What To Know About Obtaining A Free Cell Phone

December 21st, 2009 by Traci Bolton

What to know about obtaining a free cell phone means learning the two major methods for doing so. The most common is that one will find a wireless provider that is giving away a phone as a promotional item. For sure, just about everyone today is doing so. In the other, one will participate in a government sponsored program that helps people of certain incomes obtain phones and the airtime to use them.

This second method for obtaining a phone can be a real boon to those who just don't have the income to have a phone in the household or a cell phone that they can make use of. For sure, risking going without some form of telephone coverage really puts people at a disadvantage, especially if there is an emergency at some point or another. Relying on the kindness of others can be a bit uncertain.

There are a number of organizations and companies out there that can help a person obtain a free cell phone that includes a certain number of minutes per month that will roll over if they are unused and also the placement of them into a good cellular service provider. At the least, these programs can help people obtain cellular service at discounted rates. Income levels will be examined before entry into the program.

Generally, people wishing to obtain a phone in this manner will also need to be participating in one of a number of federal or state aid and assistance programs, including Medicaid, food stamps or are living in public housing. When it comes to the income levels or guidelines that people must meet, it might be a bit surprising to know that those levels are not that steep.

Usually, those who have a total household income that is at or below-5% of the guidelines for poverty set by the particular state in which the person lives in can qualify for such programs. Additionally, no one else in the household must be participating in the government-sponsored free cell phone programs that are out there and available for people to take advantage of.

Those wishing to qualify must also have a valid home address in order to receive their cell phones and other materials. Post office boxes are not considered acceptable addresses for purposes of aid granted for the cell phone programs that are sponsored by the government. Be prepared to provide proof of participation in one of those government aid programs such as Medicaid or public housing.

When you get right down to it, what it takes to find a free cell phone means that one will be looking at either these government programs or entering into a very basic agreement with just about any wireless cell phone service provider. Many of them are practically throwing in free phones just as a promotional gimmick in order to get someone to sign up with their service these days.

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