Lifeline is a government program that provides free phone service to low-income households. It offers qualifying individuals a device with a monthly plan that includes call and text allowances.
Most carriers offer free phones in exchange for signing up for a qualifying plan.
Don’t Forget About Call Forwarding
Suppose you are a business owner or an independent contractor who relies on Lifeline’s free cell phone service to conduct your work. In that case, it’s important to remember that call forwarding is essential. Without this handy tool, you could miss calls from customers or potential clients. You also have calls unanswered if you are busy or out of the office on a job site. Fortunately, you can forward your calls to another number or device using call forwarding, and the process is easy with most government phone companies.
To activate call forwarding, dial *73 on your phone and listen for two short tones followed by a regular dial tone. Then, enter the phone number where you want your calls forwarded to. You can set up call forwarding unconditionally or based on a specific condition. For example, you can have calls forwarded to a different number after a specific number of rings or only when your line is busy or no answer.
You can learn more about your government cell phone provider’s call forwarding options by checking the official website or calling their customer support line. Some phones will also have a dedicated “forwarding” menu on the main screen. If your phone doesn’t have a dedicated menu, you can still access call forwarding by pressing your phone’s INT or DN button (the bottom button on 10-button phones and the bottom left button on 20-button phones). Once you’ve found this option, enter the number you would like calls forwarded to and press INT or DN again.
Set Up a Back-Up Phone Number
If you live in New York and don’t qualify for Maryland Lifeline free cell phone service or the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free internet program, other programs can help.
Other wireless carriers that offer cheap Lifeline phone service include, which provides a free smartphone and plan with 1,000 minutes, unlimited texts, and 3 GB of full-speed data. The plan also includes:
- A bill credit.
- A waiver of the federal subscriber line charge for landline customers.
- A discount on internet plans.
The ACP program is separate from Lifeline and can only be used for one service per household.
Another option is a traditional home phone service, which costs just a one-time fee for the equipment and has a low monthly cost. This option can be a great backup if you have to cancel your wireless plan or cannot use it for some reason, such as a power outage or other emergency. It also ensures that 9-1-1 responders can find you in an emergency, and you’ll never have to worry about a spotty or unreliable network connection.
Check Your Bill Online
You can access your bill online using the Lifeline phone service. This will allow you to see how much you owe for your monthly service and allow you to make a payment or cancel your account if needed.
To check your bill, you’ll need to log into your account on the provider’s website and scroll until you find the billing statement date you want to see. You can then click the link to download a PDF version of the billing statement for your records.
The federal program allows low-income individuals to receive a free smartphone, a wireless plan with free data, unlimited texting, and discounts on monthly minutes. This is one of the many ways that the government helps struggling Americans get the help they need in the modern world, including connecting with family and friends and seeking jobs and resources to better their lives.
To qualify for Lifeline, you must be part of a qualifying government aid program, such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps), Medicaid, Medicare Part B, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8, or be an American Indian or live on a federally recognized Tribal Land. The Universal Service Administrative Company administers the program, and you can learn more about it by visiting its website.
Keep a Back-up Device
Many people who qualify for the Lifeline program rely on it as their only means of communication. Without it, they couldn’t call friends or family or access the internet to apply for jobs or school. People who need Lifeline free cell phone service are also at a huge disadvantage in the modern world when it comes to surviving on their own. They can’t afford to purchase their own smartphones or monthly data plans and must use public library computers.
Lifeline is a government assistance program that helps income-eligible households pay for home telephone and wireless services. Eligible subscribers receive a bill credit and waiver of federal subscriber line charges for landline service or mobile voice and data discounts, depending on their provider. The program is only available for one line per household and must be recertified yearly.
To keep your discount, you must use your phone or data plan at least once every 30 days or risk losing it. You should also inform your phone company if you’re moving or changing your address. You can recertify online or over the phone, but do it before your expiration date. Keeping these simple tips in mind can help you enjoy the benefits of your free cell phone service for years to come.
