Qualifying customers, usually the ones already participating in government-funded programs, are given a chance to get a free cell phone (or smartphone) from Assist Wireless telecom company (based in Fort Worth, TX). This provider’s services are limited geographically to four states: Arkansas, Maryland, Missouri, and Oklahoma. However, the coverage map of the data and voice network is continuously expanding. There is a pretty good chance that the company itself will start servicing in other states, as well. It positions itself as a fast-growing player in the telecommunications industry for low-income citizens. As it is noted at the Assist Wireless website, www.assistwireless.com, it plans to cover Illinois, Louisiana, Mississippi, Pennsylvania, and Texas in the foreseeable future.
Like any other Lifeline service, Assist Wireless applies some eligibility rules and restrictions regarding enrollment in its program. Before you decide to fill out an Assist Wireless application online, make sure you meet these regulations. The basics of them are that every applicant, no matter the state he or she resides in, has to take part in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, State Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamps, Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program, Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA), and others.
Besides the support program-participating eligibility, it is also possible to enroll Assist Wireless by the family income size. Every year the Federal Government determines specific household income levels for all U.S. citizens in so-called federal poverty guidelines. The cut-off income amounts are 135 % to 150 % depending on the state of residents of these guidelines. The total annual income here depends on the number of people in the household of an applicant. For example, two people household has a poverty guideline of $ 21,236.00 (2013 data). Hence, to get one of Assist Wireless free government cell phones in Arkansas, this household’s yearly income has to be below $28,668.60 ($ 21,236.00 * 135% = $28,668.60).
There are two more things to remember while applying for Assist Wireless service online. The first one is that a single household can use only one Lifeline program account, whether it is a cell phone or a landline device. The second is that some additional documents are required to provide along application to prove income level or assistance program participation. They might include Prior year’s state, federal or tribal tax return, Retirement/Pension benefit statement, Unemployment/Workers Compensation benefits statement, Divorce decree or child support document, Social Security benefits statement, Current income statement from employer or paycheck stub, Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Veterans Administration benefits statement, etc. Annual recertification will be required, also.
Assist Wireless Free Plans.
Assist Wireless free phones for seniors, veterans, and other eligible subscribers who come with different plans for each state. The basic free plan in Arkansas, Missouri, or Maryland brings 250 voice minutes monthly. The trick here is that every text message sent or received by the owner of this plan is assessed at a rate of 1 minute. In Oklahoma, no complimentary minutes are given. But for $1,00 per month, you can get as many as 1,000 of them—the same principle price texts as in other states: 1 for 1.
Assist Wireless top-up minutes plans, and Internet data packages are available for purchase by the customers. Bonus minutes (packages of minutes) are offered within the unique referral program, too.
More information on the company is at assistwireless.com or by phones 1-855-420-2449 or 1-855-392-7747 (Assist Wireless customer service).