The Federal Poverty Guidelines determine if you qualify for a free government cell phone. In today’s economy, more people are living at or below the federal poverty level. More than 75% of low-income families have at least one family member working full-time. Many employers don’t pay a living wage, and people working 40 hours or more still live in poverty.
The Lifeline Assistance program began giving low-income consumers discounted phone services in 1985. When a technologist evolved, the program was revamped to include cell phones, and more frequently, smartphones. Now disadvantaged consumers have the same opportunities and benefits that come with phone service.
Lifeline Eligibility
Government phones are available to any consumer that is financially eligible and proof they are eligible. If you work, your gross yearly income must be at or below 135% Federal Poverty guidelines.
Federal rules have been put in place to cut down on fraud and waste in the program. Only one phone is allowed for each family, and proof of income or enrollment in a government assistance program. You may qualify if you receive:
- Food stamps/SNAP
- Medicaid Assistance
- Veteran’s disability
- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance;
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
- Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance – Section 8
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- The national free school lunch program
Federal Poverty Guidelines – Free Government Phones
The working poor population in America is growing every year, as the gap widens between the wealthy and the poor. Sadly, the middle class has been disappearing, along with high-paying factory jobs. These federal guidelines are a formula designed to determine if a family or individual’s wages are lower than the average American.
The gross monthly or yearly income, divided by the number of people in the household, decides if you are eligible for government assistance. The gross income amount varies from state to state, depending on that state’s economy. If the income falls at or below that amount, that family or individual can get assistance from a government agency or receive help from,
- Section 8
- SNAPs/Food Stamps
- Free Lunch Program
- Work First
- WIC (Woman and Infant Children)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Applying for Help
If you meet the government phone’s financial qualifications, check out the cell phone providers in your state. When you apply, you will need to provide proof of income or receive government assistance.
If your total family income is 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for 2012 for 48 states, please check the current qualifications for the year.
Source Calculations are always subject to changes depending on the economy.
HHS POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR 2020
The 2020 poverty guidelines are in effect as of January 15, 2020
2020 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA | |
---|---|
FAMILY SIZE | INCOME REQUIREMENT |
For families/households with more than 8 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 POVERTY 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 | $50,730 |
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my name is Christopher Mann .Being a great site im sure you work with alot of great charitable orgs .. Its hurts my pride as a hard working father to send this message . I have just lost my job due to missed time. In n out hospital and sick. I receive no assistance from state or gov. As of now we have 20$ to families name and 0$ income. I have a wife a 4 year old autistic son and a 2 year old daughter and a dog. Every bill we have is way behind and all we have for Christmas is a tree and each other .and which I am thankful. But if there is anyway this great company can help point me in any way I can get some help I hate asking for hand outs but I’m at a low and feel like a faluire to my wife and kids. I have a few good leads on job and contacted them all but if anyway you know I can find help please let me know god please and thank you! Merry Christmas
Hello Chris. I am sorry you are having such a difficult time right now. There are many charities and non-profits that help struggling families. Please contact the agencies in the post below for help with bills, food, etc. God bless you.
Church Assistance Programs
I have M.S. I AM ON SOCIAL SEURITY DISABILITY I receive 1029 dollars a month . do I qualify for one of these phones . Thank you for your help on this
Sandra, it depends on how many are your family and what state you live in. Do a Google search for US Poverty Guidelines for whatever state you live in.