Utah Free Government Cell Phone Service Guide
Utah is known as one of the greatest outdoor states in the country. The western state has ski resorts, state and national parks, and natural wonders. It’s also known for its culture, history, and popular festivals.
Some of Utah’s major industries include: manufacturing, aerospace, mining, digital media, and tourism. Unfortunately, nearly 9% of Utah residents have low income and often struggle to pay their bills.
If you’re struggling to pay your bills, you may qualify for Utah free government cell phone service from Lifeline! This article will help you understand the history of the Lifeline free cell phone service, its benefits, the qualifications, and whether the program can help you.
History of Lifeline – Utah Free Government Cell Phone Service
The Lifeline program has helped millions of eligible people in America get free or discounted phone service since 1984. Lifeline was started by the government and the Federal Communications Commission to help low income Americans stay connected. Lifeline originally provided free or discount landline service, but now cell phone services are included as an option.
Lifeline is distributed by a nonprofit administration called the Universal Service Administrative Company, or USAC. In order to receive free government cell phone service, eligible consumers must apply and be approved for Lifeline. Once approved, customers will receive their free cell phone service from an approved Lifeline service provider.
Benefits of Utah Free Government Cell Phone Service
The Lifeline program provides free minutes every month. Lifeline service providers, such as Q Link Wireless, participate in the program and offer voice mail, caller ID, call waiting, 911 access, and customer support as part of the free package. It’s important to compare Lifeline cell phone providers who offer this service because additional minutes and services vary from one company to another. You could also add additional paid minutes if you expect to go over the free minutes.
Do You Qualify for Utah Free Government Cell Phone Service?
Lifeline qualifications varies in every state. You may be eligible for free government cell phone service if you already participate in a government program such as Medicaid or Food Stamps (see below for other programs). Specific government programs vary by state, but these are the most common government programs in Utah that will also qualify you for Lifeline free cell phone service:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)
- Supplemental Security income (SSI)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8 voucher)
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- National School Lunch Program (Free Lunch Program only)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
- Most other government assistance programs (varies by state)
You may also qualify for Lifeline service in Utah if you have low yearly income. Typically, if your total yearly household income is at or below Utah’s Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you may be eligible for Lifeline. See Utah’s Federal Poverty Guidelines here.
You may only have one Lifeline service at a time. That means if you receive a landline subsidy, you must cancel that before applying for the free government cell phone service.
Is Utah Free Government Cell Phone Service Right for Me?
As long as you meet the qualifications, there is no reason why you shouldn’t participate in the Lifeline free cell phone service program. The government has set up this program to help every eligible person in America afford telecommunications services, regardless of their income.
Sign Up for Free Government Cell Phone Service
The online application varies for every Lifeline service provider, but the process typically involves the five steps below:
- Enter personal information, such as your name and address.
- Enter information that proves your identity (usually your SSN).
- Select the government assistant program you currently participate in. If you do not currently participate in a government program, the application will then let you apply with low income.
- Select the Lifeline service plan you want from the provider. Most providers offer more than one type of Lifeline service plan for you to choose from. If there is only one option, this step may not show up in the online application.
- Submit proof document(s) that show you either participate in a government assistance program, or you have low income. Your Lifeline provider will help with providing the proof documentation. If you need help submitting documents, you should contact your Lifeline provider.
You can claim your free government cell phone service in just minutes. Start by clicking below and apply online for Lifeline!