Whether it’s finding and keeping a job, paying the bills, managing interpersonal relationships or even doing basic day-to-day tasks, suffering from a disability can make life extraordinarily difficult.
This article will explain how hands free, or voice-activated phones work, and provide several options available for your business. Up until recent years, there has been a disappointing lack of functional, affordable hands free phone systems available for people with physical disabilities.
However, for all the complications you may face as a disabled person, our government has taken steps to make sure that regular phone service is always available and affordable to you. Yes, there are free government cell phones for the disabled.
The Lifeline Assistance program is designed with you in mind. If you’re struggling to make end’s meet – regardless of your gender, age, or physical ability – then the Lifeline Assistance program may be right for you.
The program was created to provide low income households access to dependable telephone communication (including free cell phones for disabled Americans), giving them peace of mind when it comes to contacting employers, medical assistance, emergency services, as well as family and friends.
Free Government Cell Phones for the Disabled: Why You Should Consider Applying to the Lifeline Program
When you’re disabled, dealing with day-to-day tasks can be hard enough without having to worry about how you’ll get in touch with loved ones, a potential employer, or your friends and family.
Being disabled can create a number of challenges, both physical and emotional. Being able to count on a reliable cell phone means that you can reach emergency services when you need them, make doctors appointments to treat your condition, and reach out to loved ones who want to connect with you.
Don’t let a disability stand in the way of you connecting with your world in the way that you want. Consider applying to the Lifeline Assistance program today.
Ready to apply for your free government cell phone and free service? Just click the red button below to be redirected to a Lifeline provider in your area and start the easy signup process right now!
How to Qualify for Lifeline Assistance
Determining if you’re eligible for the program is relatively simple. To qualify, you must either:
Have an income that is either at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty guidelines.
Currently participate in any of the following government assistance programs:
Food Stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
Medicaid
Section 8 or Federal Public Housing
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
National Free School Lunch Program
Many Other Government Programs (varies by state)
The Lifeline Assistance programs is typically available to one member per household. Some disabled people may be living in a nursing home, special facility or other temporary residence where but are still considered eligible.
If you have any questions about your eligibility status, you can visit USAC.org and use their pre-screening eligibility tool to determine if you qualify for Lifeline service.
Lifeline Assistance Phone Features
The Lifeline Assistance Program provides you with access not only to reliable phone service, but also with a reliable, modern phone – one that you can take with you, wherever you are.
The program provides free local calls and text messaging in varying minute plans and also includes nationwide long distance. Trying to connect with love ones who are outside the United States? No problem: we also provide connections with a number of international locations.
If you’re unable to take a call, you’ll have a voicemail box where messages can be left. Additionally, you’ll know who’s calling with Caller ID. With Call Waiting, you won’t have to worry if someone is calling while you’re on your phone, either.
Most importantly, you’ll be able to contact 911 in the event of an emergency – free of charge.
Program Rules and Regulations
Lifeline Assistance is managed by the Universal Service Administration Company but the free cell phones and free service are offered through certain approved telecom companies like Q Link Wireless. You may only have one Lifeline Assistance discount per household; if there are multiple Lifeline Assistance discounts in one household, you will be asked to keep only benefit.
If your income increases, you no longer qualify for federal assistance programs, or someone in your household is also using Lifeline benefits, you must immediately contact your provider immediately or potentially be subjected to penalties.
You must use your phone at least once every 60 days to continue benefiting from the program. Additionally, you must confirm and renew your eligibility each year.
How to Apply to the Program
Being disabled doesn’t mean there aren’t accessible solutions for you, too. Click below to see just how it easy it is to have free access to the communication devices and services you need.
Ready to apply for your free government cell phone and free service? Just click the red button below to be redirected to a Lifeline provider in your area and start the easy signup process right now!
Hi, I'm posting this for my mother's sake. Awhile go, my mom had a series of disabling strokes which has made it almost impossible for her to answer a regular phone on her own. She is wheelchair bound, and can't reach over to pick up a phone. She can use her hands. She gets confused easily by all the buttons on a phone. A phone with large numbers and buttons isn't the solution. She can see very well. So, I'm enlisting all of you here at cnet in 'The great search for the one-button, voice-activated/speakerphone cell phone.' Does the perfect phone for my mom exist? Requirements: 1) Preferably a cell phone; 2) Light weight enough to wear on a cord around her neck; 3) Has one button to answer and end calls; 4) Is voice activated (if not too complicated) ... ie: 'Phone, Wake up!' ... 'Call Nancy.' ... 'Hangup phone.' Anything more complicated than that most likely will be too confusing; 5) Has a speakerphone so she doesn't have to hold the phone up to her ear; 6) Preferably a 'candy bar' style phone as opposed to a flip phone. Having to open the phone to answer it might be too confusing. 7) Not sure what 'International compatibility' is. If it means, the phone can't make international calls, then that would be a problem. Not a necessity, but if the phone has video recording/display during a call that would be fun for my mother. I've been trying desperately to find a cell phone with all of these features for my mother. I've looked at a variety of websites: (too) high-tech sites; sites for the disabled; sites for the mentally and/or physically disabled; cell and regular phone sites; aged/dementia sites. Ugh. No gold. Did happen upon some cool stuff. Ideo created a really cool wrist phone ... though it might be only a prototype. Any good suggestions?! My mother would really appreciate any suggestions. Thank you so much in advance. Nancy