In this world, almost everyone has a cell phone, from kids to the elderly. Most people find it a necessity. But, what if you simply cannot afford to have one? The economy is such that we are struggling to pay our basic bills and the much needed phone is chalked up to be a luxury one cannot justify.
Well, finally the government has stepped in to rectify this situation! The answer? Safelink Wireless.
This program is fantastic! If you qualify, you get a free cell phone, free minutes to use each month, and free service. If you need more than the allotted minutes, you can buy a TracPhone card sold at any TracPhone retailer (Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Family Dollar, etc.) How many minutes you receive depends on your area. The service is now offered in eleven states with four more coming soon! My state (Tennessee) offers 68 minutes of airtime. These phones do support voicemail and text messaging.
Who qualifies for this free phone?
There are a few different ways to qualify. If you receive food stamps, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Free School Lunches, or Medicaid, you probably qualify. You can also qualify based on your income.
Find out if you qualify by visiting the Safelink website and enter in your zipcode. You are then informed if your area is supported by the program. Then, you simply fill out the application with the required information. The application is short and simple. You provide your name, address, telephone number, birthdate and social security number. You are then taken to a page to indicate if you are on any of the above mentioned programs. If not, it gives you the option of applying by income. You verify you are not receiving a Lifeline service from any other company and then you are done!
The website gives you an enrollment ID number and tells you to check back in several hours to see if you qualify. You will of course, if selected to participate, be required to submit proof of either program participation or income. The application process takes all of ten minutes.
I’m thoroughly impressed with this program.
Spread the word on this service to everyone you know who could benefit. Has anyone used this program and what do you think?
photo credit: modenadude
Written on May 22nd, 2009 at 8:26 am by Amy
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