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Lifeline is a government assistance program that offers low-income households a discount on wireline, wireless, or bundled voice and broadband Internet services. The program requires proof of income and participation in specific government programs.
Assurance Wireless recently entered the Ohio Lifeline cell phone service market. This provider offers a free government cell phone plan with unlimited talk and text, 12.5 GB of LTE data, and Wi-Fi hotspot capability.
Low-Income Requirements
Across Ohio, low-income families can receive discounted home phone, wireless, or bundled voice-broadband service from the Lifeline program providers. The discount can also include waived deposits. The program treats telecommunications services as essential so those who can’t afford them can keep in touch with loved ones. It’s available through most telecommunications companies and is run by the Universal Service Administrative Company or USAC.
The program has strict eligibility requirements, including participation in specific government assistance programs or income guidelines. A household’s income must be below 135% of the federal poverty guideline to qualify for Lifeline or the newer Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Documentation, like a utility bill or three consecutive pay stubs, is usually required to verify your financial status.
As the economic crisis deepens, more people in Ohio need help with basic telecommunications. The good news is that Lifeline and the newer ACP are here to help. You can get a free phone or a discounted plan with unlimited talk and text and 10GB of data with the right provider. enTouch Wireless is one of Ohio’s leading Lifeline and ACP providers.
Participating Providers
Many Ohio residents need the help of a free government phone provider. Fortunately, the state’s Lifeline free cell phone program and the newer Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) provide low-income customers with affordable service.
Eligible subscribers can receive a discount on their landline or wireless phone, broadband Internet service, or bundled voice-broadband package. These discounts ensure that the most vulnerable households can afford 21st-century connectivity services. The ACP replaces the previous Enhanced Basic Broadband Service (EBB) program.
To qualify for the Lifeline or ACP program, a consumer must be an Ohio resident with a household income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. A recipient is limited to one phone or internet line per household and must renew their eligibility yearly.
There are several Ohio Lifeline providers, each offering different types of plans and phones. Each also has its own eligibility requirements and verification procedures. Some companies also provide additional benefits, such as rollover minutes and unlimited texting.
The most recent addition to the list of Ohio Lifeline providers is Assurance Wireless, which has begun offering no-cost cell phone service to Ohioans.
Eligibility
Ohio residents may qualify for free government cell phone service through the federal Lifeline program and the newer Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Both programs offer a monthly discount on landline, wireless, or bundled voice/broadband services to help eligible households afford 21st-century connectivity. Eligibility is determined by income or participation in specific government assistance programs, including SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, and Section 8. To apply for Lifeline, residents should ask their existing telecommunications provider about the application process. They can also visit a local Lifeline service center for assistance.
In addition to a monthly discount, some providers offer additional benefits for participants in the program, such as waived deposits and free devices. Almost all significant telecommunications companies partner with the Lifeline and ACP programs to provide discounts to eligible customers in the state. Some even go further, supplying Lifeline and ACP plans in Ohio that include unlimited talk, text, and data for eligible users.
While these benefits are unique, there are a few necessary restrictions. Lifeline is only available for one line per household and can only be used with a participating wireline, wireless, or bundled voice/broadband provider. It is also not transferable; participants must re-certify their eligibility each year.
Verification
Consumers must verify their eligibility to obtain free government phone service in Ohio or a landline or broadband Internet service discount. This is done through a national database and is required before the benefits begin. Applicants must also revise their eligibility annually. The National Verifier checks consumer information against several databases, including Medicaid, SNAP (food stamps), SSI (disability assistance), Section 8 housing vouchers, and federal public assistance programs.
If the National Verifier finds a match, the information is reviewed by a team of reviewers. The verification process needs to be automated and can take a few days. They offer Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program to consumers with specific income requirements. These plans offer free unlimited talk and text and 10GB of data for qualified households.
To qualify for Lifeline or the ACP, a household’s monthly income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. In addition, the program only provides one benefit per household and is not transferable. Residents interested in applying for Lifeline should visit a reliable website to learn more about the application process and eligibility guidelines. Upon enrollment, residents must complete intake paperwork with a staff member and provide documentation that supports their application.
