It’s hard to survive these days without a cell phone. So, you really need to get a phone if you don’t already have one. Many of the homeless programs will do a call back once you request assistance. If you don’t have a phone, how will you answer??
Here’s what you need to qualify. There is a federal program called Lifeline. Based on the number of people in your household, if your income is less than this, you will qualify for a free phone
.
Household Size | Annual Household Income |
|---|---|
1 | $29,160 |
2 | $39,440 |
3 | $49,720 |
4 | $60,000 |
5 |
|
6 | $80,560 |
7 | $90,840 |
8 | $101,120 |
To prove your income, the phone company will accept your membership in any one of these programs as proof of low income. Food Stamps / Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Section 8 Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, The Veterans Pension or Survivors Pension, Women, Infants, & Children (WIC). One other thing that can be a stumbling block is that you have to have some kind of ID. A current driver’s license, or an NC State ID will work. At a minimum, you must have a Social Security number.
If you’re in one of these programs I just mentioned and you have one of their ID’s, just you can go to Safelink Wireless to apply for a new phone and data package. Or call Assurance Wireless at 888-321-5880. Then 5 then 2. They can take your address information over the phone and mail an application for a new cell phone to you. You can see or download or print that application right here. If you need an address, you can set one up by going to Roof Above Daytime Services and become part of their mail program. Here’s a few other things you need to know before you start. To keep your phone, you have to call a government number at least once a year to recertify your phone. It’s the government’s way of making sure your income is still low enough to qualify for a free phone. Tap this recertify link to learn all about it.