Lifeline Cell Phone Service

| Thursday, September 22, 2011
By Jone Portiers


Those of you who dont know what is SafeLink, it is a wireless phone service provided for low income people. The government supports this service and it provides a free cell phone with minutes for its participants every month. It provides the Lifeline program which was initiated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) twenty years ago for providing relief to the less privileged sections.

One of the major phone companies, TracFone Wireless was first granted permission to give this Lifeline program in 11 states in the US and this has grown to 17 states today. About 1700 phone service carriers provide this service today providing it to the eligible low income individual and they are called eligible telecommunication carriers (ETC).

Safelink converts the amount of the discounted service which comes to approximately $13.5 into minutes which gives the user about 68 more minutes per month. Additionally, Safelink also gives a free cell phone to those customers who are eligible for the Lifeline program. The customer does not have to sign any contract and there no recurring fees or any other hidden monthly charges. Safelink provides the Lifeline service for one year only at a time, after which there is an annual verification. You are even allowed to change your minutes plan at the end of the year.

For getting the Lifeline service through Safelink, you have to apply in their website. First, you are asked to provide your zip code and they tell you if you are eligible for the program and if it is available in your area. If you application is accepted you get a free cellular phone, free airtime and service from Safelink Wireless.

Eligibility for the Lifeline program by Safelink can be obtained only if you fulfill all the guidelines set by them. Those who are already participating in any other Federal Assistance program such as Food Stamps or Public Housing Assistance are eligible. In case you are not, then your gross family income must fall within the stipulated level for being eligible for the Lifeline program. SafeLink Wireless will not allow you to participate in the Lifeline program, if you or any other member of your family is availing of the Lifeline service through any other provider.




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