If your organization serves low-income older adults, you should be aware of SafeLink. SafeLink is part of Lifeline, a 29-year-old government benefit program that provides discounts on monthly telephone service for eligible low-income subscribers. The SafeLink service provides income-eligible households with:
- A free cell phone.
- 250 voice minutes per month.
- Unlimited text messages.
Many residential settings are transitioning to mobile telecommunication services and moving away from traditional landlines. This makes access to mobile connectivity increasingly more important for residents of these communities.
Part of the Federal Lifeline Program
The Lifeline program is designed to help ensure that consumers can connect to the nation’s communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family, and call for help in an emergency.
In 2005, the government made Lifeline discounts available to qualifying low-income consumers on wireless devices and service plans, in addition to traditional landline service, according to the Federal Communications Commission.
Federal rules prohibit eligible low-income consumers from receiving more than one Lifeline discount per household. An eligible consumer may receive a discount on either a landline or wireless service, but not both.
Qualifying for the SafeLink Program
SafeLink is provided by TracFone Wireless, Inc., and is currently available in 39 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
To participate in the program, consumers must either have an income that is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, or participate in one of the following assistance programs:
- Medicaid.
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Federal Public House Assistance (Section 8).
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
Features of the SafeLink Program
Individuals who are accepted into the SafeLink program are eligible for a year of service and can recertify for service after that year if they are still eligible. Customers who are no longer eligible can keep their phones and purchase airtime minutes and service days directly from TracFone Wireless.
Interested individuals can visit www.safelink.com, send an email to info@safelinkagencies.com or call 1-855-296-4764.