So you’re looking to reduce costs on your phone and internet bill every month. Times are tough and expenses keep going up. You’ve heard of the California Lifeline Program but don’t know much about it. Could it help lower your bill? You did a quick search online for Lifeline in Modesto and found this blog.
Give it a read to learn all about the California Lifeline program. Find out what it offers in terms of discounted phone and internet services. Know if you qualify for the program based on your income or other factors. Get the details on applying and using Lifeline benefits in Modesto. This blog post has all the information you need to take advantage of Lifeline and start saving money every month on your vital communication services.
An Overview of California Lifeline
California Lifeline provides monthly discounts of up to $19.00 on your home or mobile phone service. This can help significantly reduce your phone bill costs. The exact amount of your discount depends on which phone services you choose and your service provider. Most landline and wireless companies in California offer Lifeline discounts.
Waived Fees
In addition to the monthly California Lifeline service discounts, the Lifeline assistance program waives certain phone-related fees for many participants. This includes fees such as the public purpose program surcharges, the CPUC’s user fees, excise taxes, franchise taxes, and the State 911 tax. Not having to pay these extra fees provides even more savings.
Discounts on Installation and Activation
If you need to install or activate new phone service, Lifeline will provide a discount of up to $39 to help offset those costs. They also offer a $39 discount if you need to convert your current landline service to a wireless or broadband enabled phone service.
Benefits For People with Disabilities
For those with disabilities, including individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or speech impaired, the Lifeline program offers additional benefits. This includes discounts on up to two phone lines for teletypewriter users or participants in the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.
The California Lifeline program provides significant discounts and cost savings for phone service for those who qualify. From monthly data discounts to waived fees to reduced installation costs, this program helps make phone service more affordable as well as available to low-income households. Check with a participating provider to know if you qualify and start receiving your free cell phone service benefits.
Who Qualifies for the California Lifeline Discount in Modesto?
The Lifeline program uses your household income to determine if you qualify for the discount. Household income includes the total yearly income of everyone living in your home.
If your income falls within Lifeline’s income limits for California, you will qualify based on income. The income limits update each year.
Income Requirements
California Lifeline requires participants to meet certain income requirements based on Federal Poverty guidelines. To qualify for the California Lifeline program in Modesto, your household income must be at or below about $32,500 a year for an individual or $45,900 a year for a family of four. If your income doesn’t qualify — there’s still more options.
Program-Based Eligibility
If you currently participate in a government benefit program like Medi-Cal, SNAP, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or SSI, you’re automatically eligible to receive Lifeline benefits. Here’s a full list of your qualifying programs. When applying, you’re going to need to provide documentation proving you receive benefits from one of these government benefit programs above.
With the California Lifeline program helping lower the cost, phone service can be affordable for all. Don’t hesitate to apply if you think you may qualify. The savings each month can really add up!
Applying For Lifeline Phone Service in Modesto at a StandUp Wireless Location
Think you’re eligible for California Lifeline? Here’s how to apply:
Find a StandUp Wireless Location
Step 1 is to locate a StandUp Wireless store in Modesto and visit in person to apply for Lifeline phone service. StandUp Wireless is an authorized Lifeline provider that offers monthly free service benefits to qualifying California residents.
Provide Documentation
When you visit the StandUp Wireless store, be prepared to provide documentation to show you meet California Lifeline eligibility requirements. This includes proof of income, such as pay stubs, tax returns, Social Security benefits statement, or other documents showing your household income is at or below California Lifeline’s threshold. Don’t forgot to provide proof of participation in a qualifying program.
Lifeline could be a crucial benefit for low-income households by providing access to emergency services and opportunities for healthcare, education and employment. By applying for Lifeline phone service at StandUp Wireless, you’re going to have reliable mobile connectivity to help improve your life.
Why Phone Service is Essential in Modesto
Modesto residents know how critical phone service can be, especially in emergencies. Without a phone, you have no way to quickly call for help in a crisis or contact loved ones. For many in Modesto, a cell phone is the only phone they have access too.
Staying Connected
Having a working phone allows you to stay in touch with family and friends, which is so important for combating isolation and maintaining mental health. It gives you a lifeline to call for help in an emergency like a medical issue, fire, or other dangerous situation. Phone service provides security and peace of mind that help will be available when you need it most.
Accessing Resources
A phone also provides a gateway to important resources. You can call emergency services, doctors, schools, and more. Many Modesto services like medical care, food assistance, and utility bill payments require a phone to access. Without a phone, handling life’s important tasks becomes much more difficult and time-consuming.
California Lifeline Rules & Limitations
The California Lifeline program aims to provide affordable phone and internet service to low-income households. To qualify, you must meet certain eligibility criteria.
One Household--One Discount
Only one monthly service discount is allowed per household. This means that if someone in your household already has Lifeline phone or internet service, you will not qualify for another Lifeline benefit. The program is designed to provide basic connectivity for those who need it most.
30-Day Enrollment Request Freeze
The California Lifeline program enforces a mandatory 30-day waiting period between enrollment requests for wireless telephone services. During this, eligible customers must wait for 30 days before submitting a new enrollment request to a different provider within the program. Additional information and exceptions can be accessed through the official California Lifeline program resources.
Apply for StandUp Wireless' Phone Benefits.
If you’re reading this blog, you’re likely facing some sort of financial struggle with your monthly bills. Don’t worry — it happens. As an Authorized Distributor of StandUp Wireless and an eligible telecommunications carrier, we’re here to help!
Partnering with programs such as California’s Lifeline, we’re offering free and discounted packages for calls and data to qualifying customers just like yourself. Whether you need to keep in touch with friends & family or you want to just save money on your current plan, here’s what we’re offering:
StandUp Wireless California Offer
- Free Smartphone
- Unlimited Talk
- Unlimited Text
- 6GB of Data
To start, just come to one of our stores in California, where our customer service agent will help you apply for your benefits.