subject: A Government Cell Phone When In Need [print this page] Calling the 21st century developed would be just about right. Focusing our attention on cell phones, its been a long journey since they first started showing up. Among a persons basic needs, a cell phone is one of them. But its a basic need that not everyone can afford. Sometimes there are more important ones, like putting food in your stomach and finding a roof over your head. And when you are struggling with these two, the government can perhaps help you with the issue of having a cell phone.
These free government cell phones dont have the latest features, but they do enable you to communicate, which is the most important thing. Their simplicity not withstanding, they are a necessity when you cannot afford one. The governments plan is to give out just one to every home. They do have free minutes on them- 55 to about 240 depending on the state you are in.
If you are on the lower end of this range, then its best to use the phone during emergencies only. If by some chance you dont, the minutes are carried over to the next month, so in time they do accumulate. If you need more minutes than the government is offering, you can always purchase more.
You will not be eligible for these free phones if you have a lavish lifestyle. But if you struggle with low-wages and are a member of a public aid program like Medicaid, then you can qualify. Records of how much you make every year are important in finalizing the decision.
Though the government has been offering the free phones for sometime now, not all states have been covered. Its still a work in progress, and hopefully, in the next couple of years, every state will have the program. You can always browse the internet and see which states are covered, by say, visiting a providers website, like Lifelink. The application process is simple. After you fill out some forms and divulge some details, you await confirmation of your successful application. After that, the free phone is given to you, with the free minutes loaded.
Its encouraging to see the government work so hard to ensure that at least every citizen has a way of reaching family or help whenever they need it. Even with a low-income, you can still keep in touch. There is nothing expected of you in return, just to remain honest to your minutes, whenever possible. Should you for any reason want to abandon the program, your phone is not necessarily taken away.
