Help with phone bill and free government phone in New York.
Government programs in New York provide assistance with paying phone bills or they pass out free devices to low income families. There will also be a free tablet, iPhone, or smartphone for people with no money or on government assistance, such as EBT, SNAP food stamps, or disability. Find how to get a free phone, tablet or financial assistance to pay a telephone bill in New York State.
The federal government created LifeLine service is available to very low income families, the disabled as well as senior citizens in New York as well as low income families on public assistance. The state of NY can provide residents a monthly discount, free phone or tablet or free services. Another service in New York, Link-Up, will help pay the costs to set up service on a new landline or wireless account.
While the home and cell phone assistance program was originally created by the FCC, it is run locally. Most of the major providers in the state, such as Verizon, AT&T, Sprint, and others process applications to it. They also can answer questions on whether a customer is qualified or not for a free government phone or financial aid. The local agencies will also ensure that all low income families that are eligible receive the discount they are entitled too.
Assistance for phone bills available from Lifeline in New York
Some of what is offered depends on the company that is offering the service. As an example, there are companies such as SafeLink or Assurance that will give a free cell phone, tablet, or smartphone to customers in New York, including people on government benefits or SNAP food stamps. This can also include a free Apply iPhone or Samsubg Galaxy, or iPad.
They will also give a certain amount of monthly usage to the household, including unlimited texting or high speed internet plans. Some providers, such as AT&T, will only provide the monthly discount. So the terms and conditions will vary based on company. All companies are required to provide a minimal amount of assistance though. Customers should always call their provider to inquire. What is generally available in New York is as follows.
There needs to be a reduced rate on basic service given to the family. So additional features, such as long distance calling, is not included. In general, the total monthly savings on a phone bill may be as high as $20 per month. There is also a waiver of the federal government mandated line charge, so customers will no longer be responsible for paying that cost.
Find help from Link-Up or a free phone from the government
New York state families can also receive help from this FCC program. It provides financial assistance for the establishment of a new phone, whether home or cellular. This means that a free cell phone, touch screen device or tablet may be given to low income households in New York. There may also be some funds available or credits given to the customer to pay their bills, and this money will offset some of the expense required to get the service up and running. It can pay for deposits, connection fees, and other costs. Or even find other free stuff from the government.
Link-Up was created with the goal in mind that all households should have some form of communication. This is often critical for senior citizens, the disabled, or medically ill in New York. They need to have access to a telephone for emergency use. Or they need a phone just to set up doctor's appointments or to stay in touch with family members for medical reasons. The assistance provided by Link-Up can help them meet this goal.
Criteria for telephone assistance programs in New York
There are two main conditions in place. They have to do with the total household income levels as well as whether they receive any public aid or government benefits as well. In general, assistance for wireless service or a landline is available if the total household income is below 150% of poverty guidelines. There will also be free Tablets, iPads or iPhones for people on SNAP EBT in New York.
Also, discounts on telephone bills from LifeLine are also provided to those on state of New York or federal government benefits. What may qualify a households includes enrollment into Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), TANF welfare, HEAP, Medicaid, any type of disability including SSI, Safety Net Assistance, section 8 or even the National School Lunch Program. Other government aid may also qualify the family for enrollment.
When applying for a telephone program, bring documentation. This includes proof of income, copies of recent federal tax returns, information on child support or social security statement of benefits, and more.
Also, the state of New York will only allow one telephone to be enrolled. So a customer can choose a landline or cellular phone at their home to receive assistance on. But not both types. This will also hold true for the entire household in question.
How to apply for free cell phone, service, and financial help for bills in New York
The customer needs to apply to their phone company. Ask the customer service representative for any assistance provided, both from Lifeline as well as any other programs such as a payment plan or a free government phone. Another option is the low-income family or senior can try another cell phone or wireless provider, as the customer can apply to Safelink, Assurance, or other low cost or free cell phone service provider.
This means there are different forms of assistance for paying phone bills or free wireless decides or tablets available in New York. If a customer were to to feel the are being denied enrollment or help from Lifeline or another program, only then should the New York State Public Service Commission be called, and that phone number is (518) 474-7080.
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