Are you over 60 and want to purchase a mobile phone? If yes, then you are at the correct place. In this article, we will guide you on how you can get a mobile phone without paying for it.
For people like you and me, the US government launched the Lifeline Program for the welfare of low-income Americans. Under this service, you can benefit from the Jitterbug phone for seniors free.
Let’s walk through this comprehensive guide for the Jitterbug phone for seniors for free. You will come to know eligibility, application procedure, documents, and other details in simple words.
Will I get a Jitterbug phone for free?
Yes, you can get a Jitterbug phone for free if you are a low-income senior citizen of the USA. You have to follow the eligibility criteria determined by the Lifeline to become the scheme’s beneficiary. To know more about how you will get it, continue reading the article.
Why is a Jitterbug mobile phone a necessary thing for senior citizens?
The value of a mobile phone for a senior citizen is not less than an office goer and a student. This valuable device can help you to keep connected with your loved ones. Suppose you need your family member or doctor when you become ill; how will you communicate without a phone?
Jitterbug provides you with a free mobile phone, data, and other special features. Now, you can communicate with your loved ones whenever you wish. Health services and emergency services are also not far from you whenever you need them.
What is a Lifeline program?
The federal government of the USA launched the Lifeline program. This program aims to impart free or discounted communication services to low-income Americans. This is just like another welfare program of the federal government ACP (Automatic Connectivity Program). The only difference between the two is that ACP offers discounted broadband services, whereas Lifeline offers discounted communication services.
The beneficiaries of the Jitterbug phone for seniors free fall into the category of the Lifeline program. Senior citizens don’t need to follow a lengthy procedure when they are applying for it. They will get it by completing only a few steps.
How can you be eligible for a Jitterbug phone via the Lifeline program?
For applying for the Jitterbug phone, you should have eligibility for the Lifeline program. Check out the following points to know the eligibility criteria for the Lifeline program:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or food stamps
- Medicaid or Medical Assistance
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
If your household gross income is at or below 135% according to the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Tribal programs
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Tribal head start (only those households that can meet the income-qualifying criteria)
Which documents are required for applying for a Jitterbug phone for seniors free?
You may need to attach the following common documents when you are applying for a Jitterbug phone for seniors free. All these documents are mandatory because they verify your identity and income.
Check out the listed documents’ names for ID proof verification given below:
- Government, State, Military, or Tribal ID
- Government initiative proof
- Birth certificate
- Driver’s license
- Social Security Card
- Former year’s tax returns proof
- US citizenship
- Permanent Resident Card or Green Card
Check out the listed documents’ names for income proof verification given below:
- Former year’s tax returns document
- Paycheck stubs
- Current income statement given by the employer
- Unemployment or Workers’ compensation statement of benefit
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Child support award
- Divorce decree
Check out the listed documents’ names for address proof verification given below:
- Utility bills
- Paystub
- Current mortgage or lease statement
How to get a Jitterbug phone for seniors free?
Applying for the Lifeline program is not a tedious task. You need to follow the instructions given on the screen to apply for the Lifeline program. There are three ways by which you can apply for the Lifeline program.
- Online
- Service company
Online:
- Go to the official website of Lifeline.
- Then, go to the home screen and click on Apply.
- Choose your state or tribal area by dropping down the menu bar.
- Then, click on Get Started.
- Fill out the complete personal information in the specific columns shown on the screen.
- Then, create your account with the email address and mobile phone number.
- Sign up for that account with the username and password.
- Choose the government-aided program from the listed government programs in which you are.
- Then, review your information carefully, visible on the screen.
- Attach the required documents to prove that the information that you have entered in the application form is accurate.
- Accept the terms and conditions of the Lifeline program.
- You will get an application ID.
After applying for the program, you need to enquire about your application process. For this, make a call to the Lifeline program support at (800) 234-9473. The representative will verify your details. Tell him your name, date of birth, address, and social security number to give verification. Then, he will update you on the progress of your application.
2. Mail
Download the offline application form of the Lifeline program in English or Spanish and get ready its copy. Then, fill in the application form with accurate information. Attest the copies of documentation along with your application form. Then, send this to the following address:
Lifeline Support Center
P.O. Box 9100
Wilkes Barre, PA 1877
For any assistance, make a call to the Lifeline program support at (800) 234-9473.
3. Service Company
Explore the service companies that are offering discounted or free calling minutes under the welfare scheme Lifeline program. They will help you in signing up for the Lifeline program without any ado.
What to do if you do not get a Jitterbug phone for seniors free via Lifeline Program?
You should not lose hope if you are not getting discounted or free mobile via the Lifeline or ACP program. Many non-profitable organizations are working for the welfare of senior citizens.
Check out their listed names given below:
- Charity Mobile
- EcoCall
- Medic Mobile
- 1 Million Project
- 911 Cell Phone Bank
- Second Wave Recycling
- Secure the Call
- Recycling for Charities
- Veterans Advantage
How to get Jitterbug mobile through Lively at affordable prices?
You can get Jitterbug Flip 2 and Jitterbug Smart 3 through Lively Mobile Plus at heavy discounts. They are specially designed for senior citizens. You will get a large screen with big buttons on the keyboard to dial. Furthermore, the speaker of the phones is loud. The best thing is that these phones are built with a smart feature named medical alert system.
You don’t need to pay much. The Lively Mobile Plus plan starts from $24.99. New unlimited and text plans on Jitterbug Flip 2 and Jitterbug Smart 3 are now available for only $19.99 for one month. If you need to have a data plan on Jitterbug Smart 3, you need to pay at least $5 for one month. Additional taxes are also applicable.
How are Jitterbug phones different from other companies’ phones?
Jitterbug phones are exclusively designed for elderly people. You will have extra-large buttons and a big screen. The speaker quality of these phones is good. Furthermore, you can install a medical alert system on your phone.
Is it mandatory to qualify for the Lifeline program for getting Jitterbug phones for free?
Yes, qualifying for the Lifeline program to get Jitterbug phones for free is mandatory. This federal government-funded program has been designed to serve senior citizens.
Can I apply online for the Lifeline program?
Yes, you can apply online for the Lifeline program. You need to visit the official website. Then, follow all the instructions given on the website to complete your online application procedure.
Conclusion
I hope you have received the information about the Jitterbug phone for seniors for free in a precise manner. The piece of information that we have shared with you is the latest and most accurate. You will not have any difficulty getting your Jitterbug phone.
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