If you’ve been unable to afford a cell phone, you may be wondering what programs or services are out there to help you in this technology-induced dilemma. Have you ever heard of the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program? This game-changing, government-funded program was started in 1985 and is part of the Universal Service Fund. The purpose of the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program is to provide low-cost, discounted cell phones and service to low-income individuals. 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.”
Assist Wireless is Oklahoma’s #1 Lifeline Assistance program provider, with over 23 retail locations across the state. Assist Wireless also provides coverage to qualifying customers in Arkansas, Maryland, and Missouri. In addition to visiting one of their stores, you can also call, chat live, or email a member of their first-rate customer service team to get started now.
Now that you know what the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program is (also known as the “government phone), let’s explore the program’s requirements to determine if you can qualify for a Lifeline phone in Oklahoma. You can qualify by your income or participation in certain programs. If your household income falls into a certain bracket (135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines), you can take advantage of this opportunity. Another way to qualify is if you are a recipient of funds dispersed by Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), Veterans Pension & Survivors Benefits, Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or an Award Letter for Clothing, Shelter, or Utilities from Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA). As you can see, qualifications are open to reaching a wide range of people in different circumstances.
What documentation or proof of participation is required to apply? Having the necessary paperwork on hand will speed up the application process for you and make for a smoother transaction. Be sure to have the following documents to get started on the application process:
- Veterans Administration Benefits Statement
- Prior year’s State, Federal, or Tribal Tax Return
- Retirement/Pension Benefits Statement
- Social Security Benefits Statement
- Unemployment/Workers Compensation Benefits Statement
- Divorce Decree or Child Support Documents
Go to https://www.assistwireless.com/, fill out the application, submit your paperwork, and receive your new phone!
What if you want to apply, and you feel that you’ll meet the eligibility requirements, but have a phone you currently love using? Maybe you already have the device you desire but need help affording the talk/text/data plan to accompany it. With Assist Wireless, there’s no need to fret!
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 out for yourself. In order to determine if your phone will work with a Lifeline program, you need to first 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. Want more? You’ll also earn a $15 account credit or 1 GB of free data. This way, you’ll be ready to go with an account credit already stored up for future use!
Once you’ve applied and received your new phone, OR had your current phone activated through the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program’s “BYOD” promotion, you’ll want to know what kinds of plans, devices, and perks are offered through Assist Wireless. 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 differing 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. Enquire 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, don’t worry! It can be easy to do while chatting with family and friends, participating in virtual meetings with coworkers, corresponding via emails, or catching up on your social media accounts. Fear not—Assist Wireless has your back. You can simply “refill” your account at a great, discounted rate in no time. You can reload with 1 GB of data for just $15. Want more? Once you sign up, you’ll have the ability to get up to 4GB FREE every month, birthday and activation date anniversary rewards, and a variety of ways to earn free account credits.
The current promotion for new customers being offered by Assist Wireless is for a FREE LG Xpression! Visit Assist Wireless for promotion rules and details. If you want to qualify for a Lifeline phone in Oklahoma, Assist Wireless is ready and waiting with their unbeatable customer service team to hook you up today! Now there are only two questions left to ask yourself–what kind of cell phone do you plan to get? What are you waiting for?!
