Free government phones in South Carolina and help with phone bills.
Find a free government phone, tablet or computer in South Carolina as well as financial help to pay cell phone bills. There are government assistance programs that help senior citizens, the disabled or low-income families. Free wireless devices, including Samsung Galaxy or iPhone, and offered. Find free government phones and assistance programs in SC.
The two main programs are Lifeline and Link-up. Most phone and wireless companies participate as well, including Assurance, SafeLink, Tracfone, AT&T, Verizon, T Mobile and others. The federal government FTC ensure people have a free government phone, landline, broadband or help paying bills for employment, medical emergencies, and to ensure seniors can keep in touch with family.
Lifeline Program for free phones or financial help in SC
This government assistance program provides eligible low-income families with a monthly discount on their phone or internet service, free cell phones or broadband internet as well. Some phone companies also will provide, in addition to those discounts, free cell phones, even including a Google Pixel, Apple iPhone or Samsung. The program can help lower the cost of either a home phone, cable internet or cell phone plan. Or look here for other cable bill assistance for low-income families.
To qualify for Lifeline in SC, the applicant’s household income must be at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, and this is adjusted based on family size, such as number of kids. Cell phone assistance or free smartphones will also be given to people that participate in a qualifying government assistance program such as Medicaid, Food Stamps-Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), LIHEAP in South Carolina, or Federal Public Housing Assistance such as section 8. People on Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit Programs are also able to get a free government cell phone.
When applying (find more information below), cable or phone companies also need proof of receiving public assistance or income. All factors are considered too, such as Social Security Benefits, income from child support or disability, and more. The household status will also factor into whether companies provide free cell phones or not, as it is not mandatory but an additional benefit.
Note only is assistance, such as discounts opr reduced rates offered, but many families get other government aid. enTouch, Safelink, and Assurance Wireless not only give out free cell phones to people on Lifeline in South Carolina, but they give other benefits too. This includes monthly data, unlimited texting, and maybe even a tablet.
Additional government assistance is from Link-Up in South Carolina. This will help pay some set up/connection fees for low-income families as well as people who live on federally recognized Tribal lands. While this program is not as widely applicable as Lifeline, it’s an important resource for those who qualify. The program helps pay costs associated with initiating phone service, even for a cell phone or cable internet. This includes installation and activation fees.
While Link-Up does not offer ongoing monthly discounts like Lifeline, it can significantly reduce the upfront costs associated with establishing phone service. The program pays tens of dollars (depending on the wireless carrier) of the initial installation fee for a traditional landline or sets up a wireless account.
These programs need to be renewed annually. This means that if the families income changes, or they lose benefit programs such as SNAP or Medicaid, it may be more challenging to get telephone bill assistance for subsequent years in South Carolina. Note it will also take time to review and asses an applications, so this is not an emergency program.
Applying for phone programs in SC
These phone bill assistance programs are mandated by the federal government FTC and the Universal Service Fund that people pay. If after requesting assistance and need further support is getting financial help or a free tablet, phone or broadband, South Carolina does have a hotline for extra support.
The program is run directly by phone companies or cable providers in South Carolina. They provide assistance, in partnership with the federal government. Anyone who needs a free cell phone, or more information or applications to Lifeline or other assistance, needs to call their wireless company or cable provider. Th state also has a customer service number, and that is (803) 737-0800.
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