Free government cell phone, tablet of help with bills in North Carolina.
Low income families in North Carolina will receive help paying an existing phone bill or they get a new free government cell phone, tablet or iPhone from Lifeline. The state participates in the federal government funded FCC program to provide consumers, including senior citizens or the disabled, with savings on the basic surcharge on their account or a free phone. Find how to get a free phone, tablet, or financial help in NC for a telephone.
The program will also only pay for one phone per residence, such as a cell or a more standard, home telephone / landline. Other wireless devices may be provided too. A maximum of one discount per household is permitted by the state, regardless of the number of people in the home or the number of wireless devices they own. This is further defined as either one person or a group of individuals living at the same address.
How to get a free iPhone, Tablet or money for paying a phone bill
Senior citizens on social security, people on EBT or food stamps (as well as Medicaid) and the low-income can get help. People may also receive help in establishing new service, such as be provided a free smartphone, tablet or even laptop. The Linkup as well as Lifeline program will help pay for those costs.
The assistance tends to only be for very low income households in North Carolina, including the elderly. The income limits will be around 150% of federal government poverty guidelines. In addition to that criteria, there may also be discounts or a free government cell phone provided to customers that receive some form of public assistance, such as SNAP food stamps, section 8 housing or those that are enroll into LIHEAP as noted below. The exact conditions will be determined by the federal Universal Service Fund as well as the state.
The intent of Lifeline is to ensure that all residents have access to some form of communication, especially during a crisis. This is why some low income households as well as senior citizens in North Carolina may be given a free smart phone or tablet too. There is also priority given to single mothers, families with very young children, and the disabled. The end result is that a family that is struggling will still be able to place a phone call in an emergency.
Free cell phones or financial help to pay bills in North Carolina
The amount of the discount provided will vary based on a number of conditions, but in North Carolina it will average about $10 per month, however the disabled or Native Americans may receive further savings. It also only applies to local telephone service and not any long distance charges. While there can be some waiving of fees or costs involved in establishing new service, this will vary as well. The discount only lasts for one year, then someone can reapply if they want.
As noted, low income guidelines are in place, even more so when it comes to a free government phone or tablet. However, households that are on public assistance can also enroll. It is for residents those that receive SSI, Medicaid, rent help from Section 8, Energy Assistance (LIHEAP), Work First Family, SNAP Food Stamps, National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Programs, General Assistance, Head Start (if income eligibility is met), and State of North Carolina Assistance programs, or SA. Learn more on NC LIEAP applications.
So in general the applicant can be facing poverty or on benefits, and in either case they may be able to get get a free government tablet or phone as well as enroll into Lifeline. There are also free iPhone or iPads for disabled adults in North Carolina.
Applications are reviewed and processes by the phone companies themselves. All companies participate, including, but not limited to AT&T, Verizon, Crickets, US Cell, T Mobile, SafeLink and even non-traditional providers such as Wal-Mart. Therefore, to apply for Lifeline, you need to call your provider. They can also answer any further questions.
North Carolina also provides additional Native American Discounts. It is for those families that live on federally recognized tribal lands, such as some of those properties or counties in the western portion of the state. If they meet all other conditions of the program, clients may qualify for an additional Lifeline discount of up to $30 per month on the local portion of their bill. Native Americans can also receive financial aid in paying for a new phone and connecting it.
It can also be combined with other benefits as well. Native Americans in North Carolina are eligible for both Lifeline, a free cell phone as well as Link-Up if they receive Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Bureau of Indian Affairs general assistance, or if they have a child enrolled into Head Start. Another program which will qualify them is the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
How to apply for phone bill help in North Carolina or free cell phones
To apply for Lifeline or a free cell phone, call your wireless company. If an application has been illegally denied, the North Carolina Department of Social Services can provide additional support, and they can be reached at 919-527-6335.
Related Content From Needhelppayingbills.com
|
