Current Rules that Apply to the Government Free Phone Service

When it comes to the government’s free phone service, the rules vary a bit depending on the state where you live. The private phone service providers approved to offer Lifeline will verify your details and manage your account. As the Lifeline program is a government phone service scheme, many eligibility criteria are the same no matter where you live.

If you are not a member of any federal benefits program, you tend to qualify depending on your low-income level. Every state sets a different parameter to qualify.  Since your income varies according to the household size, you need to check some pertinent rules carefully before applying.

Below are the rules that you need to follow.

Eligibility Depends on Your Participation in Government Assistance Programs

A significant percentage of Americans, mainly senior citizens, qualify for Lifeline government phone service by participating in a state or government assistance program.

As you participate in one of such programs, you may also need financial help. To prove your eligibility to participate in a state or government assistance program, you need to show a copy of your government approval letter, ID card, or any other document that shows your current participation in a qualifying program.

Government and state assistance programs vary from one state to another. But some programs are common in all states.

Here is a list of such programs.

• Food Stamps, or SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally Administered Temporary Most Other Government Assistance Programs (varies by state)
• National School Lunch Program (Free Lunch Program Only)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Medicaid

Remember that every state has certain assistance programs. If you participate in these programs, you qualify for a government phone service program.

If you haven’t participated in any of the programs mentioned above, check with the state where you live. However, if you participate in a state or government assistance program, you get qualified for the government’s free phone service.

Be Eligible for Lifeline by Keeping a Less Total Household Income

Maybe you haven’t participated in a government assistance program, and thus, you don’t qualify for Lifeline. But you can still be eligible for a free government phone service if you have a low total household income.

Check with the state and local authorities if your income qualifies for the benefit. Also, make sure that no other member of your family is already getting the benefits of the Lifeline program.

Prove Your Total Household Income is At or Below State Federal Poverty Guidelines

You will have to prove that your total household income is at or below your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines. Remember, your total household income consists of your household size, including dependents.

The household includes your and dependent’s taxable and non-taxable earnings such as interest, salary wages, allowances, dividends, child support, spousal, gifts, grants, pensions, social security, rental income, winnings, lottery, inheritances, and other types of earnings.

Remember, total household income doesn’t include minor cash-related tasks, military housing, allowances, and student aid.

If you follow your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines, you qualify for a free government phone service. You should have a validated mailing address to be eligible for free government cell phone assistance, including data, text, and talk plan.

Bottom Line

The government’s free phone service can be one of the best assistance that benefits your life. But you must follow the current rules that apply to this type of service. With these rules and regulations to follow, you understand what you need to go through before enjoying the free phone service.