It’s pretty hard to maintain your life when you have one to two handicaps. And, at old age, the disabilities rise upmost. According to the CDC, one in every four American seniors has some kind of disability, making their lives pretty hard.
But, thankfully, the government is offering many benefits to those people. And, one can get around $771 per month with their SSI certificate. But, the issue is – doesn’t that amount be enough to cover all your expenses?
Moreover, mobile phone service cost is one of the essential parts of the expenditure. So, today, we will discuss how to get free phones for seniors on social security.
But, before you move on to the program, let’s know what social security is. Without waiting, let’s get started.
What Is Social Security?
The Social Security benefits are payments for eligible seniors, disabled people, their families, children, and survivors. It is seen as an essential part of most seniors’ retirement plans. But, you get more benefit from it.
In a nutshell, the program is designed to help disabled people and retired seniors and their families by giving a certain amount of payment each month.
This program is a federal program, which collects debts from working Americans, and provides that to disabled workers, retirees, and their families to help them maintain fundamental needs.
To get eligibility for the program, you need to earn 40 credits in your working life. For disabled people, or if they die younger, the qualifying credit will be lesser.
In 2022, if you earn $1470, you will get four credits this year. And, as your income goes up, you get more credit.
One can claim the social security benefits depending on their work record, if they have enough credits, or if their present or ex-spouse’s work had met the conditions. Even a dependent child or other family members can also enjoy the benefits of meeting specific requirements.
How To Get Free Phones For Seniors On Social Security
The Social Security program directly doesn’t provide free phones. There is another program for offering free phones called the Lifeline program.
The lifeline program is another federal government assistance program and provides free phone and services for eligible people. Unlike other programs, this one is pretty simple; by any of the two following ways, you can ensure your eligibility.
Firstly, if your household income is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline, you are eligible for a free phone. For example, if you earn $12,760 each year, you are qualified for the free cell phone for seniors program. Keep in mind; that the larger your household is, the simpler it’s to get the qualification.
If you are receiving any benefits from any of the federal assistance programs, you automatically qualify for the program. The program for the qualification varies depending on your state. But, the following programs are pretty standard.
- Medicaid.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Formally, food stamps).
- Supplemental Security Income.
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance.
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- National School Lunch Program’s Free School Lunch.
Just like I said, some programs will additionally add to this list depending on your state. Anyways, for your case, you are going to qualify through assistance programs. Your Social Security benefits fall under the Supplemental Security Income program.
Top 4 Provider Offers Free Phones For Seniors On Social Security
If you qualify for the program, it’s time to apply for the free phones for seniors on social security. Where should you apply?
The government alone can’t operate this massive program with the words they need to do. So, some providers cooperated with the government to complete the task. You resistor on their website, get a phone from and enjoy free phone service. And the government funds them for the program.
Now, I’ll tell you the top providers who are offering excellent service along with the free cell phone. But, you can always go for a local provider in your area. And many local providers are doing great jobs in certain areas.
1. Q-Link Wireless
Q-link is one of the most prominent names in the free government phone industry. Firstly, they offer free service with your phone, and secondly, it has extensive coverage.
You can expect 3 GB of data, 1000 minutes of domestic calling, and unlimited nationwide calling with the free cell phone for seniors on social security. And, the offer gets better for the people of California.
The free phone plans are also reasonable in different parts of the country. Anyways, if you reach the limit, there are also top-up plans to back you up.
What Q Link Wireless Offers
- One free smartphone.
- 1000 minutes of talk nationwide ( Unlimited for the California residents).
- Free unlimited nationwide text messages.
- 3 GB of data for free every month.
- Huge nationwide coverage.
- Come with Features like free Voicemail, free caller ID, and so on.
- No contract requires along with no contract, credit check, or bills.
- Bring your phone program.
Q Link Area of Service
As I said, Q Link has vast coverage compared to the other free phone services. But, that doesn’t mean all the states are going in their service. Here are the states where Q Link is currently available.
Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Michigan, Nevada, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin.
2. Safelink Wireless
Safelink is also a viable option for free phone and free phone service. The phone company is owned by Tracfone and is doing an excellent job in its service area. Just like the Q Link, Safelink also has a vast service area.
Along with the free government cell phone, you can get up to unlimited talk, unlimited text, and 3GB of data. But, to get this benefit, you need to be from California. As for the other states, the pack is a little smaller; still pretty decent.
What Safelink Wireless Offers
- A free government smartphone.
- Free 350 minutes of monthly talk. ( except for California).
- Unlimited local text.
- A free sim card.
- Huge coverage.
- Free emergency services, including 911 and 411 accessibility.
- Option to bring your phone.
Safelink Area of Service
Likewise, Safelink is also available in the following states. They are – Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Maine, Missouri, Mississippi, Nevada, New Jersey, New Hampshire, New Mexico, North Carolina, New York, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin.
3. Assurance Wireless
Assurance Wireless is also a Lifeline assistance program participant, a subsidiary of Virgin Mobile Corporation, and operates under the Sprint network.
The provider is best for their versatile top-ups, along with the free monthly data, text, and talk. Here, you won’t get any billing, don’t require signing a contract, and do not require any activation fees or recurring fees.
Also, their network is available Assurance wireless free phones in most of the large states. But, you need to face a minor issue with their network, which is, the set process of your free phone would be a little complicated.
What Assurance Wireless Offers
- Get a free government phone.
- Get only 350 minutes unlimited, depending on your area.
- Unlimited nationwide texting.
- Up to 2GB of free data.
- Calling features like free voicemail and caller ID.
- Bring Your Phone features.
Assurance Wireless Area of Service
Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Colorado, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Idaho, IndianaNew Hampshire, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Maine, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
4. Assist wireless
Assist wireless is among the new generation free government providers, but providing get service in few selected areas. You can understand that the provider doesn’t have massive coverage for their service.
Their service consists of free airtime talk, text, and data without any cost. Moreover, you can purchase cell phone plans for seniors if you want to. Currently, only a few areas are available for the service of Assista wireless, which includes Oklahoma, Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri.
If you are from any area, you can go with the Assist wireless service. Although you get fewer benefits than the large names, the network will be consistent, which is the most important thing to consider when choosing a phone.
What Assist Wireless Offer
- One free government phone.
- Unlimited free nationwide calling (Limited time and only for Oklahoma residents.)
- Free nationwide texting.
- Monthly free 2 GB of Data (Oklahoma residents have better offers).
- Free calling features.
- Annual free rewards if you purchase top-up plans.
3 Best Free Phones For Seniors On Social Security
For disabled people, the task is simple for us but maybe extremely difficult for them. To operate a phone, one needs fine motor skills and good vision. But, that is where disabled seniors are going to have problems.
There aren’t any phones that overlook those problems, but seniors can overcome those problems with a bit of adjustability. The perfect phone can vary based on the type and severity of disabilities.
However, I’m listing a few phones to tell you what type of phones you should select the free phones for seniors on social security.
A phone should have braille keypads and apps; for hearing impaired or deaf seniors, a cell phone needs loudspeakers, flashing visuals, and sound vibration. And, lastly, people with cerebral palsy need features like oversized buttons.
One thing to keep in mind, you shouldn’t go for expensive models, as it’s common with seniors to break or lose their phones. So, you may need to purchase phones a few times.
1. Jitterbug Lively Flip
The phone is known and known as a phone for seniors. Even people with physical and developmental disabilities can use this phone. Jitterbug Lively Flip comes with a bright and large display.
People with poor eyesight can read easily in low light. The oversized buttons and navigation keypad with clear symbolism will also help.
But, the most helpful feature of the Lively Flip is its Urgent Response Button. If you are in an emergency, one touch on the red button connects the user with an agent who will help them in their emergency.
The response button also alerts the user’s designated family members or friends. It will notify your take carer if your battery is low and let me know where you are now.
The Jitterbug phone comes with many excellent features. The speakers are clear and loud. The phone is pretty solid. But, the most important thing is that the phone comes at a low price, so even if a senior loses his phone, it won’t significantly affect his financial condition.
Get to know: Can I use a Jitterbug Phone With AT&T
2. Jitterbug Smart 2
Known as the most straightforward smartphone, Jitterbug Smart 2 features a list of essential features with a touchscreen menu. The features with large icons make it simple for seniors and disabled people. They can quickly select a function like phone calls, messages, cameras, and so on.
Like the previous one, Jitterbug Smart 2 also has an Urgent Response button that instantly connects the users with an operator, who can help them out in most situations or connect to an expert.
Without that, you can have a large screen, easily accessible buttons, a large display, voice typing, a decent 13 MP rear camera, and many handy features.
3. BlackBerry Key2 LE
Although the BlackBerry Key2 LE isn’t actually for seniors or disabled people, it’s out of box design makes it suitable for them. Its multiple functions use to make it suitable to use at any time.
You rarely would find phones that are suitable with a physical keyboard. It’s an excellent option for those who love to feel uncomfortable to type in screen touch.
But, that doesn’t mean the phone is an old phone; it was a recent phone with both the touch screen and button features. There are many rice functions like text adjustability, magnification adjustable, voice dictation, hearing aid mode, and other features are available.
You get away with more benefits with it. But, the issue is, one has to pay a hefty price to get the free cell phone plans for senior citizens. Currently, the phone is costing more than one thousand dollars.
What Are The Restrictions For Lifeline Programs?
You can receive many benefits with the lifeline program, like free cell phone, free phone service, discount on home phone service, or even a home phone.
But, there are a few conditions you need to maintain at that. If you fail to follow any of those, you could be disenrolled or permanently banned from the lifeline program. And, keep in mind to provide all the basic information. The providers are pretty strict in this case.
The lifeline programs are only for those who actually can’t afford a phone and phone billing. As you know, there are two ways to qualify for the program.
Either your household income needs to be under 135% of federal household income, or you need to be in an assistance program.
The Lifeline program is allowed one per household. You can’t apply for more. You aren’t allowed to apply for a lifeline program from different providers.
If you fail to maintain or violate any rules in the terms, you will be directly dis-enrolled from the program without any prior warning.
Provide the current residential address in the form.
You must use the free service and phone at least once every month. Failure to do so can suspend you from the service.
The lifeline service is a non-transferable program. That means the phone is only for you and your household. If your overall stand improves, return the phone to the authority.
When you aren’t qualified for the program anymore, notify the authority before thirty days.
Final Verdict
Life becomes pretty hard when people become older and suffer from disabilities. But, thankfully the government has quite a few programs to assist them. Like social security, benefits offer monthly payments, and the lifeline program offers free phone and services.
Today, I told you about getting free phones for seniors on social security. And, without your SSI certificate getting a free phone is quite simple.
But, keep in mind to follow the restriction of the program. Otherwise, you won’t see when they cut their service. With that, let’s end today’s article – free phones for seniors on social security.
