Free government phones in Michigan and help with phone bills
Get help with paying phone bills in Michigan or get a free Apple iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and even a tablet. Families on government assistance or that have a low-income will get a free wireless device or landline from the government. Find free government phones and assistance with bills in MI.
People on public assistance, such as SNAP Food assistance / EBT, Medicaid, TANF, LIHEAP, SSI or section 8 housing will get help from Lifeline or Link-Up. The government programs provide discounts, or financial help, on phone bills. They also provide low-income families a free phone for work, education, or emergency communication reasons, including an Apple iPhone or iPad, Samsung Galaxy, or other smartphone.
Lifeline Program for free cell phones or financial help in Michigan
The state of MI, as part of the federal government Lifeline program, partners with companies such as TruConnect, Cricket, enTouch, Verizon (Tracfone), Assurance Wireless, and TMobile to provide help. Low income families, senior citizens and the disabled are often the main beneficiaries of a free call phone. Based on the wireless company, some will provide an Apple iPhone, Google Pixel, Samsung or other device to low-income families in Michigan.
Many people also get a free tablet or internet from the government (in addition to a phone) as part of the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). These programs aim to ensure that all residents have access to essential communication services. The free cell phones and tablet from the government also ensure Michigan students have technology they need in school and to ensure they can enroll into distance learning. This can also include Xfinity Internet Essentials free home internet.
The Michigan Lifeline program offers discounts on phone services to eligible low-income individuals. It covers both landline and wireless services. Households must meet specific income requirements as well as asset levels or be on government benefits. The ACP and Lifeline can be availed simultaneously if you qualify for both.
The majority of local and national phone companies participate in offer Lifeline application. TruConnect offers free Android smartphones with data and unlimited talk and text. Assurance Wireless will also give cell help with cell phone bills or a free smartphone to eligible customers for Lifeline services, including free data, text, and minutes. The major companies such as ATT, Verizon, and Tmobile also help Lifeline customers through subsidiaries such as Tracfone.
Note there is only one benefit (device) per home. This means that low-income families will get at most one Lifeline discount, no matter how many people live at the address. There is only at most one free cell phone or discount allowed as well.
Two other wireless assistance programs in Michigan include Link Up and ACP. They are often combined with Lifeline, but each provides its own type of help.
- ACP, or the Affordable Connectivity Program, focuses on free tablets and computers for low-income Michigan families. The government provides a device so that parents can look for a job or work from home and kids have the ability to learn.
- Link-Up in Michigan provides a discount to pay for a home phone or cell phone activation and installation fee. It is a one-time program that makes it easier for a low-income family to get a phone.
How to apply for Michigan cell phone help
As noted, there are application criteria. In general, the household income needs to be slightly higher than poverty levels (based on family size) or the family needs to be on state of MI or federal government assistance, such as EBT or Medicaid. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC )and the Universal Service Fund set the official application guidelines.
Applications to Lifeline (or Link-Up) are processed directly by phone, wireless or cable companies. Those providers take applications, give out cell phones such as the Apple iPhone or Galaxy, and provide direct financial help or discounts. Each household needs to reapply annually too. Applications for both Lifeline and ACP can typically be done online. It's important to check with the specific provider for their application process.
The Michigan Public Service Commission is also involved in overseeing the program. Their customer service number is 1-800-292-9555, and more information on the telephone assistance programs can be found there.
However to apply for Lifeline, free cell phones or tablet or the ACP program, low-income families in MI should call a major telephone company. As they partner with the government to provide assistance, including a free Apple iPhone or Samsung Galaxy device (including a tablet), to people in need - please contact a telecommunication company directly first.
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