A landline (mainline, land-line, fixed-line, home phone, or wireline) is a telephone connection that relies on metal wires or optical fiber cables to transmit signals. That is different from a mobile cellular network, which utilizes radio waves to transmit signals. Wireline telephones are usually installed for homes and offices. However, the installation is only affordable to some, and most people require help to install it in their homes. You will learn how to get a free landline for seniors.
Seniors are people of old age. The age varies from country to country or from one assistance program to another. For example, Medicare considers seniors as people at least 65 years old. The government offers Social Security benefits for seniors starting at 62. At the same time, the Social Security Office argues that 67 is the retirement age. Surprisingly, you can visit an Arby’s or McDonald’s if you are 55 to get a senior discount.
Most seniors need help to afford basic things with phone services included. That is why you can get free landline services from the government in various ways. We all understand that seniors require constant communication with their loved ones. Having a landline phone at home makes reaching out for help when in distress easy. The only major disadvantage of landline phones is that they are fixed, and you cannot carry them from one place to another.
Learn More: Flip Phones For Seniors For Free
Advantages of landline phones
Despite a few challenges, landline phones have various advantages. These include the following.
- Eliminates the need to charge batteries.
- Offers unlimited local calling.
- They are excellent for emergencies with 911.
- Have superior sound quality.
- They can work during an electrical outage.
- No call dropping.
- They cannot be hacked.
How to get free Landline for seniors
If you are a senior searching for a free landline, it is easy to get one if you are eligible. You can get one through the Lifeline assistance program. Lifeline is a federal assistance program that makes phone and internet services more affordable for low-income families. The benefit provides eligible US citizens a monthly discount of up to $9.25. Consumers living on Tribal lands can get an enhanced monthly discount of up to $34.25.
To benefit from Lifeline, you must apply for the program, sign up with a participating phone company, recertify annually, and keep your information current. The phone or internet company enrolls you in the Lifeline program and manages your service. Usually, Lifeline offers eligible consumers a discount on qualifying monthly telephone service, bundled voice-broadband packages, and broadband Internet service purchased from participating service providers.
How to qualify for Lifeline
You must qualify for Lifeline for your application to go through. You can qualify if your gross household income is 135% or below the Federal Poverty Guidelines. You can also qualify if you or a person in your household participates in one or more of the following government assistance programs.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
- Medicaid
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Supplemental Security Income
- Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit
- Certain Tribal Programs.
To prove your eligibility, you must have documents that show that you participate in a particular assistance program or have a low income. For income proof, you can show documents such as;
- Veterans Administration statement of benefits
- Unemployment/Workers’ Compensation statement of benefits
- Prior year’s federal, state, or Tribal tax return
- UP to date income statement from your current employer or a paycheck stub
- Federal/Tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Child support award, divorce decree, or another official document with income information
You can bring any of the following documents for program participation as proof.
- Statement of benefits
- Benefit award letter
- Approval letter
- Benefit verification letter
How to apply for Lifeline
Once you confirm that you are eligible by getting all the requirements together, the next thing is to apply for the program. You need your date of birth, full name, home address, and last 4 digits of your Social Security Number or Tribal identification number. There are three ways you can apply for Lifeline. They include the following.
1. Online
You can apply for the assistance program online using your phone or computer. You only need to visit “nv.fcc.gov/lifeline” and log in or create your account, then scroll down to choose your state and tap the get started button. A new page requiring details such as your three names, the last four digits of your Social Security Number, and your address opens. After that, press Next to proceed and complete the application. Once your application succeeds, you will receive further details on choosing your service provider and using your service. If you live in California, Texas, or Oregon. You should check with your phone or internet company or visit your state’s website to check out how to apply for the program.
2. Through your service provider
Lifeline service providers also allow you to apply for Lifeline service when you visit their websites. You only need to provide all the necessary details, and you are good to go. The service providers also pass your documents in the national verifier portal to see if you are eligible. After that, you will receive communication on how to get your free landline service.
3. By mail
You may also apply for Lifeline through the mail service. You should download and print the Lifeline application form, then complete all the necessary details to proceed. You can access the form in English or Spanish languages. After completing the form, also attach copies of the eligibility proof and send them to;
- Lifeline Support Center
- PO Box 7081
- London, KY 40742
Once your application succeeds, you will receive communication on what to do next, including choosing your service provider.
Lifeline rules
There are various Lifeline rules you must follow once you become a beneficiary. They include the following.
- You must recertify once a year.
- Never transfer your Lifeline benefit
- Only one person per household can get the benefit
- You must keep your benefit active
Bottom line
A landline is a telephone connection that relies on metal wires or optical fiber cables to transmit signals. You can install it in your home or office. The phone service suits seniors the most for emergency services. The government offers free landline service to low-income seniors through the Lifeline program. You can apply for the program online by visiting the relevant websites or mail. Only one benefit is allowed per household.