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 is an exciting opportunity for those who might not have the income to afford not only a land line — meaning a traditional in-house phone — but also a cellular phone. It is a certainty in this day and age that those without the means to communicate, such as with a phone of some sort, are really at a disadvantage when it comes to just about every aspect of living, especially if there’s an emergency.

A number of companies and organizations exist — with all having websites on the Internet — that will aid in helping the person get their free cell phone. Not only will they get the phone, but they’ll also have regular cellular service and a certain number of minutes per month which will roll over if they are not used. They will have to provide proof that they meet certain income guidelines, though.

Generally speaking, those who might qualify for a free cell phone under this sort of government program will already be participating in one sort of federal or state assistance program or another. This can include living in public housing, drawing food stamps or those who are on Medicaid. The fiscal ceilings are actually not all that difficult to meet, either.

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.

There is not really all that much to actually qualifying for a free cell phone under these programs. For those who are more interested in obtaining a free cell phone as part of a wireless provider’s normal promotional activity, just about every single one these providers will throw in a free phone for most any person willing to enter into a short length contract with them.

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