There are two main programs in Alabama that can help households with paying their phone bills or that give a free cell phone, tablet, or wireless device. This program provides a subsidy for low income families, seniors, the disabled and struggling households to help pay for their communication services. A combination of free government phones, tablets or devices as well as discounts or even direct financial aid is given.
Both of these assistance programs are required to be offered in the state by the federal government. These resources are for families who have low incomes or who receive some form of public assistance, such as food stamps, LIHEAP, Medicare, Medicaid, section 8 or other aid. How can I get free or discounted cell or home phone service? There are a few ways to get free or discounted cell or home phone service. You can check with your local government for programs that offer free or discounted phone service for low-income residents. You can also contact your phone service provider to see if they offer any discounts or assistance programs for low-income customers.
The goal of these Alabama low income telephone programs is to ensure that every homeowner or renter in the state has some form of access to emergency communication, such as a free government phone. This is regardless of their income. This program provides financial assistance to people who may have difficulty paying their bills. This can include people on fixed incomes, people with disabilities, or people who have lost their jobs. Lifeline provides a discount on monthly telephone service for eligible customers.
Assistance with phone bills in Alabama
Lifeline offers discounts and financial assistance to eligible customers. In order to receive a discount, you must meet one of two conditions. So, depending on the family size, that’s different. And that’s based on family income and composition. Lifeline is a program for families with very low incomes, usually between 100 and 150% of the federal poverty levels for a household. The amount of assistance a family receives depends on the size of the family and their income. This means that people who meet the stated condition may be eligible for the position.
Individuals who receive government benefits can also get help with their phone bills or get free cellular service. A family may qualify for assistance if they receive low income energy assistance from LIHEAP, Medicaid, SNAP Food Stamps, TANF, SSI disability or Section 8 voucher. If you are having trouble with your phone service, the phone company may be able to help you. If you are receiving public assistance, you may be eligible for the Lifeline program.
Free government phones or help paying for fees
Link-Up is the second assistance program in Alabama that provides financial help to low-income families and individuals to pay for their phone service. This company provides a discount for the installation of a new phone, or maybe even for the activation costs for a wireless service. This means that by using this service, households can save up to half of what they would normally spend on this type of expense.
If you need help, you need to go through the phone company you’re using. A local community action agency or social service department can provide referrals to Lifeline, but they do not process the applications. Most phone companies in Alabama are participating, including Virgin Mobile, T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T, Frontier, Global Connection of America, and many others. If you want to know more, call them.
The amount of money that a company will take off of the original price of something will depend on that company, the applicant’s income and other conditions. It will usually cost about $10 per month. This only applies to the basic service and not any extra features, like call waiting. If a customer asks for additional features for their phone, they will need to pay for those costs themselves.
Only one telephone per home or apartment is eligible for this program. This means that you can use a home phone or a cellular line, but not both, or you can use a tablet or a computer, but not both. The limit for people residing at an address in Alabama is one unit.
Applying for phone bill help or free cell service
The applicant needs to call a phone company. Other companies need to offer assistance like AT&T, Verizon, T Mobile, and Safelink. When requesting help from your provider, note that some will call it “Basic” Lifeline. Some companies offer an enhanced plan that provides greater savings. You should always ask your phone company how much it will cost to make international calls.
The agency that regulates utilities across the state is the Alabama Public Service Commission. If you are a consumer that is not receiving a discount or free government phone, or if you are having issues with your phone company, you can call the commission at 1-800-392-8050. They will help with resolving disputes and answering technical questions.