Cell phones can be a lifeline to the outside world, especially forolder Americans.
Unfortunately, not all seniors can afford the high cost of a new cell phone and service.
Older Americans who meet certain eligibility criteria can receive discounted or free cell phone service.
In some situations, free cell phones for seniors are available, too.
Heres everything you should probably know.
What Is the Lifeline Program?
The program expanded over time and can now help pay for the cost of landline or cell phone service.
7 Ways to Make Money if You Hate People
Do you avoid people too?
Enough small talk.Here are some waysto earn extra cash, without all of the social stuff.
How Do I Qualify for Lifeline?
Or, they must participate in certain government assistance programs.
you could check your eligibility by visiting theLifeline program websiteand entering your zip code.
Older Americans arent the only ones who can apply for Lifeline.
There are no age restrictions or age requirements to qualify.
Here is a table of income thresholds for the Lifeline Assistance program.
Income limits are higher in Alaska and Hawaii.
The Lifeline assistance program is available for only one account per household.
Did you know?
Theres no program out there that offers free cell phones for Medicare beneficiaries.
However, SSI is a program specifically for older adults.
About 17.2% of Medicare beneficiaries are also enrolled in Medicaid, so these dual-eligible seniors can also qualify.
you’re free to also call the Lifeline Support Center and request a paper app.
What Happens After You Apply for Lifeline?
Theres a long list of participating Lifeline service providers.
Many of these cell phone providers are regional and only available in certain states.
Assurance Wireless, SafeLink, Access Wireless, and Life Wireless are four of the biggest Lifeline providers.
What Kinds of Free Cell Phones Are Available?
Other carriers offer more generous cell phone plans that include unlimited talk, text and data.
Some offer hotspot capabilities and even international calling.
see to it to read the fine print.
Discount carriers, likeBoost Mobile, offer big savings on a cell phone when you switch to their service.
When we checked, new customers could get a free Celero 5G with the $60 Unlimited Plan.
Then, pair it with a low-cost phone plan to save big bucks.
Rachel Christian is a Certified Educator in Personal Finance and a senior writer for The Penny Hoarder.
She focuses on retirement, Medicare, life insurance and investing.
No Interest Til Almost 2027?
Balance Transfer = Credit Card Cheat Code
