If you're a Texan on Medicaid, FoodStamps, SSI, or qualified low income, you get a free cell phone thru Lifeline prog. (Cove: credit)

[xsa210tx]

This is free through the government's funded Lifeline assistance program that the company, Assurance Wireless, participates in and offers to customers in select states. It just recently started here in Texas.

This is really great for elderly and those on disability!

A friend of our family only receives $600 a month for disability and while I have encouraged him to get a cell phone through Pocket or Cricket (instead of his landline phone) he still says he's hesitant to sign on to a new cell phone at $25 to $30 a month. He seems to be very set in his ways and is very cautious with cell phone companies, either that or he's just naturally skeptical, I guess.

But this is FREE. As long as he stays under 200 minutes....he pays ZERO, zip, nada!

People who really need a bare bones phone and basic service like this, aren't going to need all the bells and whistles of traditional cell phone plans so this is perfect.This would also be perfect for those who are homeless or semi-homeless, between jobs and just can't afford to pay out for a brand new phone through Pocket or Cricket at that particular moment. To qualify:

You may qualify for Assurance Wireless if you participate in any of the following government programs:

Texas _ Medicaid
_ Food Stamps/SNAP
_ Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
_ Health Benefit Coverage under Child Health Plan (CHIP)
_ Federal Public Housing Assistance
_ Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)

OR



_ Your household income is at or below 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Click here to check income guidelines: http://www.universalservice.org/_res...lines-2009.xls (Microsoft Excel file)



Assurance Wireless Benefits
If you qualify and are approved for Assurance Wireless, you’ll get:

_ A FREE Assurance Wireless phone
_ 200 FREE minutes each month for nationwide local and domestic
long-distance calling
_ FREE voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID


Is it REALLY FREE? According to their website>>

Assurance Wireless is FREE to eligible customers. Assurance Wireless offers a FREE phone and 200 minutes of wireless service to eligible customers each month. There are no bills, long-term contracts, activation fees, recurring fees, or surcharges for Assurance Wireless customers.
<<


If you think you meet their qualifications you can call this number to sign up: 1-888-898-4888.

[Bo]

This thread provides information to those in Texas who might want to use the program.

Remember, this is a Federal program, so discussing the politics of it is off-topic in this STATE forum. City-Data has a Politics and Other Controversies forum where that discussion is on topic.

Here are links to two threads there which discuss it. Use one of these to discuss politics:

Free cellphones and airtime for low income people

'Free' cellphone for income-eligible customers

[xsa210tx]

FYI: Cricket Wireless, a prepaid national carrier, which has millions of customers in the state of Texas, has now been APPROVED in the state of Texas for the $13.50 a month Lifeline credit!

If you already have Assurance Wireless (or any other carrier) and want to switch your Lifeline to Cricket, then you will have to fill out a completely new application.

APPLY ONLINE AT: http://www.liteuptexas.org/newform

SELECT "PRINT MY APPLICATION" (on the website) to print it out to your 3-in1-scanner-printer if you have one.

Once it's printed, fill out the forms and then rescan the pages back to your computer along with necessary documents (copy of Cricket Wireless bill, and W-2 or tax return, or last 2 months of income of check stubs/direct deposit, or approval letter from SNAP or other state/federal qualified program).

MAKE A PDF FILE OF ALL THE PAGES AND EMAIL IT TO: Liteuptexassupport@solixinc.com

You can also fax it if you choose: 1-877-215-8018.