Sure, Landline phones are considered outdated in this age of smartphones and tablets. However, for senior citizens, these ancient phones are still the best when it comes to reliability, voice clarity, and ease of use. It’s not a surprise many leading telecommunication companies are still offering free landline phone service for seniors.
We’ve all seen our grandparents struggle to operate smartphones, due to sensitive touch screens, complicated interfaces, and mostly, network outages. Landline phones, on the contrary, are not only easy to use with their large buttons and clear interfaces, but they are also more likely to remain functional during network outages, compared to smartphones. So, does the US government offer free Landline phones for the elderly?
In this very important guide, I will outline the complete process of acquiring free landline phone service for seniors. We will also discuss the eligibility criteria and some top telecom providers in the country offering this service.
Let’s get going.
Is It Possible to Get a Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors?
If you are looking for a free landline phone service for elderly people, here is good news for you. Many government assistance programs can get you free or at least extremely affordable phone connections in the US. Apart from these programs, many nonprofit organizations also offer tailored phone services for seniors in specific states or regions.
The US government is committed to providing affordable communication to seniors, who make up nearly 16% of the total population. These programs are designed not only to enhance the well-being of seniors but also to ensure that they remain connected with their loved ones, from the comfort of their homes.
How to Get Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors?
The best way to access the free government landline phone is through the Lifeline Assistance Program. It’s a federally administered program that provides affordable communication services to economically weaker sections of the community, including students, individuals with physical disabilities, tribals, and senior citizens.
Lifeline provides a healthy discount on monthly phone, internet, and broadband+voice combo packages. The beneficiaries can register for the Lifeline program, pick a participating provider, and look for the available deals in their regions. To participate in the program, you must fulfill the minimum eligibility criteria as specified by your state government or the telecom provider you choose.
Depending on demographics, the Lifeline providers may have varying plans and discounts in specific states. Here are some common benefits of the Lifeline program:
- A discount of up to $9.25 on monthly telecom services for low-income subscribers.
- A monthly discount of up to $34.25 on landline and internet services to eligible subscribers from Tribal lands.
- Attractive deals on Free landline phone service with internet.
- The service is limited to one individual per household.
- Some participating providers also offer free or discounted devices, such as landline phones, smartphones, tablets, etc. Keep in mind that you might have to pay a one-time small fee to acquire the device.
Note: The Lifeline program doesn’t necessarily offer free landline phone service for seniors. The purpose of this program is to bridge the gap between societies through affordable communication services. However, you are sure to have a discount of up to $9.25/month, which might be ample for the needs of many senior citizens. A good idea is to visit every participating provider’s website, sift through the available deals in your state, and pick the one offering the highest discount.
To learn more about the Lifeline phone service, call Lifeline customer service
at (800) 234-9473, drop an email to [email protected], or visit the website.
Eligibility Criteria to Get Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors
To qualify for free landline phone service for seniors through the Lifeline program, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
1. Age
All government assistance programs require the applicant to be 65 or above. Mind you, in some states, there is relaxation provided depending on the physical condition, job type, size of household, etc.
Documents Accepted:
- Government-issued birth certificate
- American passport
- State-issued identity card
- Military ID issued by the U.S. Department of Defense
- Social security card
- Driver’s license
- Green card (for non-US citizens)
Although the Lifeline program doesn’t specify an age limit, individual providers might ask you to prove your age while applying for a free landline.
2. Income
This is one of the primary eligibility requirements for the Lifeline free phone service for seniors. The US government implements a nationwide poverty guideline to identify those with below-average monthly income. As per the latest regulations, applicants must have an income equal to or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
Please remember, that different poverty guidelines are applicable in various states. To find the exact figures of your state, click here.
Documents Accepted:
- Tribal tax paperwork
- Federal tax documentation from the preceding year
- Investment income statements
- W-2 or 1099 forms
- Veterans Administration benefits statement
- Workers’ compensation statement
- Last year’s state tax return records
- Current employer’s income statement
- Recent paycheck stub
- Statement of unemployment compensation
3. Government Assistance Programs
Another way to establish your eligibility is through participation in other Federal or State assistance programs. The government runs numerous support initiatives to extend financial help to financially disadvantaged households. Through these programs, individuals can purchase affordable food, healthcare, and other essentials.
If you participate in either of the following programs, you will automatically be eligible for Lifeline free landline phone service for seniors:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) or Food Stamps
- Extended Foster Care
- Medicaid or Medical Assistance
- Food Support
- Social Security Disability (SSD)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Employment Services
- Adult & Child Mental Health Case Management
- Head Start
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- Section 8, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or Group Residential Housing (GRH)
- The National School Lunch Program’s Free or Reduced Lunch Program
Documents Accepted:
- Letter of participation in the federal support program
- Official document as proof of participation in a government program
- Notice letter of participation in the eligible state program
- Proof of Tribal support program
- Statement of benefits from a federal, state, or tribal program
- Documents attesting your participation in the qualifying program
Which Providers Offer Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors?
To claim the free landline phone service for seniors through the Lifeline program, you need to pick an affiliate provider. Let’s look at some of the best options available:
1. StandUp Wireless
StandUp Wireless is among the top communication providers in the country, offering affordable wireless landline phone service to seniors, handicapped, and students who are on below-poverty line monthly income.
The company offers landline phone service without needing a wired connection. For seniors, it’s particularly helpful due to portability, easy setup, and high-quality voice calls over a fast wireless network.
Interestingly, if you qualify for another FCC program called ACP (Affordable Connectivity Program), you might be eligible to receive a complimentary smartphone along with free monthly data.
Benefits:
- Unlimited voice calling and text messaging service
- Ultra-fast nationwide 5G network
- Free smartphone (for Lifeline + ACP qualified applicants)
- 10 GB of monthly high-speed internet data
- Unlimited additional internet data (reduced speeds)
Contact:
📞 1-800-544-4441
2. AT&T
The next up is AT&T, one of the biggest telecom providers in the country. AT&T offers a significant discount on the monthly wireless phone or home phone services for subscribers eligible for the Lifeline program.
Additionally, all Lifeline beneficiaries also qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program and can claim low-cost home internet services in California. However, it’s important to note that the AT&T Lifeline program is available in limited states, so please visit the website and confirm whether or not the free landline phone service is available in your region.
AT&T is known for its quality network and coverage in distant areas, so if you happen to live in one of the states where AT&T Lifeline is available, you can choose it without a second thought.
Benefits:
- Free landline phone service for just $19.74/month
- A minimum of $5.25 discount on monthly phone bill
- A discount of up to $25 for eligible subscribers from federally recognized Tribal lands
- 1000 free voice minutes every month
- 1000 additional night and weekend minutes
- Allows nationwide long-distance calls
Contact:
📞 1-800-377-9450
3. Boost Mobile
With Boost Mobile, seniors have a great opportunity to access free or affordable landline phone service. Boost Mobile offers tailored plans for low-income households, ensuring their phone and internet bills don’t impact their other essential needs.
With Boost Lifeline, applicants don’t need to sign lengthy contracts or deposit any security money. Boost doesn’t even perform any background checks before approving your applications. All you need to have an income below poverty guidelines or proof of participation in government assistance programs.
Moreover, in some cases, you may also receive a complementary smartphone, but please remember that the service is limited to one member per household. So if you are applying for free landline phone service for seniors, don’t apply for free smartphones.
Benefits:
- Up to $14.85 discount on monthly phone services
- Unlimited voice and text messaging service
- Get Boost service on an existing device or purchase a new one at a discount
- Excellent network coverage across the country
- Zero installation fee
- No service contract
- Boost Lifeline service available in nearly 35 states
Contact:
📞 1-888-402-7366
4. Verizon
Verizon Lifeline offers economical communication solutions to millions of Americans, including a free landline phone service to seniors. Through the Lifeline Assistance Program, Verizon is delivering cost-effective home phone services, wireless internet, and Fios home internet.
Verizon, as a leading telecom company in the country, has the widest network coverage, reaching even the most remote areas, small communities, and tribal regions. Also, the company is seamlessly switching to the latest lightning-fast 5G network across the country, meaning you will enjoy better-than-ever calls over the wireless network.
Verizon Lifeline program is available in many states including New Jersey, New York, Delaware, Connecticut, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, and more. For more details, click here.
Benefits:
- Enjoy unlimited free calls and text messages on any network across the country
- Get a discounted device (Home phone or smartphone)
- Free caller ID, voicemail, and call waiting services with each connection
- Vast network coverage, reaching nearly 98% of the US population
- Discount on new installation to subscribers from recognized Tribal lands
Contact:
📞 1-800-922-0204
5. Metro (T-Mobile)
Metro by T-Mobile is another national provider offering free landline phone service for seniors. Partnering with Lifeline, Metro gives a monthly discount of up to $30 on various home phone and broadband services to low-income individuals across the country.
With Metro, eligible customers can also receive a free government phone along with a $30 credit. All you need to do is to prove your eligibility through the Lifeline or the Affordable Connectivity program.
Metro offers wireless landline service where you get a home phone connection without physical cables and lengthy setups. Additionally, Metro is powered by T-Mobile, the country’s largest LTE and 5G network, meaning you will experience a seamless experience without any call drops or voice distortion.
Benefits:
- Plans start at $0/month
- Unlimited calls and texts included in each plan
- Access to the fastest 5G network (if available)
- Unlimited high-speed internet data every month
- Free hotspot data
- Access to mobile hotspots across the country
- MLS Season Pass, ViX Premium, T-Mobile Tuesday Perks, etc
- Protection from scam calls
Contact:
📞 1-888 863 8768
Please keep in mind that providers may have varying eligibility requirements and plans in different states. To ensure your qualifications, please visit the official websites attached to this guide and provide your ZIP code to reveal the latest offers, discounted devices, and more.
Also, if you meet the eligibility criteria for multiple providers, don’t hesitate to apply to all of them. These assistance programs usually have a long queue of applicants and doing so will only boost your chances of securing free landline phone service for seniors.
How To Apply for Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors?
Here are the simple steps you must take to apply for free phone service for seniors:
- Check your eligibility through National Verifier before proceeding to the application process.
- If you are eligible, arrange all documents, such as ID proofs, income certificates, proof of residence, and participation in qualifying programs.
- Next, visit the provider’s website and gather all the necessary information, such as availability, network coverage, plans, etc. Pick the one that best suits your requirements.
- Fill out the application form and provide the supporting documentation wherever necessary.
- Some providers may require you to visit the office to apply. Obtain the office address from the registered website.
- Cross-verify your form and submit it.
Now you have to wait for the approval. In the best case, it may take up to 2 weeks to get the decision. Meanwhile, you can always reach out to customer care through email or phone call to know the status of your application.
FAQs
1. How do I find a free landline phone service for seniors near me?
To find the nearby free landline phone service for seniors, visit the Lifeline program website and find the participating provider offering service in your area.
2. Which is the cheapest landline phone service in the US?
AT&T and Verizon are among the most economical landline services in the country. Both offer affordable home phone plans for seniors under the Lifeline program.
3. Can I get a free landline through the Lifeline phone program?
Yes. It’s possible to get a free landline phone service for seniors, students, and the handicapped through the Lifeline phone program.
4. Which is the best free landline phone service for seniors in New York?
AT&T has the best landline-only deals for pensioners, seniors, and other low-income individuals.
Final Word
I am sure by the time you finish this article, you will know which free landline phone service to choose for seniors. A landline phone, particularly for the elderly, serves as a reliable communication tool that doesn’t depend on battery-powered equipment or internet connectivity. Also, its less complicated interface makes it an extremely easy-to-use device for seniors who may not feel comfortable with a smartphone.
I would suggest you go with AT&T, Verizon, or Metro (T-Mobile), mainly because of their reliable network and superb coverage in remote areas. The three leading providers serve nearly 95% of the American population and offer nearly similar plans under the Lifeline phone program.
