Hope this helps some people. I know a lot of people who could really use this. Things like a phone and the internet are more and more mandatory by the year. And if you're jobless, you absolutely need a phone to call potential jobs and establish interviews. It's a good plan that likely doesn't cost the government much since it most likely is a tax write off for the phone companies that offer it.
If you're on medicaid, SNAP, or make less than a certain amount, there is a federal program that gives you a phone and a plan. The plans vary, but its usually something like 200 minutes, unlimited text, and 1 GB of data. Or other plans with no data and 500-1000 minutes. It varies greatly by state.
The plan is free. The phone is free. This is very important for those that have no money and need to have a phone for emergencies and other things. There are several companies that work within this plan.
This federal program since Reagan's presidency. It's been expanded on in the past years though and up until this last year even included basic broadband internet of up to 5 mbps until Ajit Pai, FCC chairman, voted with the republican majority on the FCC board to stop offering it.
You may get a flip phone, or you may get a smartphone. Or you may be able to upgrade to a smartphone for 30-40 dollars or something. You can also use your own phone that's compatible with that company's network.
So if you make $15,000 or less, or are on SNAP / Foodstamps / EBT , or use medicaid, there's a good chance you qualify for their subsidized free phone and plan.
May 29, 2018 at 07:47PM