Where To Get A Free Government Phone for Homeless People
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Right now, there are several reliable ways for people experiencing homelessness to get a free phone. Below, you’ll find the recommendations for accessing a free government phone for homeless individuals.
1. How to Get a Cell Phone for Free Without Paying
If you are looking for ways to get a free cell phone, the Lifeline program is one of the most accessible federal programs to help eligible low-income households.
Here’s what you can get through Lifeline:
- Monthly discounts: Receive $9.25 off your phone or internet service each month. Residents living on Tribal lands can get up to $34.25 per month.
- Free device: Many participating providers offer a free cell phone to eligible applicants.
There are two main ways to qualify for Lifeline:
Income-Based Eligibility: Your household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for your household size.
| Household size | 48 Contiguous States, D.C., and Territories | Alaska | Hawaii |
| 1 | $15,650 | $19,550 | $17,990 |
| 2 | $21,150 | $26,430 | $24,320 |
| 3 | $26,650 | $33,310 | $30,650 |
| 4 | $32,150 | $40,190 | $36,980 |
| 5 | $37,650 | $47,070 | $43,310 |
| 6 | $43,150 | $53,950 | $49,640 |
| 7 | $48,650 | $60,830 | $55,970 |
| 8 | $54,150 | $67,710 | $62,300 |
| Each Additional Member | $5,500 | $6,880 | $6,330 |
Program-Based Eligibility:
You or someone in your household must be enrolled in at least one of the following programs:
- SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
If you live on Tribal lands, additional qualifying programs include:
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Tribal TANF
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Head Start (income-based)
By regulation, Lifeline allows only one Lifeline benefit per household. Applicants must provide a valid U.S. mailing address and certify that no one else in the household is already receiving Lifeline benefits.
Based on Lifeline eligibility, homeless individuals can apply for the Lifeline program if they meet the requirements. But keep in mind:
Without a permanent home, homeless applicants must provide a valid mailing address where the Lifeline provider can send the phone or SIM card.
2. Where to Get a Free Government Phone for Homeless Individuals
AirTalk Wireless is one of the major Lifeline providers, offering a free device along with monthly phone service. It’s the perfect guide for anyone, including homeless individuals, looking to stay connected.
Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless website. Enter your ZIP code to see available plans.
Step 2: Choose a Lifeline plan. AirTalk offers several options: Basic/Standard, Plus, Premium, and Unlimited. All plans include free or discounted smartphones. You can also choose a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plan to keep your current phone while receiving free service.
Step 3: Select your free phone.
Step 4: Most applicants are automatically verified, but you may need to provide supporting documents if required.
Step 5: Submit your application online to complete the process.
Once approved, your free device will be shipped to your address. If your order has not yet shipped, you can update your mailing address by logging into your AirTalk Wireless account.
3. Homeless Free Phone Service: Key Considerations
There are a few important things to keep in mind to make the most of your benefits:
Replace a Lost or Stolen Government Phone
In case your AirTalk Wireless phone is lost or stolen:
Contact AirTalk Wireless customer support to report your device as lost or stolen. Request a temporary service suspension to prevent unauthorized use.
You can choose from affordable replacement devices offered by AirTalk Wireless. Simply log in to your account or visit the website to select a phone, complete your purchase, and continue using your Lifeline benefits.
How to Keep Your Service Active
Do note:
- Update your account information. Keep your contact details current with your provider.
- Ensure you continue to meet Lifeline program requirements, such as income limits or participation in qualifying government programs.
Keep in mind that if you receive a Lifeline benefit, you are required to recertify each year to confirm your continued eligibility.
Upgrade to a Better Model
- Verify your eligibility for Lifeline.
- Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and navigate to the “Upgrade Phone” section.
- Select your new device, provide your account details, and complete the payment.
Upgrade your device for enhanced features, better connectivity, more storage, and protection with the latest updates and patches.
4. Facts about Homelessness in the U.S
The United States has more than half a million people experiencing homelessness, though this figure may not fully reflect the true extent of the issue.
4.1. How many people are homeless in America?
In 2023, the Department of Housing and Urban Development reported more than 650,000 homeless individuals nationwide.
According to Statista, California has the largest homeless population in the country, with roughly half of all unsheltered Americans living in the state, often residing in encampments or so-called “tent cities” that have become common across California.
Many people experiencing homelessness in the state reported sleeping outdoors for at least one night in the past six months.
4.2. Causes of homelessness
One of the causes of homelessness in the United States is a shortage of affordable housing combined with rising housing costs. Housing in the U.S. is currently unaffordable for a lot of people. Mental illness and substance abuse also contribute to people experiencing homelessness.
In 2023, Americans most frequently identified drug and alcohol use, high housing costs, poverty, and mental illness as the primary causes of homelessness.
Statistics show:
- Around 11.1% of people in the United States lived below the national poverty line in 2023. (Source: Statista)
- A total of 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households. (Source: USDA report)
- More than half of American households earned less than $75,000 per year, and 14.1% earned less than $25,000 annually. (Source: Statista)
- Approximately 24% of adults in households earning less than $30,000 per year report that they do not own a smartphone. Around 40% of lower-income adults lack home broadband service (43%) or a desktop or laptop computer (41%), and most do not own a tablet. (Source: Pew Research Center)
- According to ABC News analysis, there has been no significant increase in the overall number of homeless individuals over the past decade, although there has been a steady rise in the number of homeless people with serious mental illnesses, based on HUD’s data analysis.
4.3. Why do people experiencing homelessness need a phone or internet access?
Many assume that homeless individuals are those without any shelter, forced to sleep on the streets or under bridges.
However, homelessness is defined as the lack of stable, safe, and adequate housing. It includes living on the streets, moving between temporary accommodations with family or friends, staying in insecure lodging, and those displaced due to civil conflict or who are internally displaced within their country.
There are unsheltered homeless, those who frequently sleep on the streets, in parks, or vehicles, and the sheltered homeless include individuals staying in emergency shelters, temporary housing, or other safe accommodations.
Homeless people are not necessarily lacking in digital or technological knowledge.
A survey of a group of people experiencing homelessness found that most own a mobile phone, 85% use their phone daily, and 51% access the internet on their mobile device.
It’s always essential for staying connected. It’s a helpful tool for anyone, including homeless individuals, no doubt. And beyond practical matters, having a phone can be crucial for safety.
Conclusion
If there’s a strong reason for homeless individuals to explore free government phone options – perhaps for better connectivity or enhanced safety – they should apply for Lifeline today!
NOTE: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
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