Up offers up to $100 discount on connection fees per household, once you prove eligibility for the program.

How Can You Qualify for Lifeline?

You are eligible to apply for the Lifeline Program if you are living at 135% or below the poverty line or are a participant in one of the approved state or federal run assistance programs. Some programs may include:

  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance/Section 8
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance of Needy Families
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
  • Head Start (Only if income eligibility requirements are met)

This is not an exhaustive list, and it does change from state to state. Please check with your local phone company to make sure.

Who Pays for the Lifeline Program?

The Universal Service Fund, which works with the Federal Communications Commission, provides funding for the Lifeline Program. The USF charges a small fee every month to paying clients’ phone bills and that money goes towards subsidizing this program from state to state.

Can I Have More Than One Phone?

The Lifeline Program has a strict one phone per household rule. This means that if you are receiving a discounted phone service through your local phone company with Lifeline, then you cannot receive a free mobile phone through a mobile carrier that is also participating with Lifeline. You can only have one per household.

Because the economic times have been tough, especially since 2008, there is recognition of the fact that many households now have more than one family living under the same roof. As a result, the FCC has decided to change the wording a bit on the one phone per household rule and has redefined ‘household’. Now, if there are more than one ‘economic unit’ living under one roof, and all the economic units are eligible for a Lifeline phone, their situation would be the exception

Can I give My Phone to Someone Else?

The Lifeline service is non-transferable. One cannot apply for the Lifeline program, become approved, and then give their free mobile phone to another person who may or may not be approved. This can only be an account under the approved applicants’ name.

How do I Prove Eligibility?

Proof of Documentation is required to show you are eligible for the Lifeline Program. Proof of Documentation includes a tax return from the previous year, a pay stub, or official documentation showing that you currently participating in any of the approved government or state assistance programs.

Requalification Every Year

In order to reduce the amount of fraudulent activity that has been going on with the Lifeline Program, participants are now required to re-certify their eligibility annually. Every year the participant will be sent a letter that must be filled out, and they must present official showing they are still eligible. This is to reduce the number of participants who have a change in financial status and are no longer eligible for the program but who continue to take advantage of the reduced landline or free mobile phone.

For more information please refer to the Universal Service Administrative Company’s website.

0