Because of free government phones in West Virginia, residents who are poor, disabled, and elderly residents now have access to affordable phone services. West Virginia sits in the Appalachian area of the Southern US. Virginia, Kentucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Maryland border it.
In 2013, West Virginia lost $2.9 million as coal exports declined 40% and consistently ranked among the bottom states with the New Economy Index. Effective communication is essential for everyone, regardless of your station in life. They are companions for work, study research, work, and everything we do.
Free Government Phones in West Virginia
West Virginia has taken some steps to come to the rescue of its needy. Help comes in the form of providing no-cost government phones to eligible citizens. We all know the significant role plays in our lives. Lifeline Assistance established this program to give those who qualify phones. With the advances in technology, no one should be without the ability to communicate with others.
If you have applied for an employment position, the employers will need to contact you. If you cannot be reached, even if qualified, they will move on to the next candidate who can. This is just one of the disadvantages of not having a phone. This is why the free government works with the FCC and Lifeline to help its poor and disadvantaged in West Virginia.
When the government provides affordable and no-cost phone services for the disadvantaged, they will start communicating with friends and families. Life becomes easier, and you can access many resources needed to make a simple phone call. Despite projected economic growth for some, the needy still cannot afford it because of the lack of job offers, underemployment, and minimum-wage jobs. We encourage all who are struggling to apply for this assistance.
How to Apply
If you are receiving one of the services listed above, the next step is to locate a provider who offers services in your state. Check out our list of companies that work with the Lifeline Assistance program and go online, or download your application and mail or fax it back. Provide proof of income or enrollment in an assistance program.
Once approved, you will receive your services for one year, with the option to re-certify every year you need help. You will be contacted on the anniversary of the date you received service. You must prove the continued need for help within 30 – days of notification, or your service will stop until you comply.
How can I qualify for mobile phones?
There is an eligibility requirement used in awarding this help. This includes employment, proof of income, and other factors used. However, being eligible for the phones will be easy if you currently receive federal or state assistance in programs such as SANS, TANF, Medicaid, and others. If you are working, you can still have the phones given. There are income and poverty guidelines for working families.
No matter what your mobile phone type is, you appreciate it when you have an emergency. Free government phones in West Virginia also cover lines that are necessary for the elderly and disabled. Unfortunately, not everyone can afford a cell phone or prepaid service. Due to escalating prices and a down-turned economy, it becomes increasingly difficult for needy families in West Virginia.
Modern life without a mobile phone is quite unimaginable. There are many inconveniences associated with the lack of a phone. For instance, in the case of an emergency, you need emergency services, access to mobile banking, education, etc. For more information on the Lifeline Assistance program, please visit the website.
You Qualify if you receive:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)
- State assistance programs (if applicable)
HHS POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR 2020
The 2020 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 15, 2020
| 2020 POVERTY GUIDELINES – 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | |
|---|---|
| Family Size | Income Requirement |
| For families/households with more than Eight persons, add $4,480 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $12,760 |
| 2 | $17,240 |
| 3 | $21,720 |
| 4 | $26,200 |
| 5 | $30,680 |
| 6 | $35,160 |
| 7 | $39,640 |
| 8 | $44,120 |
| 2020 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR ALASKA | |
|---|---|
| Family Size | Income Requirement |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,600 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $15,950 |
| 2 | $21,550 |
| 3 | $27,150 |
| 4 | $32,750 |
| 5 | $38,350 |
| 6 | $43,950 |
| 7 | $49,550 |
| 8 | $55,150 |
| 2020 GUIDELINES FOR HAWAII | |
|---|---|
| Family Size | Income Requirement |
| For families/households with more than 8 persons, add $5,150 for each additional person. | |
| 1 | $14,680 |
| 2 | $19,830 |
| 3 | $24,980 |
| 4 | $30,130 |
| 5 | $35,280 |
| 6 | $40,430 |
| 7 | $45,580 |
| 8 | $50,730 |