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Teddy Roosevelt once said “Do what you can where you are with what you have,” yet in these hard economic times, basic necessities that are integral to a basic standard of living have become a struggle for many to financially maintain. Rent, groceries, medical expenses, and even cell phone bills are becoming a burden for far to many. And while there are many creative ways to save a few dollars, it can still be a challenge for low-income families to make ends meet. However, not all hope is lost. Government subsidized cell phones from SafeLink and their Lifeline program, provide options for those who cannot monetarily get this basic need met.

SafeLink, along with their Lifeline service, is a branch of the Tracefone Company, and is completely subsidized by the US Government for individuals that meet the low-income criteria. Subsidization essentially means that it (in this case the cell phone) is a subsidy that is used to assist or support an effort or need. The Lifeline program has been implemented to, according to SafeLink’s website, “enable qualifying customers to receive discounts on monthly telephone service. In their version of the program, individuals will receive free cellular service, a free SafeLink Wireless cell phone and the assurance that they will get no bills and no contracts.” While there are many specific parameters as to the amount of free minutes one is allotted with this particular phone, as well as additional roaming and long-distance fees, SafeLink’s free pone is an incredible resource for those who cannot afford this expense on their own.

FactCheck.org provides detailed information about the intricate and often misunderstood detail of phone service discount providers such as SafeLink, and is a helpful resource to clearing up the unclear boundaries of this program. They state that since 1996, the Telecommunications Act was implemented to “ensure all Americans, including low-income consumers and those who live in rural, insular, high cost areas, shall have affordable service and [to] help to connect eligible schools, libraries, and rural health care providers to the global telecommunications network.” Yet it wasn’t until 2008 that many cell phone distribution programs like SafeLink were developed to assist those in need of financial help to acquire this particular need.

SafeLink is an established company that has sought to truly help those in need of cell phones. And while it sounds to good to be true, for one to qualify for this service, they simply must fall below their given state’s poverty guidelines and, only acquire one phone per household. One must also undergo an application process to prove that they meet these guidelines. Once someone is approved, SafeLink’s Lifeline program is, in theory, relatively attainable for those who qualify. While Safelink works to provide this resource to those who are financially struggling, one would hope that individuals using this program maintain integrity to keep the longevity of this service for future low-income families. In an article published on this topic by Dave Wontek to Ezine, he states that unfortunately“…Programs like this have been abused at times, and customers who could really do with a free phone are unable to get one.” This statement, while unfortunate, is true to so many governmental programs that are set up to aid those who are unable to afford basic tools that improve the quality of their lives.

So the question become this: How does one truly monitor weather or not this type of aid is being used for good and for its purpose, rather than for something other than what it is intended for? This is a grey area for anyone who has experience understanding the nature of Government supported aid programs, yet it is important to ebb on the positives that SafeLink Provides, rather than the potential negative aspects of phone service discount programs for lower-income families. With the rapidly increasing rate at which this technology dependent culture requires us to be connected to our cell phones, it can become a huge disadvantage for low-income families who are struggling to get their basic need met to find jobs, support, and community if they do not have access to a cell phone. In 2008 many cell phone distribution programs like SafeLink were developed to assist individuals in need of financial help to acquire this particular need. Because technology and communication is so important to our day-to-day lives, it is integral that, although complicated at times, these types of programs are supported and not discouraged by misconstrued facts. There are many stressors that influence the 21^st century individual.

Often times it feels as if the world would stop in its orbit if we lived in a world without readily accessible communication. Luckily, with many phone service discount programs like SafeLink, stressors that hinder accessibility to communication do not necessarily need to be a factor in day-to-day life.

To be totally honest, until today I had never heard the term ‘Obama phone.’ In fact, yesterday I’d have been better suited writing a piece entitled, “buying a pet unicorn,” or possibly “applying for snipe hunting permits,” or even “getting the most for your money purchasing magic beans,” than attempting to explain how to acquire such a phone. Thus, clearly, coming to an exact understanding of the term ‘Obama’ phone, is the first step in receiving a free ‘Obama’ phone.

So to start at the beginning, what is an ‘Obama’ phone? The term originally derived from a mass Email that surfaced in early 2009. The Email claimed that the Obama administration started a taxpayer funded program providing free phones for welfare recipients. The validity of these emails has largely been discredited by fact-checking websites. Even so, the term ‘Obama’ phone gained further notoriety when a video went viral in September 2012, in which, a Cleveland woman and Obama supporter, named Michelle Dowery, claimed that President Obama had given her, and other low-income persons, free cell phones. She goes on to champion the President, saying, “keep Obama in president.he gave us a phone, he’s gonna do more.” Dowery implies that receiving government assistance in any form (food-stamps, social security, disability, etc.) made one eligible to receive the free phones, and states, “everybody in Cleveland got Obama phones.”

In the wake of Mitt Romney’s 47% comment (in a secretly filmed video from 2012 he claimed that percentage of Americans were receiving government assistance), the video by Dowery, whom has come to be known as the ‘Obama phone lady,’ made national news. Romney supporters like the Tea Party Victory Fund used the video to exemplify the argument that the Democrat Party, and specifically President Obama, used free hand-outs, paid for by taxpayers, to hook supporters. The only problem is that the claim cannot be substantiated. Obama had little or nothing to do with handing out the free-phones. In fact, the term ‘Obama’ phone, is itself, a misnomer.

So then, is the ‘Obama’ phone a mythical creature? Is seeking it as futile as a quest for a unicorn? Or for magic beans? Or snipe? Well, not exactly. While attributing such a program to Obama would be erroneous, there is a government program providing phone assistance to the needy. This program, known as Lifeline, was launched in its original incarnation in 1996. However, this early version of Lifeline was limited landlines. In 2008, the year Obama was elected to his first term, the program was expanded to include cell phones. Regardless of the fact this expansion to cell phone service occurred prior to President Obama’s inauguration, a cell phone provided by the Lifeline program came to be known as an ‘Obama’ phone.The Lifeline program, administered by the FCC and facilitated by government approved cell phone companies, provides cell-phones and discounts on monthly bills to eligible low-income consumers. Contrary to the claims of the Tea Party Victory Fund, and the original polemic Email that circulated, the program is funded, not by the taxpayer, but through a small fee added to most peoples phone bill, called the Universal Service Fund. There are strict guidelines overseeing eligibility in the program. To qualify, participants must have an income of below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines, or participate in one of several state and federal assistance programs. Eligible consumers apply for the service directly through cell phone companies SafeLink, Assurance Wireless, and Reachout Wireless amongst others whom then receive reimbursement through Lifeline.

So, how does one go about getting a free phone? The first step would be to determine if you are eligible. There is a Lifeline Eligibility Pre-Screening Tool available online at www.lifelinesupport.org. Eligibility requirements differ from state to state, however, in general, to qualify one must have an income at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines, or participate in one of the following programs:

• Medicaid;
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program;
• Supplemental Security Income;
• Federal Public Housing Assistance;
• Low-income Home Energy Assistance Program;
• Temporary Assistance to Needy Families;
• The National School Lunch Program;
• Applicable State Assistance Program;

Applicants seeking Lifeline are required to submit documentation verifying their enrollment in these programs. Additionally, eligibility is limited by household; only one person per home can qualify for the service. After determining eligibility, the next step in receiving Lifeline assistance, is the application process. Enrollment is done through the customers local, government approved cell phone provider. There is a tool online to help consumers locate a Lifeline provider in their state at www.lifelinesupport.org. During the application process, customers are asked to verify income, and enrollment in specific assistance programs, as well as provide personal information (i.e. name, age, sex, address, marital status, etc.).

One such provider, available to citizens of Washington state, is the SafeLink Wireless company. Created by TracFone Wireless, Inc., SafeLink is government approved to provide free phones and phone bill assistance to those who qualify under the Lifeline program. In addition to free phones, SafeLink converts the monthly Lifeline discount into free minutes, allocating them to its customers. So, once the applicant has been approved, they receive a free phone, as well as a phone plan with a specific number of free minutes. Those interested in applying can do so at www.safelinkwireless.com.

This began with a straightforward question: How do you get a free ‘Obama’ phone? The answer though, is a bit more complicated. While the term ‘Obama’ phone, may itself be misleading, there are absolutely free phones available to the needy. Whatever you choose to call them, the Lifeline program, through companies like SafeLink Wireless, provides free phones to eligible consumers.

While the 2012 election was going on there were some people trying to spread rumors that the free government cell phone plan was something that President Obama started and that the program would ruin the country as we know it. This rumor actually started before the elections – and continues to spread today.

However, the public may be uninformed about these free government cell phones. In this article, we’ll uncover some of the mysterious myths that may be holding you back on the issue of: to provide or not to provide free government paid cell phones.

Free phones, or Obama phones, have stirred a heated controversy amongst the people of our nation. Many people pose the issue that they are unhappy with the idea of a free cell phones, for low income families and individuals, because the program is paid for out of taxpayer’s pockets. This would certainly be outrageous, especially considering the high unemployment rates of present day.

Four years ago, there were 7.1 million free-cell phones provided to people in need. That number jumped dramatically, during Barack Obama’s presidency, to 12.5 million. That is a lot of free phones, and a lot of supposed taxpayer money, however this is untrue.

Lifeline, a government sponsored program to assist those in need of a cell phone and service plan, is funded by an organization called the Universal Service Fund (USF) which is responsible for the Federal Communication Commission along with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC).

Government paid cell phones actually originated years before Obama was in office and well before he was campaigning for a second term. The first government provided cell phone came about in 2008 under the Bush administration. The very idea of government subsidized phones for low income people originated during the Reagan administration and brought about the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

These free cell phones have no connection to the president or his campaign strategy. Lifeline is a company that serves those who have a monthly income at or below 135% of the nation’s poverty line. These are not ‘welfare recipients’ nor are they people who simply ‘sign up’ and receive a cell phone of their choice through any cell phone provider.

Lifeline’s free cell phones are provided under heavy discretion and eligibility requirements. Qualifications for the free cell phones also vary state to state. Some of the minimum requirements include; Medicaid, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Supplemental Security Income, just to name a few.

Free cell phones for low income individuals and families are crucially important. Everyone should have access to emergency care contacts, career opportunity contacts as well as family and friend contacts through telecommunication.

Can you remember a day when you forgot your cell phone at home? The stress of what calls or texts you’re missing, you can only hope you weren’t expecting an important phone call that day. What if you locked your keys in your car, were in an accident or were mugged? How would you receive help?

These government free cell phones will not upset our economy, in fact they should help our economy. Opening doors for people to find work, enabling people move out of state for better opportunities and to take care of their families or themselves in emergencies if needed.  Also, they’re nothing new! Free landlines and cell phones have been around for years, and our country has done just fine.

These past few years have been hard on our country and it’s easy to be swept up in a heated argument when it seems there is so much at stake and we feel we have lost so much already. This past election was another insult to injury for the US population. People were terrified of a continued recession and falling into more debt as a country. We had such high hopes for something new and our hopes were dashed.

This strikes fear, anger and hostility into people. They feel backed into a corner with no way out and they come out swinging, weather they know the entire issue or not. Of course this is all understandable, it’s terrifying. These days in our country are not pretty ones. But, we must learn to dig to the bottom of an issue and completely comprehend both sides before we begin fighting.

Holistically learning about an issue may not sway you from one side to another, but you should at least be well informed. Do not fall into the slander and deceptive rumors that constantly buzz on the radio, hum on the T.V. and glow on the computer screen. Find out for yourself, don’t take anyone else’s word for it.

To recap: Free government-paid landlines have been in existence since the 1980’s. The first government paid cell phone was provided in 2008. No, the phones have no affiliation with President Obama, his election or his campaign strategy. No, these phones are not funded by US taxpayer money and, yes, now you know the whole story.

Texting, status updates, emailing and sharing photos are just some of the capabilities of the modern cell phone. You can hardly go anywhere these days without seeing someone staring at their phone intent on whatever comes across the screen. Those of us with advanced cell phones often take for granted the luxury of being able to own one.

Many families have more than one cell phone on their service plan and thousands of children and teenagers even have personal cell phones. My own daughter got her first cell phone at age 10 and upgraded to a smart phone at age 12. Could you imagine a day without your phone? Some people could not even stand the thought of an hour without their phone. I personally had to implement a family rule of no cell phones at the dinner table just so that we could have some uninterrupted family time. I have to admit, I am one of the masses that just could not live without my cell phone, and I do not actually spend much time talking on it.

What about those less fortunate that cannot afford the cost of purchasing even the most basic cell phone, much less the price of the service? Forget about playing that touch screen game or watching the latest viral video, what if you did not have your phone for an emergency? How would you be able to contact your current or prospective employer without a phone? Those are the vital reasons that lead to the creation of SafeLink. SafeLink Wireless is a company that was created by TracFone Wireless, Inc. in order to provide wireless service to those who qualify for the Lifeline program. Lifeline, originally created in the early 80’s was implemented to “ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income customers at just, reasonable, and affordable rates”. The program offered discounted rates for landlines to qualified applicants. Throughout the years, as telecommunication technology advanced, the program was opened up to the cellular market. Now low-income subscribers have the choice to choose cell phone service over a traditional landline. Even those who could not afford the lowest service and cheapest phone can now join the ranks of cell phone users.

Many people might ask, ‘Where is the money coming from? Are my hard earned tax dollars paying for other people to get free phones? Is this another government funded hand-out?’ The answer is ‘No’. The Lifeline program itself collects money regulated by the FCC that telecommunication companies are required to pay based on certain criteria. While some of those companies do pass the charge onto consumers, it is minimal and most people do not even question the Federal Universal Service Fund fee that appears on their phone bill. Lifeline then provides phone companies with qualified subscribers a subsidized amount towards the bill whether it is a landline or cellular service. Wireless service providers, like SafeLink, take the subsidized amount from Lifeline and converts it into monthly minutes.

Granted the free phones that TracFone offers through the program are pretty basic, but when you consider that they cover the cost of the phone without help from the subsidized funds it is still an amazing opportunity for those truly needy. Qualified participants can always opt to purchase a different phone if the one provided does not meet their needs. Voicemail, text, three-way calling, call waiting, caller ID and access to 911 are included in the basic service plan. Not all state participates in the program, and each of the qualifying 39 states (including Puerto Rico) has their own criteria and regulations. While some states allow 250 minutes a month to be included, others only offer as low as 60 minutes a month. When thinking in terms of emergencies or employment communication, even the low side of minutes should be sufficient. Subscribers do have the option to pay for extra minutes or extra services and SafeLink will ‘roll-over’ unused minutes. Not all carriers offer this service so people need to do their research and find what company and plan works best for their situation.

In order to qualify for Lifeline in general, subscribers need to at an income level that is at or below 135% of federal Poverty Guidelines or participate in one of the approved assistance programs. There is also a limit of one Lifeline service per household so if a house has a landline that is provided under the Lifeline program, they cannot get a cell phone under Lifeline service and vice versa. It also means that even if there are several people in a household only one person may qualify for the service. Granted there are going to be people that will manipulate and take advantage of the service but, when used for its purpose it is quite helpful. Once a person is qualified and begins their service through SafeLink, they are approved for the entire year. Once their year is up they have to re-apply in order to continue with the program.

While this is not the answer for everyone, it is a fantastic opportunity for low-income persons to have the use of a cell phone. I would like to think that the majority of the people on the program have a great need and have great appreciation for the program. However, as many people have seen from chain emails and viral videos, there are people who do just expect a hand-out and figure the service is owed to them. Hopefully the misuse and abuse of the program gets under control so those in need may continue to enjoy the benefits.As I sit here and write this, my phone chimes at me that I have text messages, emails, and it is my turn to make a move in a game. These are all happy sounds to me as I am reminded that I am fortunate enough to be able to afford the luxury of my phone and the extra service that goes along with it. Technology may have made us co-dependent on our cell phones, but technology has also given us extra freedom through our cell phones.

Georgia is following California and Indiana when it comes to the free phone controversy that has been swirling in our nation for months. A government program called Lifeline has contracted cell phone providers, like Tracfone, to distribute free cell phones to low income people.

Since the FCC funded Lifeline program admitted to rampant fraud in their systems, many states are beginning to question if this service is necessary or if there should be at least some  sort of payment for these Lifeline cell phones and service plans.

Lifeline began in the 1980s under Ronald Reagan’s presidency. Then, only a subsidized landline was provided to eligible low income individuals who could otherwise, not afford one. These landlines were crucial to the families who received them.

They were a connection to family and friends, employers and authorities in case of emergency. From 2005-2008, during George W. Bush’s presidency, Lifeline expanded its program to include cell phones, as landlines were becoming increasingly obsolete.

Lifeline wanted to provide its customers the tools they needed to not only be competitive, but successful. However, there are strict guidelines and requirements needed to gain service from the Lifeline program.

First, there may only be one service account active per household. This means only one cell phone OR one landline is allowed per household. Other qualifications to receive service from the Lifeline program have to do with income and support.

Potential Lifeline customers must already receive assistance from another government aid program like Medicaid or SNAP (food stamps). Accepted government aid programs will vary by state. Individuals should be sure to check their state’s specific requirements and eligibility before applying to Lifeline’s program.

If an individual does not receive assistance from an accepted government aid program, Lifeline then looks to gross income. To receive service from Lifeline, potential consumers must have a gross income below 135 percent or 150 percent (again, depending on state of residence) of the national poverty line.

Once the individual has qualified for one or both of these requirements it is then necessary to verify these requirements with government issued justification documents, also known as “proof documents”. Accepted proof documents will vary by state as well.

Recently, Lifeline has had to completely comb through their entire system because of extreme fraud accusations. Specially trained FCC personnel searched tirelessly for fraudulent accounts, accounts without proper qualifications or any duplicate accounts.

The FCC has stated that after this overhaul, they will be saving the country billions of dollars over the upcoming years and have set even higher precautions to avoid the fraudulent behavior from occurring again.

But Georgia isn’t satisfied with the improvements made to the Lifeline program. As of January 2013, all Georgia residents who receive assistance and service from the Lifeline program will be charged a $5 monthly fee.

As stated from the Atlanta Journal Constitution, about 10 percent of Georgia already receives assistance from Lifeline. Will this new fee drop these numbers in the state? Others question the fee at all, doesn’t a fee on a free phone defeat the purpose of supplying a low income individual with a phone, if he couldn’t afford the phone in the first place?

“If you start to monkey with the program for the appearance of stopping fraud, then you are beginning to harm somebody else, and then you may or may not stop the fraud,” said commissioner Stan Wise, as reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

These free Lifeline phones are funded by the Universal Service Fund, this fund bills phone service providers which then pass the fee on to their customers in the form of a Universal Service charge at the bottom of most every phone bill.

One would think this new fee would decrease the Universal Service charge amount? But, it doesn’t. The money goes straight to companies like, Tracfone. “The PSC’s [Public Service Commission’s] new $5 fee will not reduce the amount consumers pay however. Rather, it will go to the phone provider.” Stated by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

The fee may not only cause issues for those who cannot afford the monthly charge, but also for the cell phone providers. Jose Fuentes, government relations director for Tracfone, a cell phone provider who supports Lifeline phones and service, says,“We have no collection method,” as reported by the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

Is this charge unfair to both the country and those low income individuals who need this service? People like Patricia Stroud say, yes.

“Atlantan Patricia Stroud, a senior citizen who is blind and receives food stamps, said a mobile phone is an emergency link when she is out of the house. Stroud said Tuesday a $5 monthly fee would have a “big impact” on her.

“I’m praying that I don’t have to give (the phone) up,” she said according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution.

A lot of people want to know the answer to this question. There is quite a bit of information about the subject on the Internet, but you really need to be careful about where you learn more about this specific topic. Not everything on the Internet is true. In fact, there are a lot of false reviews and fake scams out there. You really need to protect yourself these days, which is why we have put together this guide on how to determine which free cell phone plan is right for you personally.

Safelink Wireless

Safelink Wireless offers its income eligible customers 250 free minutes every month including; local calls, long distance calls, texting and other features in addition to a free cell phone. Safelink Wireless’ service plan guarantees no contracts, no bills, no credit card checks or hidden fees.

Your cell phone is all yours without fearing the unknown or not completely understanding strange contracts or charges. Safelink Wireless also allows its customers to purchase more minutes if more than the 250 initial minutes are needed. The plan assures its customers, there will be no penalty for going over the allotted amount of minutes.

Safelink Wireless’ website also offers convenient browse bars to upload income proof documents. This makes it easy for low income families and individuals to finally get the cell phone they need to compete in this dog-eat-dog world. The site also offers another convenient feature on their website, a link to change your current plan. If you are unhappy with your present plan, or are curious to see other plans available, this is an easy method of doing so.

Safelink Wireless also offers a 24 hour help link where customers always have someone available to answer their questions about the plan or cell phone they were provided.

Assurance Wireless

Assurance Wireless is the “Worry Free Way to Stay Connected.” All of their plans come with a text messaging option. Their plans also offer 250 free minutes for calls and an additional 250 free texts per month. Assurance Wireless provides more minutes and texts to be purchased and added to the plan or has unlimited plans available for those who would prefer no restrictions.

The site offers many different options for the convenience of their customers. The top menu bar of the Assurance Wireless website shows different links to better inform and customize a service plan to their specific customers. Such options include; a program description, how to apply for the program, availability of service plans and cell phone models, frequently asked questions and your own personal availability status.

The Assurance Wireless site also lists happy customer testimonials to assure authenticity and success of the program. By logging into your own personal account, you may have access to an agent who may help you with questions and concerns about your cell phone service plan.

There is a toll free number listed in case you are not finding what you need on the internet or the Assurance Wireless website.The toll free number will direct you to an Assurance Wireless representative who will have access to your account and resolve your current issues with your service plan.

Reachout Wireless

Reachout Wireless has an easy to operate mentality about its website. There is a giant blue button titled: “Live Support” if you need to speak with a Reachout Wireless service representative. There are also plainly labeled tabs with clear instructions to make your time spent on the site informative and stress free. A woman appears on the right hand side of the website to guide you through the program’s options.

Some of the minute features include minutes and texts that are unused to “roll over” to the next month, so they are not wasted. Reachout Wireless customers can also purchase more minutes for their phones through the Reachout Wireless website. By punching in your credit card information and detailing how many minutes you would like to add to your plan, Reachout Wireless is able to immediately deliver the minutes you need by electronically loading them onto your cell phone.

For elderly people or those who are new to the government paid cell phone program, consider Reachout Wireless as an easy-to-get-around type of website. When things are easy to find and clear to the customer, there will be less confusion and misunderstandings down the line which could spell trouble for first time free cell phone receivers.

In the end it is completely up to the individual on which cell phone service program is going to be best for them and their family. Many different cell phone options exist, but you have to get a little dirty to find them sometimes. Take your time, do your research. You will feel pride in knowing you explored virtually every option before making an unbiased and educated decision about your cell phone and cell phone service plan.

The city of San Francisco has thousands of people battling everyday to make ends meet for the sake of their families. With the high cost of living in California, low income families often work long hours at multiple jobs and rarely have the time to reconnect with family and friends.

For those struggling to pay rent or mortgages and going to the grocery store has even become a budgeted activity, cell phones may be out of the question. These devices are such an integral part of modern society, but without proper income, it just isn’t a possibility for thousands of families across the country.

Without a cell phone, these individuals are putting themselves at risk with no contact to authorities, no way to communicate an emergency and no contact number to leave on an application or resume for a potential employer.

This is where Lifeline steps in. Lifeline is a government funded program established in the 1980s to provide eligible low income Americans with landline phones, which they could otherwise, not afford.

As time progressed and cell phones became the new wave of communication, Lifeline updated its program. In 2005, under the George W. Bush administration, Lifeline reformulated its program to include cell phones. Eligible Americans could now receive Lifeline assistance through a subsidized landline or cell phone for their personal use.

Though these phones aren’t decked out in the newest technology fads, they have a foundation of effective features to better the lives of the low income Lifeline eligible Americans they are granted to.

“Having Lifeline wireless services available at no cost will be transformative for homeless and low-income people,” said Bevan Dufty, head of Housing Opportunity, Partnerships & Engagement for the city and county of San Francisco. “I expect San Francisco to be a model for launching this program throughout the rest of California.” Reported by Business Wire.

The cell phones for San Francisco include, caller ID, voicemail services, 250 voice minutes and 250 text messages per month. If more text messages or minutes are required, the cell phone user may purchase more for 10 cents per minute and 10 cents per sent and received text message. The Lifeline program is able to issue these phones from its support through the Universal Service Fund.

The USF collects fees from telecommunication providers across the country. These fees are usually passed down to the telecommunication provider’s customers in the form of a small $2-3 fee at the bottom of their phone bill titled, Universal Service charge.

When these small, few dollar fees are collected together, they make a real difference for people who really need the help. Low income individuals in the San Francisco area can apply for eligibility through one of Lifeline’s many supported providers like, Assurance Wireless.

These providers check their Lifeline applicant’s gross income levels, government aid program support and location of residence to assure these people are eligible for help from the Lifeline program.

One of the first steps in gaining eligibility into the Assurance Wireless Lifeline program is to simply call and ask for a Service Request Form, fill it out and send it in. Once the Service Request Form has been submitted, Assurance Wireless representatives will analyze the applicant’s paperwork and other submitted documents, to assure eligibility.

After an Assurance Wireless representative approves the applicants submitted documents, an Assurance Wireless cell phone will be sent through the mail to the applicant. The applicant will receive the Assurance Wireless cell phone, usually within 7-10 business days.

Once the applicant has received the phone from the mail and activates it, they will need to fill out another form, the official Application Form for the federal Lifeline Assistance program from the state of California.

This form will need to be returned within 45 days or the phone’s activation will be terminated. Along with the form, the applicant must provide government issued proof documents, verifying their need of Lifeline assistance.

As mentioned above, potential Assurance Wireless Lifeline assistance customers must already receive assistance from a government aid program. The government aid programs accepted in San Francisco are,

• Medicaid/Medi-Cal, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Cal Fresh/Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Women, Infants and Children Program (WIC)
• Healthy Families Category A
• National School Lunch’s Free Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS)
• Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKS)
• Welfare to Work (WTW)
• Greater Avenue for Independence
• Tribal TANF
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
• Food Distribution Programs on Indian Reservations.

If a Lifeline applicant does not already receive assistance from one of these government aid programs, in applicant must then submit a government document verifying they have a gross income at or below 135% of the nation’s poverty line.

To learn more about accepted government aid programs and accepted proof documents, visit assurancewireless.com to read more about Assurance Wireless and what they can provide for the people of the San Francisco area and across the country where available.

“Assurance Wireless is delighted to begin offering services in San Francisco,” said Grace Boehm, director of strategy and business planning, Assurance Wireless. “We are proud to help more and more customers stay connected to potential employers and services as well as their medical and childcare providers.” Reported by Business Wire.

For those who still battle with everyday living expenses but are not applicable for the Lifeline program, check out the Virgin Mobile payLo program. This program has been specially designed with the cost-conscious consumer in mind.

This program offers cell phones plans for the low cost of $20 per month with 400 included minutes. For those who need a little help, but not enough to need the Lifeline program, payLo from Virgin Mobile is a fantastic option to receive great service at low price with a company you know and trust.

Learn more about what payLo can do for you and your monthly phone expenses here, at http://www.virginmobileusa.com.

Many in the media and online have hyped the so-called “Obama Phone.” In one viral YouTube.com video, a woman excitedly cries out support for Obama because he gave her a free cell phone. In the video, she proclaims that all you have to do is sign up, and if you qualify you get a free phone from “Obama.” Her enthusiastic support has led to a lot of questions, criticism and misinformation. While there are cell phone assistance programs available, the excited YouTube star is only partially correct on how and where to take advantage of these programs.

Many people speculate about when President Obama began this “free cell phone” program, and are curious how they might become a proud owner of an “Obama Phone”. First, it is valuable to clarify the misnomer that the “free cell phone” program began under President Obama. According to a September 2012 report in the Washington Examiner, the “free cell phone” program is known as “Lifeline,” and was established in 1984—nearly thirty years ago.

The Lifeline program started out as a landline-based program designed to subsidize phone service for low-income Americans. According to the Washington Examiner article, the Lifeline program is funded by government-mandated telecommunication fees paid by telecommunication consumers. In fact, the Lifeline program has a dedicated website—www.fcc.gov/lifeline—that spells out the history of the program, and explains the participation requirements. Through this program, participants who qualified were given reduced or free telecommunication services. According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) website, “the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services.”

In short, the program arose from the recognition that having a phone is important to many facets of modern life. Before the advent of cell phones, the Lifeline program applied only to land lines. In the years following the initial start of Lifeline, the program expanded and, according to the FCC website, “in 2005, Lifeline discounts were made available to qualifying low-income consumers on prepaid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service.” Though the program predates President Obama’s administration, the popularity of the service has been largely advertised during his term. Lifeline funding comes from the Federal Universal Service Fund, a fee that all telephone companies providing interstate service must pay into. Some companies pass these contribution costs onto their customers in the form of a minimal FUSF fee. These funds are used for various purposes, including the Lifeline program. According to the FCC, “Telecommunications providers must contribute to the fund through an assessment on their interstate and international revenues.” The FCC nonetheless continues to tweak the program for sake of efficiency. The FCC announced on January 31, 2012, that the Lifeline program would undergo an overall to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in an effort to save “up to $2 billion over 3 years.”

As a result of the “Obama phone Lady” viral video, much misinformation persists about how one obtains assistance from the Lifeline program. The “Obama phone Lady” claims “Everybody in Cleveland – low, minority – got Obama phones.” When asked how Obama gave her a phone, she excitedly responded: “You sign up if you on food stamps, you on Social Security, you got low income, you disability.” While colloquially correct, the program prerequisites are somewhat more complicated. According to Snopes.com, the Lifeline programs “ are implemented at both the state and federal levels, so qualification criteria can vary from state to state.” Snopes.com also notes that participants generally are at or below 135% of the federal Poverty Guidelines or take part in at least one of several enumerated federal assistance program like: Medicaid, Food Stamps, National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch, etc. This same basic set of criteria is set forth at www.fcc.gov/lifeline as well. Contrary to popular belief, once an applicant is qualified under the guidelines, it does not mean that the program will provide them with a free cell phone or free cell phone service. Through the Lifeline program, a qualified consumer may receive a discount to service. The recipient must choose either a wireless line or a landline on which to receive the discount. Federal rules limit the Lifeline discount to one per household, and violators may be criminally or civilly punished.

The discount is paid directly to the service provider chosen by the consumer. Since there are numerous phone companies competing for customers, it is up to the provider as to the level of service and cost of phone. Most cellular companies will offer a basic cell phone at no charge to a qualified customer, if they choose their service. Plans can vary from a free phone with up to 250 minutes/month, to a discounted phone with a discounted monthly rate. Most companies offer additional services at an additional charge. So, while it is possible for a qualified applicant to receive a free cell phone with free service, most recipients receive a discount off of an expanded level of service. The Lifeline program benefits those in actual need.

Many people who qualify cannot afford the luxury of cell phone service that modern society takes for granted. While just a few short years ago, almost no one had a cell phone available, a cell phone is virtually ubiquitous now. The availability of a cell phone could be life-saving in an emergency situation. On the more day-to-day side, job seekers need phone service in order for potential employers to contact them. Low-income employed people need phone service to communicate with their employers. Of course, misuse will continue to plague the program, as some persons will inevitably try to manipulate the system. Though the FCC frequently revises and updates the regulations and rules to reduce abuse, no set of rules can completely erase fraud. For example, in 2012, the FCC adopted a “National Lifeline Accountability Database” to permit identifying subscribers attempting to receive benefits through multiple carriers. Despite examples of abuse and fraud, politicians and regulators have determined that the benefits for the truly needy outweigh the potential abuses. There is no true “Obama phone,” and the Obama administration did not create the program. Whether a badge of pride or scarlet letter; however, President Obama’s administration has been tagged as responsible for the free cell phone program. Thanks in large part to the “Obama phone Lady,” a simple Google search will bring up numerous companies advertising the “Obama phone.” Those seeking free or discounted service will have no problem finding what they are looking for. Our viral video friend proves that even a simple pitch, however misguided, can launch a media campaign that generates interest and hype.

1. Since 2005, qualified Americans have been eligible to get free cell phones with 250 free local and long distance minutes subsidized by the government.

2. Like many government programs, there has been mismanagement resulting in fraud and waste in the program. Consumer groups like Keep USF Fair and the Ad Hoc Coalition of International Telecommunications Companies keep the government on its toes.

3. To qualify you have to meet certain income restrictions. Basically, if you’re receiving any kind of assistance from the government you will probably qualify. This includes:

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program formerly known as food stamps,
• Medicaid
• SSI (also known as Social Security Disability)
• The National School Lunch Free Lunch Program
• Household income (up to 135% of the federal poverty guidelines)
• Other federal aid, like the Pell Grant for college students

4. If you qualify, you will not get a fancy cell phone. You’ll get a basic, TracFone like cell phone with no internet access, no apps, no bells and whistles.

5. The free cell phone is often known as the Obama phone, but the Lifeline program has been in effect since 1985. Initially the Lifeline program applied to landlines, but since 2005, the program has provided free cell phones to qualified people living in certain American states, territories, commonwealths, or Tribal lands. Only approximately 19 states participate in the free cell phone program.

6. The government-subsidized, free cell phone program was created by the 1996 Telecommunications Act was the creation of the Universal Services Fund. The plan is often called the Obama phone, but it’s been around before Obama became president.

7. There are four major cell phone providers who participate in the program, and their motives aren’t entirely altruistic. They receive $10 for every subscriber.

8. The government-subsidized cell phone program, also known as the Lifeline program was expanded to cell phones because American society is changing. Twenty years ago or more, most people communicated by landline-based telephones. Today, most people communicate by cell phone. Some have even eliminated their landlines and rely solely on cell phone for communications. Everyone knows the benefits of cell phones. They help you stay connected with your family, can help you find or keep work, and cell phones are invaluable in the case of an emergency.

9. The program is rife with controversy. Like most government programs, the USF’s Lifeline program is massive. The Federal Communications Commission, the government agency responsible for oversight of the USF Lifeline program, paid out more than $1.6 billion dollars. That large budget has come under scrutiny and criticism from some who say the FCC is doing a poor job managing the program.

Senator Claire McCaskill, for example, asked the FCC to investigate the Lifeline program when she received a mail solicitation to apply for a free, government-subsidized cell phone. An audit of the Lifeline program revealed that some qualified applicants had received more than one phone and some applicants who exceeded the income limits had received a free cell phone.

10. Not all states participate in the program, and eligibility varies from state to state. To get started, visit Lifeline.gov or Lifelinesupport.org. View the state eligibility requirements and click on one of the links to program providers like Assurance Wireless or SafeLink Wireless. Follow the directions, and you could be one of millions of Americans who let Uncle Sam foot the bill for your cell phone and cell phone minutes.