A differently abled person (whether due to age or special illnesses) has every reason to live and enjoy a regular life of comfort and convenience, just like anyone else. So, if you have any disability, or you know someone with any disability, you can now get a phone connection from the government for free! You can also avail of this benefit if you are financially troubled or are a senior citizen.

A cell phone is the lifeline of today’s society and to avail emergency services like 911, no matter where you are, you definitely need a cell phone. Hence, the availability of free phones for the disabled is truly a godsend.

Now, you must be thinking – ‘How to avail it?’

The Federal and State government has set some rules to obtain the free cell phone facility for those who actually need it. Here is what you need to know:

Are you financially troubled?
If the answer is yes, then your household income must not be above 150 percent of the poverty level if you are living in the states like Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island, and Texas. For the rest of the states, the percent is 135. Even if you are unemployed or underemployed you can opt for free phones for the disabled.

Are you a senior citizen?
If your age is above 65 and you are unable to bear the cost of a cell phone, you can avail this facility to call the support networks for emergencies. Mostly, seniors stay alone and can face a financial crisis. Sometimes they need assistance and for that, they need to make calls. Fortunately, this ‘free cell phone’ opportunity is available to connect them with their loved ones and much-needed services when required.

Are you physically challenged?
If yes, then you can also apply for free phones for the disabled. If you do not have a phone facility, during times of trouble, you might have to go to a neighbor or wait for someone to come to you. But if you have a phone to make calls, you can get access to the emergency services sooner. A physically challenged person can authorize his/her caregiver to have this connection and can save himself from untoward accidents.

There are a number of companies who help people get the government-owned free cell phone connections. A few companies like Qlink, Assurance, Selflinkare are invested in this initiative. The offers from the providing companies are designed according to each state.

While surfing, narrow down your search by selecting your state. Choose a company and go to the company’s site, take a look at the programs and the offers. Fill up the required form and start a plan according to your requirement. You may also be required to change your service provider after a certain period of time.

Free cell phones for the disabled can keep you connected and safe. It reduces your dependency on others to call someone for assistance. But you have to be careful while using this facility. Over and unnecessary use of the free minutes may lead you to insufficient call balance at times of need. So, always remember to use the free minutes of your cell phone efficiently.