Free Government Programs, Lifeline

Best Lifeline Providers: How to choose the right one

Callan Carr

Since you’re here, you’ve likely found out about the Lifeline program and are eager to find the best Lifeline providers out there. Maybe you’re trying to cut a phone bill that’s gotten too expensive, help a parent or grandparent...

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Phone

Low-Cost or Free Phones for Seniors: How Lifeline Can Help

Callan Carr

When you’re trying to make ends meet on social security or what you’ve saved for retirement, even a basic phone bill can feel overwhelming. However, the fact is that staying connected has never been more important. Whether you need...

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Free Government Programs, Phone

What is the Best Free Government Phone Program?

Callan Carr

If you’re looking for the best free government cell phone, you’re in luck. There are federal programs designed to provide discounted and entirely free phone plans. You may even qualify for a free phone in some cases. In this...

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Phone

How to Lower Your Cell Phone Bill

Callan Carr

It’s the end of your billing cycle, and you get your phone bill. It’s $50, $100… maybe even t, you think, “Why is my phone bill so high?” You start crunching the numbers. You wonder how you’re going to...

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Lifeline

Is the Lifeline Program Ending?

Callan Carr

With recent government budget cuts, many people are wondering: Is the ACP ending, or has it already ended? Is the Lifeline program ending? Can you still get free or discounted government phone service? Programs like Lifeline help individuals stay...

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Internet, Text

How To Send Text Over WiFi: Save Money and Stay Connected Anywhere

Callan Carr

We live in a hyper-connected world where staying online and connected is a necessity. However, traditional SMS messaging doesn’t always cut it due to the cost and limited cellular connection in certain areas. So, how do you stay connected...

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  ID Guidelines

  • U.S. Driver License
  • Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
  • Certificate of Naturalization or Citizenship
  • U.S. Passport/U.S. Territory Passport
  • Foreign Passport
  • U.S. government, military, state or Tribal issued-ID, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • U.S. Military ID cards (active or reserve duty, dependent of a military member, retired member, discharged from service, medical/religious personnel)
  • Common Access Card (only if designated as Active Military or Active Reserve or Active Selected Reserve)
  • Military Discharge documentation, which includes date of birth and/or Social Security Number and/or Tribal ID
  • Northern Mariana Card
  • Permanent Resident Card
  • Permanent Resident Alien Card
  • Permanent Resident Re-Entry Permit
  • Temporary Resident Identification Card
  • Employment Authorization Card
  • Mexican Consular Card (Matricula Consular - 2006, 2014, 2015 and later versions)

 

*All forms of ID must be valid and used before expiration date.

Qualify by income and provide one of the following as proof.

  • Prior Year’s State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation Benefits Statement
  • Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
  • Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
  • Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
  • Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
  • Social Security Benefits Statement

Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)

BIA Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribal Head Start

Head Start Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)

TANF Award letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Address of the beneficiary
  • Date of the award

Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

Notice of Action (award letter) acknowledging eligibility for FDPIR benefits;

  • Name of the beneficiary;
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

OR

FDPIR participation documents(e.g., a benefit card or copy of a benefit card);

  • Name of the beneficiary
  • The beginning and ending dates of the award or certification period; and
  • The telephone number of the Food Distribution Program office, and the name and address of the person to contact for additional information.

Lifeline Program

Due to sharing many of the same eligibility requirements those currently enrolled in the lifeline program may qualify for The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) also.

 

Medi-Cal / Medicaid

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

CalFresh / Food Stamps / SNAP

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool, should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit

Pension Grant Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Participant’s name
  • Address
  • A decision about the participant’s monthly entitlement amount
  • Payment start date

Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)

FPHA award letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Date of the award,
  • Name of the beneficiary, and
  • Award amount.

Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

Approval Letter or Benefit Statement issued by the SSA or on SSA letterhead.

  • Consumer’s name
  • Date
  • Eligibility Date
  • Claim number OR Other consumer identification number
  • Payment amount

Medicaid / Medi-Cal

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Address of the beneficiary, and
  • Date of the award

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary
  • Medical Identification number, OR
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

SNAP / Food Stamps / CalFresh

Program Approval Letter, Benefit Statement, or Verification of Coverage Letter should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

OR

Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool should contain the following basic information:

  • Name of the program or state equivalent,
  • Name of the beneficiary,
  • Case number,
  • Eligibility dates, OR
  • Current participation status

CHOOSE YOUR PLAN

FREE Unlimited Data

+ Talk and Text
+ Free 5.5" Phone

Limited Time Only!

Lifeline + EBB

EBB provides FREE Unlimited Data

Enroll Now

FREE 6.5GB Data

+ Talk and Text
+ Free 5.5" Phone

Lifeline Only

This plan does NOT include unlimited data

Enroll Now

  Eligibility Documents

  • Current or prior year's statement of benefits from a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Notice letter of participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Program participation documents.
  • Another official document evidencing the consumer's participation in a qualifying state, federal or Tribal Program.
  • Unemployment Documentation (notice of unemployment benefit payment or notice of successfully submitted application for unemployment benefits)
  • Copy of last year's State or Federal income tax return.
  • 3 consecutive months' worth of your most current pay stubs.
  • Social Security benefits statement. Veterans Administration benefits statement.
  • Retirement/Pension benefits statement.
  • Divorce decree or child support document.
  • Unemployment/Workers' Compensation benefits statement.