Ever wonder how some people always seem to have the latest smartphone without paying a dime? Turns out, there are government benefit programs that provide free cell phones to those who qualify. If you live in Oklahoma City and meet certain income requirements, you may be eligible for a free mobile phone services with programs like Lifeline & Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
All you need to do is choose a phone plan, pick out a phone, and fill out an application to check if you qualify. But in case you need some help, this blog post will explain the different connectivity programs and what benefits they can qualify you for with EASY Wireless. We understand the importance of connectivity for everyone. Whether to stay in touch with family & friends, contact work, or reach out to emergency services, access to mobile devices is essential these days, so let’s dive right into it.
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP, formerly known as Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB), provides discounted internet service for qualifying low-income households. If you live in Oklahoma City and meet the eligibility criteria, the ACP can give you up to a $30 monthly discount on internet service (up to $75 if you live on tribal lands). The program also provides up to a $100 discount for the purchase of a tablet or computer.
Who is Eligible For ACP Program?
To qualify for ACP in OKC, your household must meet income requirements, such as participation in Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit. Either that, or your income must be at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty guidelines.
How to Apply For ACP
Think you qualify for discounted or free cell phone service? Applying for the ACP program in Oklahoma City is straightforward. You have the following options:
Apply at the Oklahoma ACP website. You will need documents to verify your eligibility like pay stubs, tax returns, benefit statements, and more.
Mail in an application with required documents. Application forms are available to download and print on the ACP website and at local government centers.
Apply in person with your service provider. They can help you with the application process at one of their in-store locations.
Apply with EASY Wireless. If you apply online with EASY Wireless, you get access to extra benefits, such as a free phone.
ACP Benefits With EASY Wireless
As mentioned, EASY Wireless has a bunch of additional benefits for those who qualify for these government programs. There are different perks for each program, so here’s what you can expect to receive with the ACP program:
EASY Wireless Plus Plan
Free smartphone
Unlimited text
Unlimited talk
5 GB of data
Lifeline Program
The other government program that can give you access to free phone service and a free phone is the Lifeline program. Lifeline provides discounted phone service to those who qualify. Specifically, you can receive up to a $9.25 discount monthly (up to $34.25 if you’re living on tribal lands). To start getting low-cost phone service from the government in Oklahoma City, here are the steps to take:
Qualify based on income or program participation
To qualify for Lifeline, you must either have an income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty guidelines, or participate in certain government assistance programs like:
Medicaid
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
If you meet the income limit or participate in any of these programs, you should be eligible for a free phone with the Lifeline program. Double check with your phone service provider to confirm the Oklahoma’s requirements.
Apply and get approved
Like ACP, to apply for Lifeline service, the first step is to provide documents proving your eligibility such as pay stubs, benefit statements, tax returns, and more. Submit your application and documentation, then wait for approval, which usually takes a couple weeks.
Receive and activate your phone
Once approved, EASY Wireless mails you your free phone and activates your monthly discount. Activate it by calling the provider or following the instructions in the package. Some companies offer activation assistance over the phone if needed. Make sure to ask about their plans, coverage areas, and policies so you understand what’s included and how it works before activating your new phone.
What is Lifeline's Benefit With EASY Wireless?
So now that you understand how the Lifeline program works, what EASY Wireless benefits can you receive when you qualify?
EASY Wireless Base Plan
$25 Smartphone
FREE text
1000 talk minutes
25 MB of data
EASY Wireless' Lifeline & ACP Benefit
Guess what — You can also qualify for BOTH programs! And that gives you the best EASY Wireless benefits. Here’s what you get when you qualify for Lifeline & ACP at the same time:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
FREE Unlimited Data
FREE Unlimited Talk
FREE Unlimited Text
FREE SIM Car Kit and Activation
Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
Note that EASY Wireless also has a range of other benefits for those living on tribal lands.
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
Start Saving Today!
Or you can come to one of the EASY Wireless’s retail stores, where our customer service agent will help you apply for the benefits.
Either way, the first step is to provide proof of identity with a government-issued ID. This is so you can confirm your participation in one of the qualifying programs or that you meet the income requirement.
We accept the following U.S. Government Issued ID:
- U.S. Driver License
- Certificate of U.S. Citizenship
- Certificate of Naturalization
- U.S. Passport
- U.S. Government, State or Tribal issued-ID
- U.S. Military ID cards
- Permanent Resident Cards
- Permanent Resident Alien Cards
You can show the following documents to prove that you are taking part in a government assistance program or use them as proof of active benefits:
- Statement of benefits from a qualifying food distribution program.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) benefit statement.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance Vouchers Documents
- Indian Affairs general assistance documents
- Notice letter of participation, such as an award letter
- Participation documents from a program, such as a screenshot from an online account.
- In order to show income, you can provide any of the following proofs:
- Unemployment Documentation
- Copy of your State or Federal income tax return.
- Three months’ worth of current pay stubs.
- Veterans Administration or Supplemental Security Income benefits letter.
- A divorce decree or child support document that states income.
- Retirement or pension statement.
Need More Than Just One Line of Service or an Additional Phone?
EASY Wireless is a full-service cellular store that cares about all of your communication needs. We have a wide range of pre-paid plans for every budget and usage requirement. Also, we offer a selection of brand-name phones that combine quality, reliability, and the latest technology.
That’s not all – we also provide an array of amazing accessories to enhance your mobile experience. At EASY Wireless, we’re dedicated to providing exceptional service and ensuring you find the perfect plan, phone, and accessories to suit your lifestyle and preferences.
Visit us for all your cell phone and wireless service needs today!
