Before you start looking into Lifeline phone service, there are a few things you need to know. First, you’ll need to be eligible for it and should reach the qualifying criteria. You may not qualify the first time, but you’ll need to prove your eligibility yearly.
Lifeline Program Requirements
Applicants for a Lifeline program like the Lifeline phone service Oklahoma must fulfill several requirements before being considered for the program.
A qualified telecommunications carrier must review the consumer’s qualifying documentation to determine whether an applicant is eligible for the program. Documentation must include the applicant’s household income, current or previous-year statement of benefits from a qualifying assistance program, an annual recertification form, or other official documents that show the person is eligible for the Lifeline program. Once the applicant has confirmed their eligibility, the carrier must provide the consumer with a copy of this documentation.
Qualifying Criteria
The Lifeline program requires you to prove your income, participate in an eligible program, or be below the federal poverty guidelines. Lifeline phone service providers will verify your eligibility using the National Verifier and the National Lifeline Accountability Database. In addition, to be eligible for Lifeline, you must be on a fixed income of less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines.
You may qualify for discounted or free Lifeline phone service if you meet these criteria. The Lifeline program is available to low-income residents of seven states and the U.S. territory. You must apply through the National Verifier website or a Lifeline Support Center to get Lifeline phone service. After you have applied, you will receive a notification if you are eligible.
Cost
The federal government’s Lifeline Program subsidizes phone service for low-income consumers. This program aims to ensure that all Americans have access to phone service. It is funded through assessments made to telecommunication companies, which pass these costs to consumers. These assessments show up on the phone bill as a tax. Lifeline Program-related taxes make up about 10% of the telecommunication company’s retail revenues.
In addition to calling and texting, Lifeline phone service comes with a free SIM card and offers unlimited voice minutes, texts, and data. Customers on Lifeline can use any device with a compatible SIM card. In addition, the program also provides worry-free billing and no contracts.