While I was doing research on the best cell phone and plans for Seniorsnews.org. I came across information which may help people with their phone and internet bills. I found two plans. The Federal Affordable Connectivity Program and the Lifeline Assistance Program. So, I wanted to pass the information on to you.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a program designed to provide additional support to make broadband more affordable for households.
Lifeline is the FCC’s program to help make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Lifeline provides subscribers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.
Lifeline and ACP benefits can be combined and applies to the same service plan or applied to different service plans.
What is the Federal Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)?
The ACP is a Federal Communications Commission program that replaces the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program. Eligible households can receive: Up to $30/month discount on your internet service. Up to $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands.
Here is the latest development regarding the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) that helps low-income households pay for broadband service and internet connected devices.
Eligible households can receive:
- Up to $30/month discount on your internet service
- Up to $75/month discount if your household is on qualifying Tribal lands
- A one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer
- What’s the news? AT&T and Cricket Wireless will participate in the ACP.
Why is this important?
ACP will help make broadband services more affordable for about 30 percent of American households who may qualify. Affordability is one of the key issues creating the digital divide–the gap between those who have internet services and those who don’t.
How do I take advantage of this?
ACP began accepting eligibility applications on December 31, 2021.
To find out if you are eligible, please visit the ACP’s website at https://acpbenefit.org/.
To find a company that offers ACP discounts, please visit https://www.fcc.gov/emergency-broadband-benefit-providers#Florida.
For more information on AT&T’s participation, please visit https://about.att.com/story/2021/affordable-connectivity-program-participation.html.
If you need to talk to someone about your eligibility or application status, call the ACP Support Center at (877) 384-2575. The Affordable Connectivity Program is an FCC benefit program that helps
What is the Lifeline Assistance Program?
The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal government initiative that provides free phone service, including monthly minutes and texts, to income qualifying elderly people.
This free government cell phone service has been around for many years and has service providers throughout the U.S.
This benefit service is provided by Easy Wireless to customers as part of the support from the US government. You can visit them at https://myeasywireless.com/.
With the addition of the ACP seniors can also receive unlimited broadband as well. Seniors can apply for both programs at the same time.
How to Qualify as a Senior for Lifeline and ACP?
There are several ways a senior may qualify for Lifeline and ACP. You can go to https://www.fcc.gov/lifeline-consumers where you can find consumer guides.
As a senior, you may qualify for Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines, minimum service standards and support amounts. Visit FCC at https://www.fcc.gov/general/lifeline-program-low-income-consumers
You can also qualify if you are receiving benefits from one of the following programs:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans Pensions or Survivors Pension
How Can a Senior Check if I Qualify for Lifeline of ACP?
The easiest way to check if you qualify is through a Lifeline Provider in your area. They will have a sign-up form that all you need to do is:
- Enter your email;
- Enter your zip code;
Their system will check to determine if they are able to help you. You should get an answer in just a few seconds as their system will check on your behalf in the national database.
If I qualify with a Lifeline provider, then what?
If you qualify with a Lifeline provider, many of the steps in the application process will be automated and you also can contact their customer support if you have questions during the signup.
They will also follow up with you to help complete the application if any steps were missed.
Qualify Through National Verifier application website
Seniors may also determine their eligibility through the National Verifier application website and fill out the required fields. Visit National Verifier system at: https://www.usac.org/lifeline/national-verifier/ for more information and to check if you qualify.
Once you have filled out all the fields you will be provided with a list of service providers in your area. You will then contact one of these providers to apply to receive your Lifeline benefits program.
Does a Lifeline Provider Give Free Phones for Seniors?
Each Lifeline provider has its own phones for seniors’ policies. You will need to ask your provider what they offer.
For example, Easy Wireless https://myeasywireless.com/ offers a free cell phone for qualifying seniors when they join the Lifeline program. This phone normally arrives approximately 7 days after approval.
More than Just Free Cell Phones for Seniors
Lifeline and ACP service providers, like Easy Wireless, provide more than just free cell phones for seniors. Through these government programs, seniors can also receive:
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE Unlimited Data
Once they have activated their new phone and Lifeline service, seniors no longer need to worry about how to stay connected with friends and family, or how to get help in an emergency.
I mention Easy Wireless in the article. Here is a little more information about them.
Easy Wireless – Serving Seniors since 2010
Easy Wireless is a Lifeline service provider dedicated to providing a free cell phone, talk, text, and data to qualifying seniors through the Lifeline EBB program.
FAQs Regarding Senior Citizens and Lifeline
Is the government giving out free cell phones for seniors?
No, there are no free government phones (or sometimes called “Obama phones”) being given out by the government to senior citizens.
However, Lifeline service providers are often giving senior citizens a FREE smartphone when they qualify for the Lifeline Program. So, you CAN get free cell phones but just not directly given out by the US government.
How Can Seniors Get Free Internet?
Seniors can get free or discounted internet when they qualify through the Lifeline and EBB programs. These programs require seniors to meet low-income requirements or for the elderly to already be participating in various government benefit programs. For a current list of programs, click here.
How long until my free cell phone arrives after I qualify?
One you a have received notice that your application is complete and approved, you should receive your smartphone in approximately 7 days.
How long does it take a senior citizen to qualify for Lifeline and ACP?
Senior citizens can check their eligibility online through service providers in their area in only a few minutes.
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