Help Paying Phone Bills

Communication is one of the most critical parts of our life in today’s society. Phones are the essential instrument of communication, and almost all of us have different cell phones. We use phones not only to communicate with each other but also to have fun and to do our business. That is why having and using a cell phone is a must to survive in today’s world. On the other hand, phones may not be the most affordable devices that we use. There is a new model, new systems, and new applications each day, and it isn’t very easy to keep up with all these innovations. Some people may easily afford to purchase a new model, but some people might have a hard time even paying their phone bills. Therefore, states, governmental organizations, local groups, and non-governmental agencies assist low-income individuals and families with phone bill assistance.

LIFELINE

This program was created and funded by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Program to help deficient and middle-income families cover their landline or cell (wireless) phone expenses. Persons who are facing economic challenges are eligible to apply for this benefit. Qualified applicants will be receiving discounted landline or cell phone services. Besides having discounts, some participants may benefit from a freephone help. Since cell phones are an indispensable part of our lives, LIFELINE provides free cell phones for qualified participants.

Eligibility Requirements for LIFELINE:

• Your income must be 135% or less than the federal poverty guidelines.
• You must be a participant of one of the following programs which are Head Start, Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (food stamps or SNAP), or receiving federal veterans pension.

Anyone who wants to apply for this program should get in touch with the local phone companies in their district. These companies will most likely be requesting the following documents from you:

• Your full name
• Address
• Birth Certificate
• Social Security Number- Social Security Card
• ID or Driver’s License
• Tax Return
• Some other necessary documents

LINK-UP

Link Up is one of the most well-known telephone assistance programs in the country. It is financed by the federal government for people and families who are seeking financial support for their telephone expenses. Qualified people will be receiving help with their telephone installation charges and deposits. Particularly people who are installing a new phone service in their home or activating a new wireless phone are prioritized by this program. Selected low-income people and families can receive up to $50.000 in help according to the criteria in their state. 

People living on tribal lands are already eligible for this phone service. In addition to this, participants of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Head Start, Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), and Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). To learn more and apply, please visit this link https://www.lifelinesupport.org/tribal-benefit or consult your local phone company. 

Local Cable Companies 

Internet is widely used almost in each home today. Some of the local cable companies are providing low-cost internet access through phones. Especially low-income families who have children are given priority to benefit from this aid. So that children can benefit from the internet through their phones every day. To find out more about these companies, please search online or make connections with local cable companies.