New York City Government Cell Phones & Providers

New York City Government Cell Phone Providers.  If you live in New York City free government cell phones are available when you qualify financially.  New York enjoys one of America’s most vigorous economies, yet to date; 46.5% of its residents live in poverty.   The number of residents receiving government aid has decreased, but the Lifeline phone program is needed to help people stay connected, get jobs, go to school and stay connected.

 New York free government cell phones, to be low-income disabled, elderly and disadvantaged residents.  These phones give, the poor with the ability to communicate effectively when you qualify.  New York like most cities is a city of contrasts.  You have the wealthy and the poor, with the middle class disappearing a little more every day.  Even those working full-time jobs can barely make it.    New York is one of the most expensive cities to live in, and the average one-bedroom apartment is $1,200 and up.  It is easy to see, anyone working a minimum-wage job. You will need some type of assistance.

New York Free Cell Phone Providers

Here are four free cell phone providers that service New York City.

How to Qualify

Check out the list below, to see if you qualify for this program. You may be eligible for Lifeline Assistance, if you receive help from federal agencies, such as:

  • Food stamps
  • Medicaid Assistance
  • Veteran’s disability
  • Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  • The National Free School Lunch program
  • Total household income at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Standards

To find out more about these subsidized providers, click on the links here, or go the provider site for extensive information.   Some government phone providers vary, but all provide either discount or no-cost services.   Next to each company name, is the state where the program is active.  They all offer similar benefits, and yearly re-certification is necessary to confirm you are still eligible for help.

How to Apply A Government Phone in New York

If you feel you may be eligible for this Lifeline Assistance, you may apply by going to the website of one of the providers, or to the Lifeline Assistance website.  You must provide proof such as:

  •  Three current pay stubs
  •  Child support and spousal support document
  •  W-2 statements from tax returns
  •  Social security benefits statement
  •  Pension or social security retirements benefit document
  •  Workers compensation or unemployment benefit statement

What Providers Give with Free Cell Phone Service

You will receive, a cell phone, or (if you want assistance for a landline, you will receive a Lifeline credit or help with your monthly).   If you have applied for assistance, you will receive one phone, and 250 minutes or more each month.  You have the option of purchasing additional airtime online or with a card.    Only one phone is allowed per family.  Additional benefits are:

  • Call waiting
  • Free text messaging
  • Recharger
  • Long distance
  • International Calls
  • Voicemail

2014 Federal Poverty Guidelines

Federally-facilitated marketplaces will use the 2014 guidelines to determine eligibility for Medicaid and CHIP (this is effective February 10, 2014).

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