Free government cell phone or help for telephone bills in Arkansas.
Low income families in Arkansas will receive a discount on their telephone bills or even a new, free cell phone from government sponsored programs including Lifeline There will be free tablets, iPhone, Samsung devices or other smartphones for the low-income or people on EBT, Medicaid, SNAP or LIHEAP. Find how to get a free cell phone or help to pay telephone bills in AR below.
The Public Service Commission partners with the Federal Communications Commission on Lifeline, which provides monthly savings to households. Another program known as Link-Up offers a discount of up to 50% on the set up of a new account. These two government assistance programs will also pay for a cell phone, laptop, tablet or other internet device.
The intent is to ensure that all households across the state always have access to communications in an emergency. The assistance will hopefully discourage people from disconnecting their phone if they are struggling to pay the bill. It will hopefully allow every family to be able to afford either a mobile or home phone so they have access to local resources.
Arkansas Lifeline phone program
The assistance programs tend to be even more important for families that have a low and fixed income or that get government benefits, such as SNAP food stamps or Medicaid. Many seniors in Arkansas as well as the disabled rely on the Lifeline savings in order to keep their telephone activated or so they can get a free government tablet. The government funded program will even help pay for a portion of their cellular phone bill if they have one. But the program is for anyone that meets income targets, not just the most vulnerable.
Every phone company that operates in Arkansas is required to offer this assistance to their customers. In fact, the telecommunication companies are the ones that process applications and sign up consumers. They follow all guidelines set by the Public Service Commission in Arkansas, and the state agency does regulate it to ensure that all terms and conditions are being followed.
Some telephone companies will even offer Lifeline in combination with their own, customized service. As an example, companies such as Safelink Wireless will often offer a free cell phone (Samsung or iPhone) to new customers in Arkansas as a result of this government program. Assurance is another provider that offers similar support to the low-income in AR or people with no money.
Those are not the only two providers. The major cell phone companies, such as AT&T, Verizon, and T Mobile also fully participate and give discounts of bills, a free smartphone or tablet and other support. They will offer discounts as part of Lifeline and adhere to all state regulations. No matter which company someone deals with, they will be entitled to savings.
The discount is only for basic, local telephone service. It will not cover long distance costs or some of the additional special features that some households may want. So before signing up for the program, the household should be sure to review the contract closely.
How to get a free iPhone, tablet or financial assistance
To apply for help in Arkansas, low income guidelines need to be met. The scale will change over time, but in general the household income needs to be around 150% of the federal government poverty level. The cut offs will also factor into the number of people that live in the home. So the larger the family, the higher the household income allowed.
Families in Arkansas that receive public assistance can also automatically enroll into Lifeline and get a free tablet or iPhone. This means those families on food stamps, LIHEAP energy bill assistance, SSI, or other benefits will be able to get a discount on their telephone bill. They just need to contact their phone company to request this and also show proof of the benefit. Many people on LIHEAP also get a grant for their bills, and read more on Arkansas LIHEAP phone number.
Only one phone per household is allowed, no matter how many people live in the home or apartment. This means that a family will need to choose between a home or cellular phone. Lifeline does not provide discounts on phone bills on multiple units.
Contact information for a free cell phone in Arkansas
For more information or to apply, households should call their phone company directly. Apply for a free government phone or tablet, and also inquire into financial help as well as discounts to pay a phone bill. If they think they are being unfairly denied access to Lifeline or the Link-Up program, at that time they should contact the Arkansas Public Service Commission Consumer Services Division at (800) 482-1164.
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