Fun Facts About Free Government Phones

It's true, you might be eligible for free government cell (mobile) phones from the folks in Washington. They probably don't want to call you; they won't be waking you in the middle of the night to ask if your refrigerator is running. Here are some fun facts and amazing information about this program. It's free and it just might be for you. Don't let this opportunity pass you by.

• The US Government is paying for free wireless phones for eligible residents. Through these programs, people can get free service, free phones and other hardware, and free monthly minutes. There's no cost.
• The program is administered by the zip code where you live. it is currently available in many state such as Alabama, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wisconsin. Other states will be added soon. Keep checking back here.
• Free government cell phones often include rollover minutes, free voice mail, free called ID and free call waiting. The precise number of free monthly minutes varies by state.
• Participants in the program do not get a bill in the mail and are not obligated to agree to a contract. You won't get stuck with a monthly fee.
• Requirements vary somewhat, according to state of residence. Ohio residents, for example, are eligible if they receive benefits from any of these programs:
  
  • Section 8/Federal Public Housing Assistance
  • Medicaid
  • Food Stamps
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Free National School Lunch Program (NSL)
  • General Assistance/Disability Assistance
  • Home Energy Assistance (HEAP)
  • Supplemental Security Disability Income (SSDI)
  • Ohio Works First or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)

• Eligibility may also be determined by income level. Families who earn up to 150% of the US Poverty level may also qualify:

Persons in Family or Household 
                                       Annual Income     Monthly Income
1                                      $16,245           $1,354
2                                      $21,855           $1,822
3                                      $27,465           $2,289
4                                      $33,075           $2,757
5                                      $38,685           $3,224
6                                      $44,295           $3,692
7                                      $49,905           $4,159
8                                      $55,515           $4,627
For each additional person, add...     $5,610            $468

• Free government phones, some from SafeLink, do not expire, but some participants will be selected randomly on an annual basis to provide proof of eligibility. An online form is available to provide proof of eligibility. The online proof of eligibility form requires simple information such as name, date of birth, phone number, state, and two check boxes. The first check box confirms that the phone recipient is a head of household and is not claimed as a dependent on some else's tax return. The second check box confirms that the free government phone recipient is indeed a free government phone recipient and no one else at the same address is a free government phone recipient. President Obama will not be checking up on you, nor will the AARP, so don't worry.
• Participants who become ineligible are required by the FCC to voluntarily remove themselves from the program. They are eligible to keep the device, continue using the free government phone and purchase air time from wireless phone providers.
• An online application is available for potential free government phone recipients.