Mississippi isn’t one of the wealthier states in the USA with a median household income of $43,567 and a poverty rate of 19.6%. The state’s population stood at 2.9 million in 2019. Some of the largest companies in the state are Sta-Home Health & Hospice, the Mississippi Government, Sanderson Farms, Commerce Beaucoup LLC, Greek Orthodox Church of Holy, Island View Casino Resort, and Ameristar Casino Vicksburg, just to name a few. In proportion to its population, the Magnolia state has one of the highest poverty rates in America. This situation is largely caused by low wages, high unemployment, and an agricultural economy. Many families rely on external aid to get food clothes. With 568,000 living in poverty, any aid program that ameliorates the harsh edges of living in need would be appreciated. The Lifeline program from the federal government. Under this program, eligible Americans can get a free phone with free minutes from participating carriers.
Companies that Provide Free Government Cell Phones in Mississippi
Luckily, 7 companies support the free government cell phone program in Mississippi. The good news is that their packages are similar, so you may opt for any company of your choice. Find the list of carriers that offer free government cell phones in Mississippi below.
- Life Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- feel safe Wireless
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Reachout Wireless
Eligibility Criteria for Free Government Cell Phones in Mississippi
To qualify for a free government cell phone in any state of the US, you must meet the eligibility criteria. You’re wondering what the requirements are? Don’t worry, we will be listing them shortly. There are two means by which you can qualify. They are:
- You may be eligible if you are part of any government-paid lifeline programs
- Eligibility Based on The Household Income Rule
Eligibility Based on the Household Income Rule
What does this rule mean? Household income rule stipulates that households at or less than 135% of the federal poverty level qualify for the program. The current figures are presented below.
Members in Household: Annual Income
1 member $17,226
2 members. $23,274
3 members. $29,332
4 members. $35,370
5 members. $41, 418
6 members $47,466
7 members. $53, 514
8 members. $59, 572
Qualification by Membership of Government Lifeline Programs
Perhaps you do not qualify based on the first criteria, you may qualify if you are a participant of any of the paid government programs. If you’re not gainfully employed, chances are that you will be part of one of the programs. To put your worries to rest, we have listed the programs below.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans or Survivors Pension
- Family Independence Program
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
- National School Lunch Program
- Free Lunch Program
- Bureau Of Indian Affairs General Assistance
- Administered Temporary Assistance To Needy Families
- Head Start
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
Steps to Getting Free Government Cell Phones
To refresh your memory, you can’t apply for a free government cell phone if you don’t qualify. So, before you begin the process, check your eligibility status. You may be eligible by being part of a government-paid program or by the household income rule. Follow the following steps after you’ve confirmed that you’re eligible.
Choose a Telephone Company
Check the list of telephone companies that are part of the free government cell phone program. Be sure that the company you pick grants a free government cell phone in Mississippi. The good news is that you may decide to pick any phone company you like. If you’re not sure what packages they offer, Google search each of the telecommunication companies that we have listed earlier. Compare their offers to decide what’s best for you. Note that you can’t pick more than one telephone company.
Get an Application Form
After deciding which company you wish to contact, the next thing is to request an application form. You can make this request online or visit their office.
Fill out the Application Form and Attach Proof of Eligibility
You’re not done, this is the final and perhaps the most important step. Enter the details required in the application form. You should not just provide this information, you’re required to provide accurate information. Because whatever you fill shall be verified. You will be required to enter your full name, date of birth, home address, and information about your household. Any application without proof of eligibility won’t be processed. So, if you fall under the household income rule, attach your income statement or Federal tax return. In the same vein, if you qualify because you are a participant of any government-paid program, submit your membership document along with your form. Note that only photocopies of these documents are required and you will be asked to re-certify your eligibility every year. Here’s is a summary of the process
- Confirm that you’re eligible
- Pick a suitable carrier
- Obtain, fill out and submit the application form along with evidence
- Wait for the free government cell phone.
Conclusion
With the Lifeline program, you have one less reason to get twisted about finances. Daily survival can be less of a struggle as the Lifeline program eases the financial burden on you.
Below are other articles that you may be interested in:
Obama Phone – History, Eligibility and Providers
Companies That Offer Free Government Phone – Free Cell Phone Providers
Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone?
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?