The state of Wyoming has a poverty rate of 11.1%. While this is not as alarming as other states, it still means there is a good number of people who are in need of federal government assistance. Food, clothing, and shelter among other basics, but communication is also important. This is why the free government cellphone program in Wyoming is very much welcome. With this, low-income earners can keep in touch with loved ones, potential employers, and emergency services. If you live in the state of Wyoming and are in need of a free government cellphone, then keep reading. We will be discussing eligibility criteria, and how you can apply.
Which Mobile Phone Companies Offer Free Government Cellphones in Wyoming?
Considering that the poverty rate in the state is not as high as others, there are currently two mobile phone companies that offer the service to those in poverty. They are listed below.
Both mobile phone companies offer almost the same packages. Although there are slight differences in what they offer regarding talk time, SMS, and data plans. Go through each of their packages to be sure of what you can benefit from using their mobile services.
Who is Eligible for a Free Government Cellphone in Wyoming?
Not everyone can be eligible for a free government cellphone in Wyoming. There are certain requirements that qualify a candidate. You can only get a free government cellphone in Wyoming via two means. These are –
- Eligibility by program participation
- Eligibility by annual household income
Eligibility Based on Lifeline Program Participation
Being a beneficiary of any one of the lifeline assistance programs listed below, you will be eligible to apply for a free government cellphone in Wyoming. These programs 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 are a participant in any of these programs, you will be issued a membership card. This card not only grants you access to certain benefits, it is also required during your application process. That is if you’re applying based on program participation.
Eligibility Based on Annual Household Income
The second way you can be eligible for a free government cellphone in Wyoming is if your annual household income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for the state. Below we have taken out the time to list out the ratio of household size to eligible annual income per household. Take a good look at the numbers to see if and where you fit in.
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 Wyoming
If you are certain you are eligible for a free government cellphone in this state, then you can go ahead and start your application process. If you’ve never done this before, then follow the steps below to apply for your new phone.
1. Choose a Cellphone Company
This shouldn’t be so difficult, being that there are only two cellphone companies to choose from. Nonetheless, you still have to investigate the packages they offer. You can visit their individual websites and scroll through all their available plans. If you need more information than the websites provide, you can send them an email or give them a call. All your questions will be answered and you can make your choice from there.
2. Request and Application Form
Step two of the process is to get the form. Without it you wouldn’t be able to apply. There are a few ways you can get the application form. You can visit the lifeline support center in your state and ask for a form. You will be handed one on request. Another way to get the form is to download it from the website of the cellphone company you choose and print it out. You can also ask that the form is mailed or faxed to you.
3. Fill the Form
Once you have the form in hand, then you are a step closer to getting a free government cellphone. All you will have to do now is to fill the form as accurately as you can. Be sure to provide no false information as you fill it out. You could be easily disqualified if it is found that you have provided false information. An extra tip here is to go through the form after you have filled it to be sure you made no mistakes. Among the information you will be required to provide include your first and last names, date of birth, home address, employment status, annual household income, household size, and participation in any lifeline assistance program.
4. Provide Proof of Eligibility
Without proving your eligibility, you will not be awarded a free cellphone. The proof you will be required to provide comes in the form of relevant documents. The documents required will be determined by the basis on which you are applying for the phone. If you are applying based on program participation, then you will be asked to provide your membership card as proof. If you are applying based on annual household income, you will be asked to provide your bank statements or tax return for the past year. This will serve as sufficient proof. A person’s financial status can change at any time, which means your eligibility will be reviewed on a yearly basis.
5. Submit and Wait for Your Phone
Submit the form with the relevant documents to the lifeline support center in Wyoming either by hand or mail. If you’re in order, then you’ll get your free government cellphone.
Conclusion
We hope the information provided here regarding how you can get a free government cellphone in Wyoming has been helpful. If you are eligible, then you can start your application today.
Below are other articles that you may be interested in:
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Companies That Offer Free Government Phone
Do I Qualify For A Free Government Phone?
Medicaid Eligibility and Types
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)?