Free cell phones for the disabled?

[CountAllVotes]

I heard about this and attempted to check into it (had never heard of this program before btw).

As usual, easier said than done!

I do not have a cell phone, never wanted a cell phone, BUT ... I could see why having one might be a good idea for someone with a disability like I have that is more often alone than with someone. It seems more viable that a MedicAlert bracelet. I had one of these for years and when an ambulance was called, they did not even look at it and I have a DNR on myself! YIKES!!! No money $$$ for you MedicAlert and your cheap recalled made in China "bracelet", etc.

It varies state-to-state and has income requirements attached to it as well. It sounds like you almost have to go to hell and back to get one and I must wonder is it worth it?

They are not available in some states it seems.

Anyway, it might be worth checking out if you need one and they have a program in the state which you live in. The best one I've found is called "SafeLink" which is not available where I live.

I hope that this info. helps someone out there.

You can google it (or DuckDuckGo it) like I did, "free cell phone disabled Oregon" for example.

Best of luck and if anyone finds an option for this that doesn't want to know every single thing about YOU please advise.

Take care everyone!!

[LeftofObama]

1. Actually, you can get a free cell phone with

250 minutes/month and 250 text messages/month free. You qualify if you are on disability, food stamps, medicaid, etc.

http://www.assurancewireless.com/Public/Welcome.aspx

[CountAllVotes]

3. Thanks!

I might qualify for this one based on income. I am not on SSI nor do I receive food stamps and no, I do not quality for Medicaid.

I'm in a classic Catch-22 situation. I have some but not a lot, just enough to make me not eligible for many programs.

I get a medical discount on my PG&E bill which does help, esp. during the winter.

[CountAllVotes]

11. I'll have to check into this

It seems that I do qualify based on income.

I'm not on any of the other programs listed:

Medicaid/Medi-Cal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (CalWORKS)
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) Stanislaus County Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids (StanWORKS)
Federal Public Housing Assistance or Section 8 Welfare-to-Work (WTW)
CalFresh, Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Greater Avenues for Independence (GAIN)
Women, Infant and Children Program (WIC) Tribal TANF
Healthy Families Category A Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
National School Lunch Program (NSLP) Head Start Income Eligible (Tribal Only)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations

Thanks for your help.

I'm sure others are glad to know about this as well.

Income ---

Household Size Annual Income Limits
1-2 people $0-$25,100
3 people $0-$29,300
4 people $0-$35,400

[ruffburr]

2. I sent for-

The app. and looked at it and got to thinking about calltracking etc. and decided to stay with my go- phone , I am thinking about the consuner cellular 15.00 a mo we'll see.

[CountAllVotes]

4. I have my phone "blocked'

I have it for good reason too, I hate solicitors calling around dinner time. And, also, by having your phone # blocked, anyone calling you from a 1-800 (etc.) sort of phone cannot see your phone number. Places that have these 1-800 #'s are often businesses that sell your info. to other places.

It can be convenient and also has a negative side to it is well (friends that have one of those call boxes that show your phone # tell me that it says "private call" on it).

I don't really care myself and if friends don't like it because their little box doesn't show my phone # can have all the fits they care to have about it. They should almost know it is me I'd think.

It came in quite handy recently -- someone attempted to use my phone and lied about it (it was a long-distance call). The # being called was a # that did not accept calls from "blocked" phones.

on that one!!

I don't know what a "go-phone" is. Maybe you can educate me?

Thank you!!

[SheilaT]

5. I don't get calls on my cell phone from 800 numbers.

Telephone solicitors are not supposed to be calling cell phones ever.

I've only had my phone since 1996 or so.

And a Go phone (at least in my experience) is one you don't get from the cell phone provider, but instead purchase somewhere like Best Buy or Target, slap the activating card from your old phone into it, and you're good to go. I've had to buy Go Phones a couple of times when I've killed my regular cell phone well ahead of the time to replace it with my provider, and wanted an inexpensive replacement.

[CountAllVotes]

8. slap the activating card

I don't have one of these.

Where does one find one?

Can they be bought online?

Please let me know!

Cheers!!

[ruffburr]

6. Go-Phone -

Thats just the att product that i got into I'm not a phone junkie so my needs are if you know me and call i'll answer if i recognize the # otherwise it goes to voice mail BUT it is 25 cents a min so I no talk for long i go to computer call as soon as i can on average i pay 25.00 every 3 mo's, But I'm anti cellphone on many levels so take it from there

[CountAllVotes]

7. anti cellphone

I am too.

However, I'm beginning to consider it.

Hopefully, this info. here will help someone that needs it -- that is my wish!

I'll check out this product you mention! Thank you!

[anton12]

9. It is good

It is good to sea..............................

[uppityperson]

10. wheat