What To Know About Obtaining A Free Cell Phone

What to know about obtaining a free cell phone means learning the two major methods for doing so. The most common is that one will find a wireless provider that is giving away a phone as a promotional item. For sure, just about everyone today is doing so. In the other, one will participate in a government sponsored program that helps people of certain incomes obtain phones and the airtime to use them.

This is an exciting opportunity for those who might not have the income to afford not only a land line — meaning a traditional in-house phone — but also a cellular phone. It is a certainty in this day and age that those without the means to communicate, such as with a phone of some sort, are really at a disadvantage when it comes to just about every aspect of living, especially if there's an emergency.

A number of companies exist out there that can help people to obtain not only the cell phone, but also a certain number of monthly minutes (that usually roll over to the next month if they're not used) but also consistent cellular service through one of a number of companies. At a minimum, these government programs will provide steeply discounted rates if not completely free for those of a certain income level and below.

Generally, people wishing to obtain a phone in this manner will also need to be participating in one of a number of federal or state aid and assistance programs, including Medicaid, food stamps or are living in public housing. When it comes to the income levels or guidelines that people must meet, it might be a bit surprising to know that those levels are not that steep.

Those who are receiving less than-5% of the income laid out in federal poverty guidelines or state guidelines generally qualify. Also, no one else in the household can be participating in the cell phone program that is available via sponsorship of the government. However, most people will not have this particular problem when it comes to obtaining a phone.

Those wishing to qualify must also have a valid home address in order to receive their cell phones and other materials. Post office boxes are not considered acceptable addresses for purposes of aid granted for the cell phone programs that are sponsored by the government. Be prepared to provide proof of participation in one of those government aid programs such as Medicaid or public housing.

There is not really all that much to actually qualifying for a free cell phone under these programs. For those who are more interested in obtaining a free cell phone as part of a wireless provider's normal promotional activity, just about every single one these providers will throw in a free phone for most any person willing to enter into a short length contract with them.

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