The Government's Telecommunication Services Provisions For Low-income Households

Communication is inevitable to all the living things on earth. Nowadays, we can connect with others easily, conveniently, and fast because we have so many advanced gadgets like cell phones, computers, fax machines, and so on. Unfortunately, not all of us are blessed with wealth and the government has been very generous to provide free wireless and wireline phones for the needy. The goal of this program is to make sure that these people will not be cut off from the basic communication services.

Why is this program beneficial?

There is no need to spend cash on acquiring the basic communication services.
It can increase the safety of the household.
It can help them become more productive.
It will help them find jobs easily.
They can call for help during emergency.

How to become eligible for the program? (Varies according to your state)

Being qualified for one of the programs below:
- Medicaid
- TANF or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
- SNAP or Food Stamps/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Federal Housing/Section 8 Assistance
- SSI or Supplemental Security Income
- LIHEAP or Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- National School Lunch Program
The monthly income of the household must meet the certain federal guidelines.
Disabled and sick people can become eligible.

How to apply?

Via phone call (toll-free)
Submission of requirements through fax
Via email
Via mail

The restrictions for the program:

Only one wireless or landline is required per household.
A household cannot acquire benefits from multiple providers.
Violating the one-per-household provision rule will cause the de-enrollment of the consumer.
The address given for your phone service must be relevant to the address of your current resident.
Non-transferable
Not using the service for sixty days can result to suspension.

Proof of eligibility to submit during the application: (documentation)

Tax return
Income statement or pay stub
Social security statement of benefits
Veterans administration statement of benefits
Pension statement of benefits
Unemployment compensation statement of benefits
A federal notice letter of participation in:
- General Assistance
- Divorce decree
- Child support award
- Other official documents containing income info

Though the gadget that you will obtain is not as advanced and as fun as the products of the popular phone manufacturers, you will still be able to get by with the demands of the modern day communication process. Below are the features of the mobile phone that you may acquire:

International calling
Text messaging
Voicemail
Caller ID
Call waiting
3-way calling