by If you live in Oklahoma and are qualified for the Lifeline program, you can obtain the finest minutes and data plans, free cell phone service, and much more.
You must fulfill many standards, such as having a family income of at least 135% of the federal poverty threshold, to be qualified for a no-cost government cell phone.
Step 1: Determine Your Eligibility
To determine your Lifeline cell phone service eligibility, visit your local county DHS office to obtain documentation demonstrating your program eligibility. Contact your telecom provider and ask them to confirm your program eligibility. Then choose a service plan with unlimited talk, text, and data from a provider participating in the Lifeline program.
Hundreds of national wireless and broadband service providers participate in the Lifeline program in Oklahoma, including major national carriers and smaller regional and bargain carriers. You can get a list of cooperating providers by utilizing the search function on the Universal Service Administrative Company’s (USAC) website. However, be aware that the search results may need more comprehensive detail.
Your household income must be at least 135% of the federal poverty level established by your state and federal government to be eligible for Lifeline. You can qualify for Lifeline based on your participation in specific government programs, such as unemployment benefits, Medicaid, supplemental nutrition assistance, or federal public housing assistance.
Additionally, the Lifeline program only offers a free phone or broadband connection to one member of each home. If you find that your household is eligible for more than one Lifeline benefit, you will have to undergo recertification annually.
Step 2: Submit Your Application
Eligible households receive monthly discounts of up to $30 (or $75 if you live on qualified tribal land) on phone and broadband services through the Lifeline Program and a one-time discount toward an internet-capable device. Choose a service provider when you apply for Lifeline.
Several providers offer free cell phones and unlimited data plans in Oklahoma. You must be a state resident and make the required income to qualify. You must also have a qualifying government assistance program, such as Medicaid, SNAP benefits (food stamps), SSI, Tribally administered TANF, or Head Start.
Each company will have its process for submitting an application and verifying eligibility. You must follow all the guidelines carefully to ensure your eligibility. If you do not, you could be subject to de-enrollment or fines.
It is also important to note that only one phone or plan per household can be provided through the program. You may be subject to penalties or even de-enrollment from the program if you have duplicate Lifeline benefits. It is to prevent people from abusing the system. Households found to violate this rule will be punished by de-enrollment or even fines and imprisonment. It is a severe offense and could cost you your free Lifeline phone.
Step 3: Receive Your Discount
You can receive free phone service and discounted broadband internet access as a program participant. You can choose which option is best for your household. You cannot receive both. You can only get one Lifeline subsidy per household.
Each year, you need to recertify for the program. You receive notice from USAC or your carrier that it’s time to recertify. You must verify your income is below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. You can submit documents that prove your eligibility.
The process for recertifying is easy and fast. You can keep your service as long as you provide the required documentation.
The Lifeline Program is a government assistance program that provides free telecommunications services to eligible low-income households. It includes phone, internet, and bundled plans. Each state has a Lifeline provider, or carrier, partnered with the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to offer these services to program participants. You can find a list of carriers by state on the Lifeline website. Most carriers also have local call centers to assist with any issues.
Step 4: Get Service
Hundreds of wireless and broadband providers offer service through the Lifeline Program. You can find one that offers a plan in your area by searching for it on the USAC website, which manages the National Verifier database created by the FCC.
The best way to get the most out of your Lifeline discount is to choose a phone or internet provider that works well for you. You have 90 days to select a company and sign up once verified as eligible for the program. Then, you will receive your discount monthly and can use it toward your service.
Depending on your household size, you can choose between getting a landline or cell phone or an in-home broadband connection. Oklahoma’s two largest internet providers have a program that provides low-income households with a free or reduced-price Internet connection. You can check each provider’s coverage areas and speed by entering your address on their websites.
It is important to remember that only one person per household can have a Lifeline benefit. It means you cannot share your phone or internet with another family member. If you have more than one person in your household that qualifies, you must apply for Lifeline separately and meet the eligibility requirements.
