Mobile phones and internet connections are important for elderly today. Other than calling for emergency services, it can help them stay connected with family and friends, get information about health and wellness services. Some may also need to use their gadgets to stay on top of the news, shop online, and much more.
Yet even for those with full time jobs and regular income, having to pay for mobile phone and data plans can be a real financial burden. Let alone retirees who are living on a fixed budget.
If you or any of your family member are seniors struggling to pay for mobile phone and internet connection each month, we have some good news. The U.S. government have several assistance programs that provide discounted and even free internet plans to eligible low-income seniors. Through this blog post, you can learn about how you can get free cell phone plans today!
Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Programs
So before we talk about these connectivity benefits, we need to first clarify that the government doesn’t actually give out cell phones for seniors. That said, if you sign up for these government assistance programs through specific cell phone providers, like EASY Wireless, you may be able to receive a free phone if you live in certain states!
There are two main federal assistance programs that offer monthly discounts on phone and internet service or free monthly phone plan – Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Below are some basic information about both programs.
Lifeline Program
The Lifeline assistance program was created in 1985 in an effort to provide affordable phone service for all Americans and has been modified over the years to also include discounts on broadband internet connection. Lifeline provides monthly subsidies to help eligible low-income consumers afford vital phone and internet access.
The Lifeline program provides up to a $9.25 monthly subsidy that lowers the cost of phone or internet service.
To qualify for Lifeline:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
Qualify for Tribal Lifeline
You may qualify if you live on federally recognized Tribal lands and take part in one of the following Tribal assistance programs:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) General Assistance
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribal Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Qualify by Income
- Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP is another government assistance program that was launched in 2021 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act as a long-term replacement for the temporary Emergency Broadband Benefit program created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The ACP provides ongoing subsidies to help eligible households access affordable internet service.
The ACP offers up to a $30 monthly discount on internet service and up to $75 on qualifying tribal lands.
Eligible customers can access low cost internet service when signing up with participating providers.
Qualify for ACP
It is open to low-income households participating in one of the following:
- Lifeline-eligible government programs
- Is approved to receive benefits under the National School Lunch Program or the school breakfast program
- Received a Pell Grant during the current award year
- WIC
- Households with income below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
Currently, over 40% of U.S. households are eligible for ACP internet services.
Apply for Lifeline and ACP with Mobile Internet Service Providers
With a Lifeline and ACP-eligible wireless internet provider like EASY Wireless, seniors can get a free cell phone service and internet plan. This gives you high-speed internet access anywhere you go!
EASY Wireless offers free internet for seniors including:
- FREE Unlimited Data
- FREE Unlimited Talk
- FREE Unlimited Text
- FREE SIM Card Kit and activation
- No long-term contracts or hidden fees
- FREE Delivery Right to Your Door
Mobile internet lets you stay connected on the go for online shopping, streaming, transportation services, telehealth visits, and more.
Avoid isolation and manage your health from anywhere with the freedom of mobile internet.
Earn Rewards with EASY Wireless – Exclusive for Lifeline and ACP Customers
Want to earn rewards just for being an EASY Wireless customer? With our new EASY Rewards Program, ACP customers can automatically earn bill credits for loyalty.
How It Works
EASY Rewards are simple – your rewards grow automatically just by keeping your account active! Here’s what you’ll earn:
- After 30 days, get a $10 bill credit
- After 3 months, earn another $10 credit
- At 6 months, receive a $25 credit
- Then at 12 months, get a big $50 credit!
Use your credits to upgrade your FREE smartphone to a newer model or add a second line for a family member. The choice is yours!
Eligibility
The EASY Rewards Program is exclusively for our valued Lifeline and/ or ACP customers. To participate, you must be on our ACP plan or an ACP + Lifeline combo plan.
Lifeline-only customers are not eligible at this time. But you can contact us anytime about signing up for our ACP plan to start earning rewards!
Stay Rewarded
Just keep your EASY Wireless account active in good standing and we’ll send you an email at each milestone. Just click the “claim reward” button in the email and it will automatically be credited to your account.
Other Ways for Seniors to Save on Phone Plans
Along with Lifeline and ACP, here are some additional ways to reduce your internet costs each month:
- Bundle TV and phone services for discounts on your total bill
- Ask providers about any unadvertised senior discounts
Stay Connected with Low Cost Cell Phone Service
Enjoy the Benefits of Mobile Connectivity
For seniors, having low cost cell phone service provides many advantages when it comes to health, safety, and staying connected.
With wireless service from EASY Wireless, you can perform many tasks: schedule online medical appointments, access different medical records and resources, as well as order medications from anywhere. If an emergency occurs away from home, it will also allow you to quickly call for assistance.
Stay connected through email, video chats, and social media regardless of location. Mobile internet prevents isolation by keeping you involved with family activities and community events. You can also access transportation services like rideshare apps whenever needed.
Feel secure knowing you have an internet-enabled smartphone with you at all times. Search for information, directions, or entertainment with the power of connectivity in your pocket. Mobile data gives seniors flexibility and peace of mind.
Sign Up Today
Just enter your email and zip code and click ‘Enroll Now” in the box below to get started.
Start Saving Today!
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.
