If you live in Iowa, you will be glad to know that many qualify for government cell phones.  Though Iowa is a state where unemployment is lower than most states, there is always a part of every population that needs a little help.  Isn’t it good to know you can get a cell phone for little or no money down?

No longer do you have to worry about whether to pay an expensive phone bill or buy fewer groceries.  When you qualify for the Lifeline phone program, you have access to resources you need to keep in touch with your family, doctor, school, friends, and family. For those who cannot afford phone service, are limited and isolated from others. You may say, Lifeline is a life saver for many low-income Iowan families and individuals.  Lifeline also offers assistance with home landline home phone service.

Lifeline and Virginia Mobile are working together to provide Iowans, who are at or below the Federal Poverty guideline, get assistance with free phones and service (check financial eligibility). You are qualified for these services if you are receiving assistance from most government programs.

There are several cellular phone providers in the state. Each state benefits package may vary slightly. Most states give free government phones and minutes while a very few may change a small fee, as little as five dollars. Here are some of the providers operating in your state:

Lifeline Eligibility in Iowa

 You may be eligible when you receive:

• Medicaid
• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• The National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program

*You may also qualify for a free cell phone if, your gross monthly or yearly income is at or below 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.  *Check the Poverty guidelines chart at the bottom of the page.

Government Cell Phones in Iowa

Iowa is fortunate enough to have several wireless providers in the state.  Each provider offers the same free phone and but may have a slight variation in service.

• Access Wireless
• Assurance Wireless
• Budget Mobile
• EnTouch Wireless
• Life Wireless
• Q Link Wireless
• Reachout Wireless
• Safelink Wireless
• Standup Wireless
• Terracom Wireless

If you do not qualify for a free government phone, there are phone companies that offer, a “Lifeline discount.” Phones and service are not totally free and taxes may be applied.

Providing Proof of Income – What Documents you Need

Initially, when the Free Government Phone Program promoted cell phones, you didn’t need to provide proof of your yearly earnings.   The wireless providers did not require proof of your financial standing.  This resulted in fraud on the part of the companies as well as the consumers.  Without need to provide documentation, consumers were ordering more than one phone from different companies, and companies were enrolling people who should not be enrolled.

It is unfortunate that this dishonesty has taken place, because a program that is helping many deserving families, is given a bad name.  Today you need to proof your income when submitting your Lifeline application.  Here are some of the paperwork you will need to provide.

• A Statement from the following: Department of Social Services or SNAPS, Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Benefits.
• A current Federal Tax Return
• A letter from Unemployment/Workman’s Compensation
• A payroll statement or current check stubs from your job

If you do not have the proof needed to apply, contact the agency the government assistance agency for the necessary documentation the same day, if you go in person.  Contact the phone provider you are applying with, to find out exactly what documentation you need .   In some cases, you can submit online, or go into a provider store.

*2015 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

2015 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR ALASKA

2015 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR HAWAII