Free Cell Phones for Veterans
My dad is a war veteran who has now retired. He currently lives off of Social Security and VA benefits. It is quite hard for him to meet his monthly expenses. He has had to scrimp and save every penny and even though life is still tough financially speaking. I told him to eliminate all the extra expenses that are not necessary in his life such as cable TV and a cell phone. He said that he could get rid of the cable TV but the cell phone was necessary. He might need to make emergency calls to family and friends. I had to agree with him on having the cell phone. If he didn’t have one, I wouldn’t be able to keep in touch with him. But, the cell phone plan he had was still rather expensive. He was paying about $50 per month. I decided to do some research to find out if there were cheaper alternatives.
After doing some research, I was able to find out about the free cell phones for veterans program. Since my dad was retired and collecting only from Social Security and VA, he was able to qualify for the program due to his income level. The program is funded by Lifeline which is a government subsidy program and is paid for through the Universal Service Fund. To get the free cell phone, my dad had to fill out an application through Safelink Wireless or Assurance Wireless. Both are cell phone service providers. Not only would they give him a free phone, but he would also get about 250 free minutes per month for calling and texting. To get into this program, my dad had to send them proof of his income. He used his previous year’s tax return but you could also use your pay stubs for the last three months. Luckily for my dad, he lives in a state where this Lifeline program is available. Apparently, this program is only currently available in 38 states. You can check if it’s available in your state by going to Safelink Wireless or Assurance Wireless and then entering your address. My dad would also have to show proof of his income every year if he wanted to stay on this program.
In my research for free cell phones for retired soldiers, I also came upon a non-profit organization called Cell Phones for Soldiers. This organization aims to provide free communication services for active duty military members and veterans. It started in 2004 and has provided about 181 million minutes of free talk time. This program is supported by donations from others which include old cell phones and phone cards. You can check them out at their website for more information on how to apply for a free phone.
I’m glad I was able to find a free alternative cell phone plan for my dad. That has allowed him to save $50 per month which he uses to buy food. This program can certainly help a lot of people that are like my dad.
Dear Sir/Madam, I am the Homeless Veteran Outreah Coordinator for the Veteran Administraion Oakland Regional Office. Ostensibly my responsibilities are to educate and reach out to the homeless veterans and community organizations that support the homeless. However, for all practical purposes, I coordinate VA Homeless services between homeless veterans and community, city and state organizations.
The lack of communications between the veteran community and the VA ofte makes it all but impossible to provide services and critical resources. Providing homeless veterans with cell phones remidies. Having their own cell phones and wireless service not only allows for better communications between the VA and veterans but it also enhancing their quality of life.
I received my free cell phone , but it is broken. What can I do. I have Called and called and no one seems to know what to do.
Sir do you have any information about programs for retired military people in Louisiana. it is pretty limited here where I live
ruston, LA 71270
Thanks for this information.It was very useful.
dear sir or mam iam a disabled vet and right now i have only one good ear right side . because a year a go january 2014 i had a virus called mersa and spent two months in the va hospital.
I am retired at 62 years of age, and live on social security and a small pension, I live in the state of Fla, what and how can I qualify.
read about your dad’s phone and I was wondering if his income affected his getting the phone? did he have to have a limited amount or does it not matter just that he is a veteran? I am and I know my va income is more than safelinks limit so did it matter?
A little up date might be in order for this site. As of Aug 7, 2015 Safe Link has dropped all vets except those on food stamps,Medicaid, SSI, or SSD. Our entire VA facility in Broward county has been effected by it. A lot of our vets are aging on SS. or are homeless. Unless they can get on food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, or SSD they no long qualify.
I got a phone at the va and it was great. then i got a letter from safelink that said i no longer qualified for the phone. The only income my wife and i have is SS I guess this makes us rich. We can only get enough food to last for three weeks out of the month.I was told at the food stamp office we did not qualify for anything because we worked all our lives, were white,not hispanic, and owned a home(not payed for). The house payment,electric bill,and other bills don’t count.So I get a cell phone from safelink and now I don’t qualify for even that.I did qualify to go to southeast asia for two years and be shot at.I’m sorry, but this sucks.
I am a homeless veteran, currently living in a camping trailer with no residential street address. I served in the U.S. Army (Signal Corps) 1974-1977, Massachusetts Army National Guard (1978-1979) and U.S. Army Reserve (Intelligence Corps) 1982-1990. Honorably discharged. I need a telephone number to put on my resume, so that prospective employers can contact me. Also, the V.A., to keep me informed about medical appointments.
I hope somebody can help.
Thank you.
Hi David
I am a VSO in North Reading It is my hope things are better at this point in time for you.
Should you require any assistance on my end please call 978 357 5212
Have you met with your Veterans Service Officer yet?
I AM A YOUNG ARMY VET, THAT HAS HARD TIME FINDING A JOB AND NEED A CELL PHONE. I WAS IN IRAQ IN COMBAT AND HOPE SOME ONE CAN HELP ME
RESPECTFULLY
ADAM ROSA
I’m a young Army Vet from Iraq and having a problem getting a job. I’ve been told I have to be on some kind of government programs. I’m a VET IN NEED OF HELP>
Respectfully
Adam Rosa
Adam
please feel free to contact my office at 978 357 5212
I am the Veterans Director in North Reading
we are here to help
We are Vets as well
Please call for some guidance and assistance
Im a Military Specialist in the state of WA and would like to know if this service is available in this state to our homeless Vets. If so how do I get more info on the program and how to refer?
legitimate place to donate a used cell phone to a Vetern
While attending an apointment at the VA in Ocala,FL.,i was issued an “obama” free phone about 3-4 years ago. Never worked where i live in Salt Springs,FL. Is there such a thing as a free smart phone because i do pay for Internet and wifi here and sure could use phone coverage cause i’m disabled due to lungs and sometimes need help…Thanks and hope to hear from someone…
I was considered a homeless Veteran about 2 years ago. Do I qualify for a free smart phone?
Have phone now number (xxx) xxx xxx it no longer works can I get a replacement?