Information on Free Government Phones | The Communication Blog

Friday, April 1, 2011

Information on Free Government Phones

By Jill Anders


The government issues out free cell phones to those who cannot afford to buy them. The program was established with the goal of enabling communication between all the members of the population. It started 16 years ago, and its moving from strength to strength, even though the goals of covering the entire country have not been realized, yet.

To get the free government cell phone, and enjoy the benefits that it comes with, you need to forward your application to the providers. The application can be made via phone, or over the internet, which is much faster. Once approved, the phone is sent to the mailing address that you provide.

In the application, you need to fill more than just your name and your permanent address. For some states, you are required to divulge your income details. Of course if you earn enough to get yourself a mortgage, you might not qualify. Your income level has to be below the poverty levels. This proof can be provided by your pay stubs, your tax returns, or by your employer. You also need a social security number, as the last digits will be required as well. In most cases, you need to be enrolled to a public assistance program like Medicaid for you to be eligible. If you meet the criteria, and are approved, a phone is sent to you within a weeks time.

The phone comes with preloaded minutes, so you can start talking as soon as you get it. The numbers of minutes are not exactly many, but then this is dependant on the state that you are in. But even with that, 250 minutes, which is on the higher side of the minutes given, are not so many. And these are only renewed after every month, so there is a strong likelihood that they will not last through the 4 weeks. Should you run out before the renewal date, you can purchase more if you still want to make calls. And if by any chance, you fail to use the minutes, they are rolled over to the next month, which only means the less you talk, the more the minutes that will pile up.

Though it does not happen with all applicants, there is usually a renewal process every year. Your eligibility is reviewed, and if you still fall under the qualifying criteria, you get to enjoy the free minutes. But if you feel the free government cell phones are past you, owing to improved financial health, you can walk away from the program. You neednt return the phone, so you can still purchase minutes from the local providers and continue to make calls.




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