Did you know that AT&T is one of the US communications companies that participate in the Lifeline Program–the Free Government Cellphone Program? The AT&T Lifeline Program is a US Government initiative that aims to provide low-income individuals and families to obtain a means to communicate. Most of the services offer discounted phone or internet plans with free devices so you can get in touch with work opportunities and your loved ones. Honestly, rather than AT&T, CRWatchdog suggests you choose another wireless company for your free government phone.
How Does the AT&T Lifeline Program Work?
The AT&T Lifeline Program offers discounts for home internet and phone lines, but you cannot avail of both at the same time. You can only get one discounted account for every household, and you cannot apply to other Lifeline Program providers if you decide to go with AT&T. Their internet service is the same, so qualifying households and its members cannot apply for a phone line discount or avail one from another company.
Unfortunately, there are no free Government Phones with the AT&T Lifeline Program unlike with the service providers listed in this guide. You can only apply for a discounted phone line which has at least a $5.25 reduction on your total monthly bill. Qualifying users living on federally recognized tribal lands get as much as $25 off the monthly bill.
You can bring your own mobile phone, or you can ask about the company’s low-cost installment offers on entry-level phones. Some phones like the Samsung A11 are free with the basic plans, so you might be able to get it at very affordable terms if you don’t already have a phone.
How Do I Qualify for AT&T Lifeline Program?
The best way to know if you qualify for the AT&T Lifeline Program is to check if your income is 135% or less than the Federal Poverty Guidelines in your state. You can also qualify if you or someone in your household is subscribed to the following federal assistance programs;
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP or Food Stamps)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
Tribal Programs (Or if you live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
You should also take note that you must be a current AT&T internet subscriber at an eligible location if you want to apply for the $9.25 discount. You also have to recertify every year to maintain your phone discount, and you need to comply within 60 days of notification or your AT&T Lifeline Program discount will be terminated.
Which States Have the AT&T Lifeline Program?
The AT&T Lifeline Program for phones and mobile wireless is offered in the following states:
Alabama, Arkansas, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota (Pine Ridge-Oglala Sioux Tribal lands), Texas, Washington, West Virginia, Puerto Rico, and US Virgin Islands
How Do I Apply for the AT&T Lifeline Program?
You can apply online via the National Verifier if you live in the states listed above except for Oregon, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Texas.
For Oregon, you can call the Oregon Telephone Assistance Program at 855.703.768 or apply online. For Oregon Tribal land residents, you can call 855.716.1191 instead.
For Puerto Rico, you can call 787.405.5463 every Monday through Fridays from 8 am to 5 pm AT.
Sor South Dakota (Pine Ridge) You can visit the Rushmore Crossing AT&T store at 1325 Eglin Street, Suite 200, Rapid City SD 57701. Take note that you must be a member of the Pine Ridge Oglala Sioux tribe to qualify.
AT&T Lifeline Program Restrictions
The AT&T Lifeline Program offers for wireless mobile phones is for voice calls only. So some services like data, text messaging, enhanced features, and international long-distance along with access to 900 numbers may not be available.
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