Nowadays cell phones are part and parcel of our everyday life. Especially as a senior person, I feel that like me you can also pass your days enjoyably using a cellphone. You may pass your time by making voice or video calls to your friends and family, or by listening to music, watching movies, dramas, or simply reading an ebook.
There are several providers that provide free cell phones for seniors under the government lifeline program. If you are 65 or more than 65 years old or have a disability, then you may be included in the Medicare program. In this article, I cover everything you need to know to get a free cell phone from Medicare.
Is it possible to get free cell phones on Medicare
Medicare alone cannot make seniors eligible for the lifeline program. But if you are a Medicare member and participate in Medicaid and/or SSI, then you are eligible for the lifeline program ( Because a person on Medicaid/ SSI is eligible for the Lifeline program) and may get a free cell phone.
A person included in Medicare can also be eligible for the free cell phone under lifeline program if he/she has an annual income that is less or equal to 135% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.
Here’s how you can get a free cell phone if you have Medicare :
- Select a Lifeline service provider
- Enroll Lifeline Program
- Submit your free phone application via service provider
- Wait for approval
Provider that Offer Free Cell Phones With Medicare (Medicaid and/or SSI) Under Lifeline Program
There are many providers that offer free cell phones with some other benefits for free under the lifeline program. Some providers and their offers are described briefly here.
Assurance Wireless
Assurance wireless offers a free smartphone with free unlimited text, free 1000 talk minutes, and free 4.5 GB data. Assurance uses T-Mobile’s network which has strong and reliable 4G LTE signal; cover’s 99% of the citizens and provides scam protection tools. You get all these benefits as a lifeline beneficiary.
NewPhone Wireless
NewPhone Wireless offers premium cell phones from reputed brands. They also offer free high-speed data, free talk, free unlimited text. The premium phones come with large clear displays with iOS and Android Operating System. You may get a free phone with all these features and services for free from the Lifeline Program.
StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless offers a free phone with free services with the Lifeline Program. They have nationwide 5G connectivity. You can bring your own phone or get phone number port facility from StandUp Wireless.
TruConnect Wireless
TruConnect Wireless Offers free phones with free monthly services for their Lifeline Consumers. Their free phone plan comes with: Unlimited talk and text, free monthly data, unlimited international calling, unlimited hotspot data, 2 months of Amazon Prime and access to the best 4G and 5G networks. You get the above mentioned facilities from TruConnect Wireless if you are enrolled in the Lifeline Program.
Application Procedure To Get a Free Cell Phone Under Lifeline Program
You can apply For The Lifeline Program via a service provider, via Lifeline’s website, or via mail. The application processes are described below:
Apply Via Service Provider
You may apply for the Lifeline program via your selected service provider’s website . Follow these instructions:
- Visit your service provider’s website,
- On the homepage enter your ZIP code and/or your Email Address, then click on Apply Now.
- Now, select a Plan and a Device.
- Now upload your documents’ soft copies.
- Now follow the instructions and complete the application form.
- Finally submit your application.
Apply Online
- Visit lifeline official application page: “getinternet.gov/apply“
- On the homepage select your state or territory.
- Now click on “get started”
- The main online application form will be opened.
- Now, fill up the form with your legal name, date of birth, social security number, contact and home address.
- Upload the necessary eligibility and identity documents.
- Follow on-screen instructions to complete the application and submit it,
When you apply online and are approved by the Lifeline Program, you also have to apply to your selected service provider to get the free cell phone.
Apply Via Mail
- Download lifeline paper application form from this url: “lifelinesupport.org/get-started”.
- Now, take print out of the form and fill it up with valid and accurate information.
- Now attach the program participation eligibility documents with the paper copy of the application and send to:
Lifeline Support Center
PO Box 1000
Horseheads, NY 14845
When you apply via mail and are approved by the lifeline program, then you also have to apply to your selected provider to get the free cell phone .
Required Documentation
The documents that you need to submit with the application may vary based on your situation. You may have to submit proof of income, such as income checks, pay stubs from a job, etc. You may need to submit proof of getting Federal Aid. You may also be required to submit medical documents to prove that you have a disability if you are under 65 years .
In most cases, you will have to submit your social security number, driver’s license, Government issued ID, and proof of your address.
Choosing the Right Free Phone for Seniors
Here I mention top 5 free phones for seniors on Medicare. These phones are ideal for seniors and have features which are very helpful for senior people.
- Lively Jitterbug Flip2
- Jitterbug Smart3
- Alcatel Go Flip 5
- iPhone 7 Plus
- RAZ Memory Cell Phone
Features You Should Consider Before Getting a Cell Phone for Seniors
These senior-friendly cell phones offer excellent features, such as:
Large icons: The cell phone for seniors should have large icons, so that older people with impaired vision can easily see the icons.
Powerful speakers: Many old people are hearing impaired. So, a power speaker with crystal clear sound is important for their phones.
Easy to Press Buttons: The cellphones buttons should be easy to press , so that a weak elder person can also press it with less effort.
Simple Navigation System: The cellphone’s navigation system should be simple and easy, so that an old person can easily operate the phone.
Long Lasting Batteries: Seniors may forget to recharge the phone’s battery in time. So , the battery of a phone for seniors should have a long lasting battery charge, so that it stays charged for a long time.
Must-have phone tracking system: The phone must have a phone tracking system. This feature helps seniors, their friends, and family members to track their locations easily. This is very helpful in case seniors need emergency help.
Some other Benefits you get with the Free Phone
- Free and discounted phone or internet services are based on income or participation in federal assistance programs.
- $9.25 assistance towards their monthly bill.
- Free monthly data, minutes, and unlimited texting.
- Nationwide coverage.
- The ability to call nationally or internationally.
Final Words
A cell phone can be a good support for seniors. They can enjoy music, watch movies, dramas , talk shows , or simply read an ebook on the cell phone to pass their time. They can easily communicate with their friends and family using the cell phone. And I think soon it will be an essential part of their daily life .
FAQs
Can Non-Citizen Seniors Get Free Phones on Medicare?
Non-citizen seniors may get free phones on Medicare if they participate in SSI or Medicaid and also permanent residents (green card holders), refugees, asylees, and certain other non-citizen groups with specific statuses.
I only have Medicare, not Medicaid. Can I still qualify for a free phone?
Generally you cannot qualify for a free phone, if you have only Medicare, not Medicaid. But if you participate in SSI or any such federal programs, then you will be eligible for the Lifeline program and you may get a free phone.
How long does it take to get a phone after applying for Lifeline?
After applying for the lifeline program, if your application is approved, then the free phone may reach your hand within 7 to 10 business days.
What if I already have a cell phone, can I apply for a free phone under lifeline Program?
Absolutely! Even if you already have a cell phone and plan, you can still apply for the Lifeline program if you qualify. Make sure you meet the income requirements or participate in qualifying programs like SSI or Medicaid .Now, evaluate various lifeline providers and their plans to pick a suitable plan for you. Now you may cancel your current service and enroll in the Lifeline program.
I’m not very tech-savvy. Will I be able to use a Lifeline phone?
You may use a cell phone from the lifeline program that is suitable for seniors. For an example , you may use Alcatel Go Flip 5 phones.
These phones have an easy navigation system. Thus though you are not tech-savvy, you are still able to use a lifeline phone.