Are you short on cash? Is budgeting even more unpleasant than usual for you right now? You’re not alone! Money is a major concern for people all across the world right now. During this unprecedented time of a global pandemic, thanks to COVID-19, people from all walks of life are being faced with difficult financial decisions. Certain luxuries are being sacrificed in order to pay for life’s necessities. A cell phone, however, should not have to be considered a “luxury” item—we need and depend on our mobile devices in order to maintain a connection to the outside world. Now more than ever, people need smartphones for working from home, learning in a virtual environment, digital doctor appointments and consultations, and simply maintaining that connection to loved ones they may not be able to see in person due to social distancing restrictions and requirements. If you live in Tulsa, you may be able to get a free smartphone and free cell phone service! Read on to see how you can get access to free government phones in Tulsa, Oklahoma, from Assist Wireless.
What is the “Free Smartphone” Program All About?
Assist Wireless is an Oklahoma Lifeline provider for the federally-funded Lifeline Assistance Program. This program was developed to support:
- Low total household income residences
- Individuals who are recipients of approved government assistance programs
Lifeline provides low-cost or free mobile devices and data plans to individuals in need. Through the federally-mandated Lifeline Assistance Program (which is part of the Universal Service Fund and was developed in 1985) Assist Wireless is able to provide help to those who may otherwise be forced to go without these devices. Assist Wireless and supporters of the program to understand the importance of having access to emergency services, health care, childcare, education, and employment opportunities. According to www.fcc.gov, “The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth, and on Tribal lands. The Lifeline program is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). USAC is responsible for data collection and maintenance, support calculation, and disbursement for the low-income program. USAC’s website provides information regarding administrative aspects of the low-income program, as well as program requirements.”
How Do You Qualify for the Program?
If you’re interested in learning more about how to get a free smartphone in Tulsa, you need to be aware of the requirements. Here are the ways you can qualify:
Income-Based Eligibility:
- You may qualify for Lifeline if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines (may vary from state to state)
- You must provide copies of documents proving this status.
- Examples of Acceptable Proof of Income Documents:
- Prior year’s State, Federal or Tribal Tax Return
- Social Security Benefits Statement
- Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
- Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
- Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
- Current Income Statement from Employer or Paycheck Stubs
- Unemployment/Workers Compensation Benefits Statement
- Examples of Acceptable Proof of Income Documents:
Program Participation Eligibility:
- You may also qualify if you are a recipient of government assistance programs such as:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)/Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- SSI (Supplemental Security Income)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal TANF (Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance to Needy Families)
- Tribal Head Start – Available to those who have met the income-qualifying standard.
Get your free food stamp phone or through Medicaid, SSO, Veterans Pension, and more!
- Proof Documents:
- Submit one or more of the following:
- Program Approval Letter
- Benefit Statement
- Verification of Coverage Letter
- Eligibility Screenshot or printout from an online portal or website tool with all applicable information included
- Submit one or more of the following:
What Does Assist Wireless Have to Offer?
Once you have determined your eligibility and submitted your required documents, the rest of the process is a snap!
- Assist Wireless is Oklahoma’s No. 1 Lifeline Assistance program provider, with over 30 retail locations across the state. Assist Wireless also provides coverage to qualifying customers in Arkansas, Maryland, and Missouri.
- What if you qualified have a phone you currently love using? You can have it transferred to a Lifeline program with the “Bring Your Own Device” (BYOD) promotion. Once you qualify, representatives can check your phone’s IMEI number to see if it is compatible with the Assist Wireless networks. You can also check the compatibility for yourself. In order to determine if your phone will work with a Lifeline program, make sure that it is unlocked. It must also be compatible with the following current Assist Wireless networks: GSM (T-Mobile) and CDMA (Sprint). Find your IMEI number in your phone’s settings, whether you presently have an iPhone, Android, or Windows device. You’ll also earn a $15 account credit or 1 GB of free data.
- Assist Wireless offers several plans to meet your needs. The customer service team recognizes that there isn’t a “one size fits all” package to satisfy all of their customers. People from all different lifestyles have unique needs when it comes to cellular phones, minutes, and data plans. There are a variety of phones and talk/text/data plans for you to choose from.
- Assist Wireless serves a diverse span of clientele from all walks of life and with special needs. This caring company truly recognizes that hearing-impaired customers need and deserve an affordable cell phone and plan as well. They are proud to offer these mobile devices. Inquire online/chat, by phone, or email for more information.
- You can also “refill” your talk/text/data. If you run out of minutes, texts, or data, you can simply “refill” your account at a great, discounted rate.
- Once you enroll, you’ll have the ability to get up to receive birthday and activation date anniversary rewards, plus a variety of ways to earn free account credits.
- Right now, if you qualify for the Tribal Lifeline plan you can get a free 5” Android with unlimited talk and text, plus 4GB free data every month! (exclusions apply). Visit assistwireless.com for details.
- Visit https://www.assistwireless.com/ for promotion rules and details. If you want to see if you qualify free phone service for low income and for a Lifeline phone in Tulsa, the customer service team at Assist Wireless can help you get connected right away.
