At 11.3% poverty level, Utah has a good number of its citizens that could use some government assistance in the area of feeding, housing, medical care, and even telecommunication. Keeping in touch with family members, business associates, and emergency services is very vital. But sadly, not everyone can afford the costs of mobile phone services. Thankfully, the free government cellphone program is available in Utah and eligible candidates can take advantage of this. In this article, we’ll be discussing free government cellphones in Utah. We will also be looking at the eligibility criteria as well as the steps to take during application.
Which Cellphone Companies are Part of the Free Government Cellphone Program in Utah?
The good news for Utah residents is that there are many cellphone companies that offer free government cellphones in the state. Since they are many, your options are vast so you should go through each of their packages one by one to see the one that best fits your unique situation. You can get all the info you need from their respective websites. Below is a list of the participating mobile phone companies.
- Access Wireless
- American Assistance
- Assurance Wireless
- Cellular One
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tempo Communications
How can a Person be Eligible for a Free Government Cellphone in Utah?
There are only two means by which you can be granted a free government cellphone in Utah. These include by program participation and by income eligibility.
Program Participation Eligibility
There are several lifeline assistance programs available in the state of Utah which members can benefit from. All participants are issued ID cards as proof of membership and this will be required if you’re applying for a free cellphone based on program eligibility. The lifeline assistance programs that grant you eligibility are listed below.
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps/ Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
- Section 8/ Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
If you do not belong to any of these programs, then the only other way you can be eligible is based on annual household income.
Annual Household Income Eligibility Requirements
According to the federal household income laws, if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty lines, then you are eligible to apply for a free cellphone. Take a look at the household size to income ratios listed below to know if you can apply based on income.
1 member: $17,226
2 members: $23,274
3 members: $29,322
4 members: $35,370
5 members: $41,418
6 members: $47,466
7 members: $53,514
8 members: $59,562
For each additional person, add $6,048
How to Apply for a Free Government Cellphone in Utah
After your eligibility has been confirmed, you can start applying for your free phone. The application process isn’t difficult, but to make sure you’re on the right track, we have listed out the important steps you need to follow.
1. Choose a Cellphone Company
There are several cellphone companies in Utah that are part of the free cellphone program. This means your first task would be to choose the company that will offer you the best possible package. This could be in form of voice call hours, SMS, data plans, and other discounts. These companies will offer almost the same packages, but there are slight differences here and there. These slight differences may be all it takes for you to have a more enjoyable free cellphone experience. To be sure of exactly what each of these companies offer, you can go through their websites and find out for yourself. You could also call their office or send them an email if you have further questions.
2. Get an Application Form
An application form will be needed so you have to visit the lifeline support center in your state to get one or download it from their website. The form is free and it would be handed to you on request.
3. Fill the Form
You will be required to provide some very vital information as you fill the form. Details like your first and last names, date of birth, residential address, household size, employment status, annual income, and program participation must be provided. Keep in mind that all the details you provide must be accurate. False information will not only slow down the process, it may also cause you to be disqualified from getting a free phone. It would be a good idea to go over your form before you submit. This will give you the chance to pick out any errors and correct them.
4. Attach Evidence of Eligibility
If you are eligible for a free cellphone, then proving it won’t be difficult. If you are applying based on your annual household income, then your statement of account from the past year will be enough proof. Your tax receipts can also serve as evidence of eligibility based on income. Bank statements can be gotten from any of your bank’s branches. You can also ask them to send it to your email and print out. If the basis of your application is on program participation, then your membership ID card will be enough evidence. Attach them to the application form as you submit. We have to point out that eligibility can change if your financial situation improves. If you begin earning above the federal poverty guidelines, then you will no longer be eligible for a free government cellphone in Utah.
5. Submit the Form and Wait for Your Phone
The last step to the whole application process is submitting the form. All you need to do is to mail it to the lifeline support center in Utah or to the mobile phone company you have selected. If your application is in order, then you will get a free phone.
Conclusion
A poverty rate of just above 11% isn’t chaotic, but it still means there are people in Utah that need assistance. Go through the information provided in this article to see if you are eligible for a free government cellphone in Utah and start the application process today.
Below are other articles that you may be interested in:
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Companies That Offer Free Government Phone – Free Cell Phone Providers
Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone?
Medicaid Eligibility and Types
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?