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How Do Seniors Get Free Cell Phones?

Written By: William Rivers
Reviewed By: William Rivers
Published: November 16, 2021
Last updated: September 30, 2024

The Lifeline Assistance Program is one of your best bets for getting free cell phones for seniors. If you qualify for Medicaid or are part of other government-related programs, then you may be able to receive free smartphones and monthly plans as well.

As a government-sponsored program, Lifeline Assistance seeks to provide low-income individuals and seniors with free cell phones. In addition to this, you can also get free cell phone plans monthly, that give you minutes, messages, and data. Aside from Medicaid, if you qualify for the following kinds of government assistance, then you can likely get free phones and plans:

  • Food Stamps
  • Public Housing Assistance
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
  • Supplementary Security Income (SSI)
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • National School Lunch Program’s Free School Lunch
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) 
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

An alternate way to qualify for a free phone is to prove your income is less than 135% of your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines

Unlock even more possibilities and guidance on obtaining essential communication tools with our specialized insights! Dive deeper into our thorough exploration in the blog post about free cell phones for seniors on Medicare, ensuring you navigate through all available options, understanding every step in securing your connectivity without financial strain.

Check out Senior Strong for more resources on receiving benefits for low-income seniors!

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William Rivers is an editor with a master’s degree in Human Services Counseling at Maine State University. He has more than 20 years of experience working in the senior healthcare industry.
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