Saving money is a great way to create more wiggle room in your finances. But it takes work.
One way to get started is to track expenses using a budgeting app. This will help you identify areas to cut back and redirect those funds toward your savings goal.
Look for Discounts
After COVID-19, many households seek ways to create wiggle room in their budgets. One way that families can save money is to sign up for the FCC’s Lifeline program, which subsidizes the cost of phone and Internet service for low-income Americans.
The program offers a monthly discount on landline telephone, broadband Internet, or bundled voice-broadband services. Its goal is to ensure low-income consumers have affordable 21st-century connectivity services connecting them to jobs, healthcare, educational resources, and other social programs. A household must have an income at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines to qualify.
Generally, a single household can receive only one Lifeline discount for wireline service, wireless service, or a bundled voice/broadband offer. However, if you’re already receiving a Lifeline discount from another provider, the new company can apply your benefits toward a different service type (e.g., phone or Internet).
Some states offer other benefits, such as free phones for participants who switch providers, buy-one-get-one promotions, and significant markdowns on new devices. Check out your state’s website or contact local providers to learn more about what’s available. And remember to apply online with the national verification system for the fastest eligibility decision. You can also download and submit a paper application, which will take longer.
Switch Your Internet Service
The program offers free government phones and broadband internet service to low-income households. This service can help bridge the digital divide, making it easier for eligible consumers to stay connected in today’s fast-paced world. But sometimes, the available services need to meet a consumer’s needs. In those cases, it’s usually best to switch providers.
Changing providers can be accessible if you follow the proper steps and have the necessary documents. The first step is assessing your eligibility to switch. You’ll need to be sure that you still qualify for the Lifeline phone program and that your income remains within the program’s guidelines.
If you need more clarification, it may be a good idea to consult your current provider or the Universal Service Administration Company (USAC) for more information. Once you’ve done that, the next step is researching the various providers and their services. It’s essential to read reviews and testimonials from other Lifeline subscribers to get a real-world account of what it’s like to use each service provider.
For example, you should look for comments about network coverage, customer service, bill-paying practices, and ease of account management. Considering these factors, you can find the ideal Lifeline provider to suit your needs. For example, you can opt for a provider that offers unlimited talk and text so that you don’t have to worry about going over your allocated minutes or data limits.
Switch to a Cheaper Plan
With the coronavirus crisis squeezing household incomes, every bit of savings helps. One area in which many families can find wiggle room is their phone bill. That’s where the FCC’s Lifeline program can help make a difference.
This government assistance program provides discounted phone service to low-income households. It can also help with a home Internet connection if the provider offers it and your family qualifies. To qualify, you must have a household income that is no more than 35% above the federal poverty guidelines and be enrolled in one of the following programs:
To get Lifeline discounts, you must sign up with a qualifying service provider and provide proof of your eligibility. Usually, you need to show a pay stub, tax return, or other documentation showing your income level and participation in an eligible program.
While the program was initially designed to subsidize landline phone services, the FCC has modernized it over the years to keep up with the changing nature of telecommunications. Despite this, critics of Pai’s proposal believe his reforms could further reduce Lifeline’s reach. This is because most of the program’s current beneficiaries have service from a reseller. These companies can offer cheaper wireless plans by leasing the networks and infrastructure of larger facilities-based providers.
Get a Free Phone
Many low-income households can get a free or reduced-cost phone and plan with the help of the Lifeline program. The FCC established the program in 1984 to ensure low-income individuals can access communication services.
To qualify, you must show proof of income or participation in a government assistance program, such as three pay stubs or a tax return (or a letter from the program stating your status). Most participating wireless providers offer an online application that asks for this information and makes it easy to submit. You may also be able to apply at a local store or by calling the company.
The best way to know if your carrier offers free phones is to check out the company’s website and look for an “Apply for Free Cell Phone” or similar button. This typically takes you to a page with a list of states where the company serves, along with a link to the application. Some companies, such as Assurance Wireless and StandUp Wireless, have large buttons that say “Apply for Free Cell Phone” on the home page.
Q Link Wireless offers qualifying customers free talk, text, and unlimited data on one of America’s largest networks. Customers can choose from a wide selection of smartphones. This offer is available through Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). If you are eligible for both, you can claim a smartphone and unlimited service at no cost!
