pFamilies who meet the income requirements for a low-income household can get telephone service for free via a few different programs. These programs are supported by the United State’s telecommunications industry in order to provide struggling families with much needed telephone services. These programs are ideal for one-income households.

Eligibility Requirements

In most cases, those who receive assistance from the government in the form of such programs as TANF, or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, and Medicaid are eligible. Sometimes, those with an income that is under 135 percent of their state’s poverty guidelines can also qualify. Below are a few programs for free cellular phone service and monthly minutes as well as a reduced-rate home telephone.

Safelink Wireless

People who participate in Safelink Wireless will get a cell phone at no cost as well as set amount of minutes that varies from state to state; the average is 68 per month. Currently, residents from 22 US states, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia are eligible for Safelink. There is an anticipation of greater growth in the future with expansion to additional states.

Assurance Wireless

The Assurance Wireless program gives their participants a free cell phone along with 200 minutes every month. At the time of this article, Assurance is only available to residents of Virginia, Texas, Tennessee, North Carolina, New York, Michigan, and Maryland. Visit Assurance Wireless’ website in order to find out if you qualify and to sign up for service.

TLS, Lifeline, and Link Up

TLS – or Toll Limitation Service – Lifeline, and Link Up are three different telephone programs that give low-income families discounted access to home telephone service. People who are enrolled in Lifeline will save $10 each month on their landline service while Link Up will pay for a maximum of $30 to cover any start up fees. Link Up will also let participants borrow $200, at the most, to take care of set-up fees; this loan is interest free. And TLS provides customers the opportunity to block toll calls on an active landline account at no additional cost.