Did you know that other than putting meals on the table, food stamps can also help you qualify for a free smartphone and free phone service? Here’s a fact: the government’s Lifeline and ACP programs provide low-income individuals and families free phone services to make communication services affordable. And if you participate in programs like SNAP food benefits, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income, you are very likely to meet the eligibility criteria.
What’s more is that even if you don’t meet the income criteria for either of these programs, you can leverage your food stamps to qualify for them. In this blog post, we’ll explore how to apply for the right programs and use them to get your free phone & free cell phone service with EASY Wireless.
What is Food Stamps (SNAP Program)
First, let’s talk about food stamps: The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, provides nutritional assistance to low-income individuals and families.
To qualify for SNAP, your household income must be below a certain limit. Household size and monthly income are used to calculate your SNAP benefit amount. SNAP provides monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card that can be used to purchase most food items at authorized grocery stores and markets. Benefits are meant to supplement a household’s food budget, not necessarily cover the full cost.
Using SNAP to Qualify For a FREE phone
If you’re enrolled in SNAP, you’re already halfway there. As mentioned, you can use your SNAP participation to your advantage when applying for programs like ACP or Lifeline, but what exactly are these programs?
What is The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), formerly known as the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program, is a Federal Communications Commission (FCC) program that provides eligible households discounts on internet service and devices.
The ACP on its own, provides up to a $30 discount each month for broadband service (up to $75 if a household is on Tribal lands). It also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for a computer or tablet. But how can it help you get a free phone? Well, participating broadband providers, such as EASY Wireless, offer ACP members discounted or free data plans and devices.
What EASY Wireless Benefits Do You Receive With ACP?
EASY Wireless has a variety of benefits for those who sign up for the ACP, Lifeline, or both through them. However, the benefits you qualify for depend on which program(s) you’re eligible for. If you qualify for the ACP by itself, here’s what you receive:
EASY Wireless Plus Plan
- Free smartphone
- Unlimited text
- Unlimited talk
- 5 GB of data
What About The Lifeline Program?
Next we have the Lifeline program, managed by the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC). Lifeline provides monthly discounts on internet service to qualifying households. If you’re eligible for it, you can receive up to a $9.25 discount on service each month ($34.25 if you’re living on tribal lands). The Lifeline program is funded through the Universal Service Fund, paid for by telecom companies.
The Lifeline program and its participating carriers aim to make connectivity accessible to all. If you qualify based on your household income or current government assistance, a free cell phone and monthly service helps you save money and stay in touch with friends, family, and other needed services.
Qualifying For The Lifeline Program
If you’re participating in programs like food stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), or certain other government assistance programs, you likely qualify for Lifeline service as well as a vey low-cost phone and cell plan.
To enroll in the Lifeline program and get your free phone, visit either Lifeline’s website or apply directly with EASY Wireless to provide documents proving your participation in a qualifying government assistance program. Typically, this involves uploading or mailing copies of benefit statements, award letters, or other documents with your name, address, and proof of participation.
Lifeline’s Benefit With EASY Wireless
As mentioned, each program you qualify for has its own set of EASY Wireless benefits. Although with Lifeline’s eligibility criteria typically being lower than ACP’s, it’s unlikely that you would only qualify for Lifeline benefits. Regardless, here’s what you could receive if you qualify for Lifeline by itself:
EASY Wireless Base Plan
- $25 Smartphone
- FREE text
- 1000 talk minutes
- 25 MB of data
What Benefits Do You Get When You Qualify For ACP Program & Lifeline?
But what if I’m eligible for both programs? Upon qualifying for both of the programs above with EASY Wireless, here’s what you’re receiving:
EASY Wireless Unlimited Plan
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and Activation
- Choose to Keep Your Number or Get a New One
How do I Apply For EASY Wireless Benefits?
To get started with EASY Wireless, apply online by clicking the below:
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 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- 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!
