It is possible to obtain free government phones Maryland if you meet various requirements. Smartphones are expensive, and not everyone can afford them. We have various reasons that make the devices expensive. First, the cost of components has been rising. The latest smartphones are packed with powerful processors, high-resolution displays, and sophisticated cameras, all of which can be expensive to manufacture. Secondly, the cost of marketing and advertising has also been rising. Smartphone manufacturers spend billions of dollars yearly on marketing their products, which drives their costs.
Another reason phones, especially smartphones, are unaffordable is that the average phone user keeps their phone longer. In the past, people would upgrade their phones every two years or so. However, with the increasing capabilities of smartphones, people are now keeping their phones for longer, which means that manufacturers can charge more for them. The federal government understands that it is not easy to afford a phone for some households and devised ways to offer low-income people free devices.
There are various reasons why everyone should have a phone. Phones are a great way to connect with friends, family, and colleagues. You can make calls, send text messages, and use social media apps to stay linked with the people you care about. One can also use phones to access a wealth of information. You can use them to search the web, read news articles, and get directions. Moreover, you can use a phone to play games, watch videos, and listen to music. Additionally, you can use phones to read books, magazines, and newspapers.
Ways to get free government phones in Maryland
You can use two ways to get a free government phone in Maryland.
1. Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a government program that provides free or discounted phone service to low-income individuals and families. It is funded by the Universal Service Fund (USF), a surcharge added to all phone bills.
Your household income must be at or below 135% of the federal poverty rules to qualify for Lifeline. You may also qualify if you participate in specific government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). Once you qualify for Lifeline, you will be eligible for a free or discounted phone and monthly service. The type of phone and the amount of service you receive will vary depending on the provider.
How to apply for Lifeline
There are a few ways to apply for Lifeline. You may apply online, by mail, or by calling the Lifeline Support Center. Let us look at each one of them.
- Online application
- Go to the Lifeline website.
- Click on the “Apply for Lifeline” button.
- Follow the instructions on the website to complete your application.
- Mail application
- Download the Lifeline application form from the Lifeline website.
- Fill out the application form and mail it to the address on the form.
- Phone application
- Call the Lifeline Support Center at 1-800-234-6185.
- Provide the customer service representative with your information.
- The customer service representative will help you complete your application.
Documents required
To apply for Lifeline, you will need to provide the following documentation:
- Proof of identity, including a national ID card or driver’s license.
- Income proof, such as a recent pay stub or tax return.
- Proof of residency: A lease agreement or utility bill.
Maryland Lifeline service providers
Various Lifeline service providers in Maryland include the following.
- Assurance Wireless
- Cintex Wireless
- enTouch Wireless
- TruConnect
- Tracfone
- Safelink Wireless
- Astound Wireless
2. Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The ACP is a new government program that provides free or discounted internet and cell phone services to low-income individuals and families. Some service providers can offer free cell phones to qualifying person. To qualify for ACP, your household income must be 200% or lower of the federal poverty guidelines. You can apply for ACP online or by calling 1-855-846-8326.
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is a government program that provides discounts on internet service and connected devices to low-income households. The ACP is a successor to the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program (EBBP), created in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ACP provides a discount of not more than $30 per month on internet service for eligible families and up to $75 monthly for households on qualifying Tribal lands. The ACP also provides a one-time discount of up to $100 for purchasing a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet from participating providers.
Your household income must be 200% or lower of the federal poverty rules to qualify for the ACP. One can also qualify if they participate in government assistance projects, such as Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
How to apply for ACP
There are a few ways to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). You can apply online, by mail, or call the ACP Support Center.
- To apply online
- Go to the ACP website.
- Click on the “Apply for ACP” button.
- Follow the instructions on the website to complete your application.
- To apply by mail
- Download the ACP application form from the ACP website.
- Fill out the application form and mail it to the address on the form.
- To apply by calling
- Call the ACP Support Center at 1-855-846-8326.
- Provide the customer service representative with your information.
- The customer service representative will help you complete your application.
Required Documentation
The documentation you must provide to apply for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) will vary depending on your circumstances. However, some of the most common documents you may need to provide include:
- Proof of identity: A driver’s license, state ID card, or passport.
- Proof of income: This could be a recent pay stub, tax return, or benefits statement.
- Residency proof. Might be a utility bill, lease agreement, or bank statement.
- Proof of enrollment in a qualifying government assistance program: This could be a letter from your benefits administrator or a copy of your benefits award letter.
If you are applying for ACP on behalf of a child, you must also provide proof of the child’s age and relationship to you. That could be a birth certificate, school records, or a copy of your child’s social security card.
Bottom line
There are a few ways to get a free government phone in Maryland. You can apply for Lifeline, a government program that provides free or discounted phone service to low-income individuals and families. You can also apply for ACP, which is a new government program that provides discounts on internet service and connected devices to low-income households. In addition, some other government programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, and SSI, may also offer free cell phone service as part of their benefits.