The growing popularity of mobile devices as well as their advantage in cases of emergency have led the Federal and State governments to institute programs that ensure those in lower socioeconomic groups, as well as senior citizens, have the opportunity to utilize new technology. This program is free to those who qualify and is called a wireless lifeline. For those who don’t qualify yet are senior citizens, discount programs through national service providers are also available.
State and Federal governments have taken seriously the fact that many senior citizens and families have been economically impacted like a second Great Depression recently experienced around the world. As a result, they have reinforced their dedication to ensuring those in high-risk groups can communicate when needed. This includes communication with current or potential employers, emergency services, child caregivers, and relatives. The design of the program, therefore, includes not only free minutes and handset but many other benefits as well.
The minutes provided through this program are called non-rollover. In other words, they don’t accumulate over time. However, additional minutes can be purchased as the budget allows they can be used for phone calls or text messaging. For those who qualify, a free handset will provide basic equipment needed to do most of what people desire.
Coverage for this program is provided throughout the US through national service providers. This means that wherever an individual maybe they can access 411 for free and can contact 911 whenever needed. Some people really appreciate benefits such as voice mail, caller ID, and even call waiting which is also free with this program. In most cases, these kinds of features are needed during a crisis.
For many people, when an emergency arises and a mobile phone is not available, it can lead to increased feelings of fear and anxiety. For example, there was recently a 51-year-old diabetic in Charleston who had no phone and poor eyesight. She was on a fixed income and lived in public housing. She already had to ration her dollars just to buy food and a cell phone was considered a luxury. After she found out about this service she was set up with a free phone and again was able to be connected to the world. This allayed many fears.
It’s important to remember that a minimum number of minutes are free, usually about 250, but additional prepaid minutes can be purchased for a nominal fee. In this way, telephones bills can fit easily into allotted budgets. Additionally, there are no mandates associated with purchasing additional time and there is no pressure from anyone that requires this. This is advantageous in that if the phone is only needed in emergencies, no additional money needs to are paid out unless one chooses to.
As with many governmental programs, certain requirements must be met by applicants. Some ways to tell if one might qualify is if they are living in public housing, have children on free lunch programs at school, received acceptance into programs such as Medicaid or free health care, income level, and many other factors. These programs come with no annual contract and vary significantly depending on the state in which one lives. For those who don’t qualify, national service providers now offer discounts for high-risk groups.
The wireless lifeline governmental program is providing low-income individuals with a way to stay connected and have access to emergency services when most needed. Although programs vary depending on geographical location, their enhanced features and portability can help save a life. It’s a program that should be explored further for those who believe they may qualify. VoIP billing services may be what you need.