Posted on May 12, 2020

Smartphone’s Are Versatile

Whether or not you already own one, you’re probably aware of the many valid reasons to have a smartphone. When you take advantage of programs that offer free government phones for those who qualify, you’re able to do all the things smartphones were invented for, e.g., sending text messages, checking your email, performing bank transactions, and more.

The Most Common Ways to Use a Smartphone

If you purchase a standard smartphone or acquire one of the free government phones, you’ll be able to perform dozens of valuable tasks. Here are the top seven:

  • Phone Calls: Of course, the most common thing people use smartphones for is to make telephone calls, which makes them the ideal devices for staying in touch with loved ones, friends, and acquaintances.
  • Business: Lots of people conduct business on their smartphones, e.g., make sales calls, have video conferences, take part in webinars, text back and forth with coworkers, and more.
  • Emergencies: Though you might not need this function every day, smartphones are the ideal “911”device because you can carry them in your pocket and call for help no matter where you are, 24 hours per day. If you’re ever in danger, it pays to have a smartphone nearby.
  • Photos: Smartphones allow users to take photos anytime, anywhere. With most of the modern phone models, camera quality is quite good, and you can even store hundreds of photos in your phone’s memory or at an online site where you have set up a folder.
  • Text Messaging: If you know someone’s phone number, it’s simple to send him or her a text message. Not only do will this person receive it instantly, but they can answer you right away. People of all ages take advantage of the texting capability of their smartphones.
  • Sending and Receiving Email: It’s easy to use a smartphone to login to your email account, read messages, and respond. In less than five minutes, you can go through the day’s mail and answer important incoming emails on the spot.
  • Surfing the Internet: Let’s face it, we’ve all seen people on buses, planes, and on the street staring at their phone screen. Most of them are reading the news, checking out their favorite websites, or flipping through a book they just downloaded. One of the most convenient uses of smartphones is as a way to surf the Internet, shop, play games online, and other online-only activities.

Convenience, Fun, and Safety

It’s rather obvious that smartphone owners use their devices for all sorts of things and are coming up with different way to use them all the time. As technology advances, devices will become more sophisticated. That means people will be using their smartphones to do things beyond their imagination. For now, all the uses for phones fall into one of three categories: fun, convenience,andsafety. The future of smartphone use is virtually unlimited.

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.

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

Federal Veterans Affairs (VA) Veterans & Survivors Pension 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

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