In a senior’s life , a communication tool like a cell phone is essential, and if it is a flip phone then it is golden. A flip phone makes communication easy and comfortable for seniors with vision or hearing impairments . Moreover, a flip phone is helpful at the moment of an emergency. In fact , a flip phone is capable of serving a senior in all aspects.
In this article I write about the programs that offer flip phones for seniors, including the eligibility and application process for these programs . If you are interested then please continue reading.
Key Takeaways
- You may get a free flip phone under Government program, from non profit organizations, under charity programs, and some Association for senior people.
- If you want to get your free phone under the government program, then you need to be enrolled in the lifeline program and find a lifeline provider to submit your application.
- If you like to take the phone from other non profit organizations, or charity organizations , then first select one, know their policy or application procedure, then apply for the flip phone.
Ways To Get A Flip Phone For Seniors
You may get your Free Flip Phone from a Government Program, or you may get it from a charity or non profit organization.
1. From The Government Program
You can get your free flip phone from a Government program, like the Lifeline Program. If you are eligible , you may apply via lifeline service provider to get a free flip phone with a discount of $9.25 ( For non-tribal residents) and $34.25 (For tribal residents) on your monthly telephone bill, or broadband internet bill.
2. From Charity , Non Profit Organizations , or Associations for seniors
You may get a free flip phone from some Charity or non profit organizations ,or associations., such as Senior Technology Services (STS), Eldercare Locator, The National Council on Aging (NCOA), Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA), Recycling for Charities, Veterans Advantage, Charity Mobile, etc.
If you want your flip phone from the above-mentioned organizations, then you need to know their terms and conditions of service, follow their application process and apply accordingly.
Steps To Get A Free Flip Phone For Senior Under Government Program
If you want to apply for a free flip phone through a Government Program, say the Lifeline Program, then first you have to choose a Lifeline service provider. There are many providers that provide free flip phones to the seniors who participate in the lifeline program. So, you have to select a provider near your location to get lifeline benefits.
Step 1 : Select A Service Provider
Here I mention some providers that provide flip phones under the Lifeline Program. These are: Cintex Wireless, Assurance Wireless, New Phone Wireless, AirTalk Wireless, etc.
- Cintex Wireless
Cintex wireless is a well known Lifeline service provider. They provide free flip phones for senior citizens. They provide Generic 4G LTE Flip Phone. You may apply for your flip phone via their website or you may contact them at: +1 (855) 655-3097.
- Assurance Wireless
If you plan to take Lifeline benefits from Assurance Wireless, then visit their website and apply from the website. You may also contact them at:1-888-321-5880 to know details .They provide free flip phone Schok Classic Flip Phone for seniors under the Lifeline Program.
- NewPhone Wireless
New Phone Wireless is a reputed lifeline service provider that provides flip phones to eligible seniors. You may get Alcatel Go Flip 3 and Alcatel Go Flip 4 from NewPhone Wireless. To apply for the flip phone, go to their website and apply from there. To know details you may contact at: +1(855) 204-3667, you may also send email at: “info [@] newphone.com”.
- AirTalk Wireless
You can get the free flip phone CAT S22 Flip from AirTalk Wireless, if you are an eligible lifeline member. You may visit their website to know details and apply from there. You may also contact them at : +1(855)-924–7825.
Note: You can also visit the above-mentioned service provider’s physical store to process your application submission.
- Some other providers that provide free flip phones to eligible seniors
- Jitterbug by Lively.
- Consumer Cellular
- GreatCall
- TracFone
Step 2 : Submit Your Application To Get A Free Flip Phone For Senior
If you are a senior and lifeline member, then choose a provider and apply for a flip phone through this provider. Select a provider that you prefer and go online and visit this provider’s website. Apply from their website for a free flip phone. The application procedure is almost the same for all providers. Here in short I mention the application process.
- Visit your preferable provider’s website and find out the ‘Apply Now’ option and click on it.
- You are taken to a new page. In that page enter your ZIP Code and Email Address. And then click on the Apply button.
- Now you are taken to the online application form section.
- Complete the form correctly and also upload eligibility documents.
- Choose a Flip Phone model and a plan.
- Now submit your application and wait for the approval of your application.
- If your application is approved, then a flip phone is shipped to your address.You will get the phone within 7 to 10 business days after the approval of your application.
Note : If you are not enrolled in the Lifeline Program, then first enroll in the program then apply for your flip phone. In a previous article I have written about the lifeline enrollment process. You may read the article. The link is given here: “lifelinefree.com/what-is-lifeline-program”
Step 3 : Check Your Application Status
After applying for the free flip phone, you have to wait for a few days for the approval of your application. Sometimes the authority needs additional documents. So, check the application status regularly to know about these additional documentation. If unfortunately your application is denied, then you will be notified with the reason for denial. Fix the reason and reapply for the program.
Charities and Non-Profit Organizations That Help Seniors Get Free Flip Phones
There are some organizations that provide free flip phones to seniors. Such organizations are Eldercare Locator, The National Council on Aging, Local Area Agencies on Aging, etc.
Senior Technology Services (STS): Senior Technology Services may offer programs including access to free or low-cost technology for seniors. They offer flip phones for seniors.
Eldercare Locator: Eldercare Locator connects seniors with local services that include technology assistance programs. Though they do not provide free flip phones for seniors, they can connect seniors to local resources that do.
The National Council on Aging (NCOA): The National Council on Aging helps seniors to find programs that offer technology assistance, including potential sources that provide free flip phones for seniors.
Local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA): Local Area Agencies on Aging(AAA) provides information on local programs and services available to seniors, including those that may offer free flip phones .
Community Centers and Local Non-profits: Community centers and local non-profit organizations often have programs aimed at assisting seniors, that can include providing free flip phones to seniors.
Steps To Get a Flip Phone From Those Organizations
Every organization mentioned above has its own application process. So visit each of the organization’s web pages and know the eligibility requirement and application process from there. There is similarity in their processes. Based on it, here I write a general application procedure to get a free flip phone from the above-mentioned organizations.
To apply for any program from those organizations, first consider your eligibility for the program. If you are eligible only then you can apply.
You have to consider submitting some required documents. Say, documents to prove your identity, address, age, etc.
After completing these steps, visit the respective organization’s website. Follow the application procedure on the website and apply.
Seniors May Get a Free Flip Phone Through Carrier Promotions
A senior may get a free flip phone through special promotions or deals. These promotions might be subject to specific terms and conditions, such as signing up for a particular service plan or being a new customer. Seniors may directly visit the carrier’s website to know about these offers and promotions. They may also contact the customer care. On some special days, like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, or National Senior day, they may get free flip phones. Seniors should inquire about these special offers and must evaluate their credibility, because there are some scams regarding these offers.
Here I mention some carriers, who offer free flip phone deals regularly or occasionally. So please check their social media page or official website regularly to know the latest offer. Some such carriers are:
- AT &T.
- T-Mobile.
- Verizon. etc.
What Type of Flip Phones Seniors May Get For Free
Seniors may get the following flip phones for free from Lifeline Providers under the Lifeline Program.
- Generic 4G LTE Flip Phone.
- Schok Classic Flip Phone
- Alcatel Go Flip 3,
- Alcatel Go Flip 4
- CAT S22 Flip
- Jitterbug Flip 2 ,
- Consumer Cellular Link 2,
- Doro 7050,
- Kyocera Dura XV,
- LG B470,
Activation Process of Your Android Flip Phone
You can activate your Android Flip Phone in the following Process:
- First insert the SIM card in the SIM slot properly. You may locate the SIM slot on the side or back of your flip phone. Gently insert the SIM card in the SIM slot.
- Your next step is to connect to a Wifi network. If you have a Wifi network on your location , then connect to it by entering the password.
Now follow these prompts to set up your phone.
- First , you have to select your region and language.
- Add your Google account by entering your gmail address and password. If you don’t have a gmail account, please create one.
- Now choose a secure screen lock method so that you can protect your phone. The lock method can be a PIN, pattern, password, or fingerprint lock (if your phone has that feature).
- You may need to enter a SIM activation code. You may get this code on the packaging of your SIM card.
- You may restore your data from your previous phone to this new flip phone. You can transfer data using Google Drive, Manufacturer’s Specific Tools, etc.
After completing the above mentioned steps, your Phone is now fully activated. You can now personalize your settings, download necessary apps, and customize the phone as you like.
A Flip Phone Is Really Helpful For Seniors
It is interesting that a senior person prefers to choose a less expensive flip phone over a more advanced smartphone. The question may arise why a senior person does that. The answer is easy. They feel easy, comfortable and confident using a flip phone rather than a complicated Smartphone. If we consider a flip phone, we find that it has lots of advantages for seniors.
A flip phone is simple and user friendly for senior people. The buttons are large and the icons are clear. That helps a senior person operate the phone easily and with confidence. Flip phones are built to withstand accidental drops or falls. So, a flip phone lasts longer though a senior person uses it. Furthermore, a flip phone comes with safety features such as an emergency button or speed dial options that allow seniors to quickly call for help in case of an emergency. Most flip phones have louder ringtones that help seniors with hearing impairment. Lastly, a flip phone’s charge lasts longer which is helpful for seniors as they forget to charge their phones timely.
Final Words
A flip phone is like a blessing to a senior person’s life. If a senior person can utilize all the features of a flip phone properly, then it can simplify his / her life and make his/her life leading much more comfortable and easier. An emergency button in the phone helps a senior to get help in an emergency situation. We may conclude that every senior citizen in our country deserves a flip phone.
FAQs
How long does the battery typically last on Senior-Friendly flip phones?
Senior-friendly flip phones are well known for their extended battery life, often lasting several days on a single charge under typical usage. These phones have simpler functions and use power more efficiently compared to smartphones.
What features do flip phones for seniors typically have?
Flip phones for seniors usually have large buttons, a simple interface, loudspeaker options, long battery life, and sometimes an emergency SOS button.
Can seniors keep their current phone number when getting a free flip phone?
Yes, nowadays most providers have a number port facility which helps the client to shift his/her previous phone number to his/her new flip phone. So , a senior can keep his current phone number when getting a free flip phone.
Can seniors upgrade to a smartphone later if they start with a free flip phone?
Yes, seniors can upgrade to a smartphone later. Though they are comfortable with a free phone, if for any reason they want to upgrade their phones to get a smartphone, they can do it .But they have to provide an upgrade fee to upgrade the phone.
Can a senior get a free flip phone if they live in a rural area?
Yes, seniors in rural areas may also be eligible for a free flip phone, especially if they qualify for programs like Lifeline, which is available nationwide.