The majority of people can imagine staying without a cell phone. This is because the phone services allow them to stay in touch with loved ones and co-workers, and also access emergency services easily. However, for low-income earners, cell phone services are always out of reach because they are expensive. That is where the free landline phone service for seniors comes in handy.
Today, free government cell phones are available in almost 40 states, and this program is introduced to other parts at a rapid state. If you live in a country where free cell phones are not accessible, you can apply for free or cheap landline phone service for seniors you are eligible.
12 Best Free Landline Phone Service For Seniors
While is rare to hear successful upcoming service providers, the existing ones are facing some challenges with the advancement of new technology and new telecommunication companies that have reduced the demand for convectional phones and network from copper wire. Are you weary of paying for voice mail, caller ID or long-distance calls? This is the right time you reduce your commitments to a phone service provider or ignore it entirely by choosing other cost-efficient alternatives. Here are the top 5 best free landline phone service plan for seniors.
1. Magic jack
Magic is a free landline phone service that is compared to the olden VoIP providers but with a couple of exceptions. It lets users link their VolP adapter directly to the PC. The USB adapter lets you connect your phone cord to the PC, importantly using your PC instead of the VolP router. Therefore, this means that your PC must be in operation all the time to make sure the phone is live. Note that you won’t need any extra chunky device. This is one of the cheapest landline phone plans for seniors.
The cost of the adapter is $20, and the annual cost of the MagicJack service is $20. That cost covers services to Canada but can support calls to other countries with a moderate fee per minute. The greatest drawback of this plan is that it doesn’t let you port your current landline telephone number.
However, the service provider has addressed this issue as they have introduced a matchbox-sized gadget that plugs directly to the electric socket. You need to have an internet connection, and it will relay the dial tone to all standard telephones.
2. Setup Landline With Google voice.
Are you living in US and tired of paying huge bills on phone services? Then worry not. This is because Google voice “voice.google.com/u/0/about” has landline phone services with call forwarding, call blocking, voice calls and text messages for free. Google voice directs all your calls to several calls at one time. I mean, it connects your phone number to your recipient’s number for free. It also directs your landline phone number to your mobile phone, thus eliminating extra cost. How does it do this?
All you need to do is sign up a Google account. This process is completely free. Then sign up for free Google voice. After, read, understand and accept the terms and search for the recipient number that u want to call for free from the Google voice setting.
3. T-Mobile
Being one of the participants of the Lifeline program, T-Mobile now offers landline phone services to all eligible seniors in the US. Therefore, if you have a low income or participates in a government assistance program, be sure that you can apply for this service and be connected on the go.
T-Mobile Service for seniors
Unlike other carriers, this one does not offer a landline phone service directly. Instead, this one offers a device commonly known as LineLink that allows users to enjoy Voice-over-IP service whenever they are using their landline phones.
Typically, this box connect these phones to a home internet router and goes for about $30. Besides this, customers will have to part with $30 in order to obtain a SIM start kit and a $20 per month service fee.
In case you have an existing T-Mobile GSM line, the price might drop for $10. Thereofre, if you add LineLink, you will pay $10 on a monthly basis. However, this service is only available to those who buy another service from T-Mobile. Besides this, Simple Choice, Postpaid and Work for Business customers are all eligible for this service. Other incredible features you are likely to enjoy from this carrier include: Caller ID, Voicemail, Call waiting, forwarding and hold, among others.
T-Mobile coverage area
Some of the states covered by this carrier include Florida, Virginia, Mississippi, Minnesota, Washington, Pennsylvania, among others. To establish whether this carrier is available or covers your state, visit “t-mobile.com/coverage/coverage-map” and then enter your ZIP code or address on the search bar that you will see on your screen. Thereafter, you can zoom in order to establish their availability in your locality or state.
4. Reachout wireless
Reachout Wireless is the third biggest carrier in the US that offers free government phones to financially disadvantaged families. However, the beneficiaries of this program must be compliant with the lifeline assistance program provided by the federal government.
Therefore, if you want to apply for seniors free landline phone service from this Reachout, you must meet all its lifeline eligibility requirements first. Thereafter, you can go ahead and make your application.
Reachout services for seniors
Like many carriers in the market, Reachout offers 250 minutes of talk time in various cities, unlimited talk time for California residents and 350 minutes for those in Oklahoma. Additionally, every message sent or received will be counted as one minute of the allowance.
California plan: eligible applicants who are staying in California receive a good deal. Like what other leading carriers are doing, both text and voice usage is unlimited.
Reachout coverage area
Reachout offers its landline phone services to residents in states such as Michigan, Nevada, Rhode Island, New Jersey, Maine, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, Missouri, West Virginia, Louisiana, West Virginia and Wisconsin.
5. Skype
For most people, Skype is a platform that allows them to make phone calls to their friends living abroad and so forth. Also, it can help you make computer to computer wireless calls with ease. Besides these functions, this platform offers VoIP services that help link your home phone or landline phone to your recipient’s home phone.
When it comes to subscriptions, there are many options to choose from. These include unlimited calls, limited calls, or even both. However, the prices of these subscriptions might vary depending on the country or region one is calling from.
6. Budget Wireless
If you have a low income or participates in any of the government assistance program such as Medicaid, SNAP or SSN, be sure that you can now apply for a landline phone service from this carrier.
All you need do is to establish whether this carrier is available in your state, establish whether you meet the requirements of your state in terms of income levels and so forth. Thereafter, make your application online and submit your eligibility documents, alongside the application form online.
Budget Wireless services for seniors
Budget Wireless provides a range of flexible plans that are perfect for clients with various financial problems. The carrier’s basic free method comprises 250 minutes of talk time and 250 minutes of texts per month. You can pay $5 if you want additional minutes and text messages.
Furthermore, Budget Wireless Mobile provides a range of prepaid plans that are accessible in an increment of $5. These plans don’t offer many minutes and messages for a similar amount of cash, but the prepaid plans might be convenient for some clients.
There are no fees or contracts for any of the carrier’s plan and there is a countrywide coverage, even if the program is not accessible in every region. Call waiting, caller ID and voicemail are also available.
Budget Wireless coverage area
Budget Wireless offers its landline phone services to residents living in states such as Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Massachussets, Minnesota, Michigan, Maine, Indiana, Georgia, Maryland, North Dakota, Missouri, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Pennsylvania, Texas, Washington, Utah, Oklahoma and so forth.
7. AT&T
If you are eligible for the lifeline program, you can now apply for seniors free landline phone service from AT&T. In fact you can reach them on phone and enquire if they are available in your area. In case you qualify for the AT&T landline phone service discount, be sure that you will be required to provide a new certification annually within 60 days of notification so that you can maintain the Lifeline discount.
AT&T services for seniors
Here, you will be able to receive a monthly discount of up to $9.25.In case you reside in the Tribal lands, be sure that you will be able to receive a higher discount which stands at $25 per month. Besides this, the carrier offers incredible features such as call waiting and caller ID. Consequently, you will be able to keep your communication costs at the bare minimum and save more.
AT&T coverage area
As we speak, this carrier offers its services to users residing in Georgia, Ohio, South Carolina, Mississippi, Indiana, Arkansas, Michigan, Nevada, Florida, Illinois, Kentucky, Texas, Tennessee
8. Verizon
Besides AT&T, you can now apply for seniors free landline phone service offered by Verizon and remain connected with your loved ones and friends. As long as you are eligible for the Lifeline monthly discount, you will be able to get a budget-friendly landline phone service bill on a monthly basis.
Since Lifeline Assistance program vary from one state to another, there is a need to apply online through the Lifeline National Verifier. By doing so, you will be able to know whether this is service is available in your locality or not.
Verizon services for seniors
Those customers who live in Tribal lands are bound to enjoy an additional monthly discount and thus save more in the long run. Besides the additional monthly discount, these customers will be able to enjoy a discount on the landline phone service installation service.
As far as the plans offered by this carrier is concerned, you will be able to enjoy the Home Connect Plan that goes for $10.74 per month. With this plan in place, you will be able to enjoy unlimited minutes after the Lifeline discount. Despite this, the plan attracts a one-time activation fee of $35.
Verizon coverage area
Some of the states covered by this carrier include; Maryland, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Rhode Island, New York, Massachusetts, among others
9. CenturyLink
To start with, this carrier offers an excellent network connection. The carrier also allows low-income earners to qualify for two assistant programs namely; Federal Lifeline program and the Telephone Assistance Program.
This carrier allows low-income earners to qualify for two assistant programs namely; Federal Lifeline program and the Telephone Assistance Program. Therefore, if you meet the eligibility of either programs, you can now apply for a free landline phone service for seniors and remain connected with your loved ones and friends.
CenturyLink services for seniors
In case you are eligible for the lifeline program, you will be able to enjoy a $9.25 discount on a monthly basis. On the other hand, if you reside in tribal lands, you will be able to receive an additional monthly discount as well as assistance installing the newly subscribed customer using the Link-Up program.
Besides this, it offers cheap landline phone plans such as the Basic Home Phone Plan. This plan goes for $23.34 per month. However, this plan excludes long-distance calls. It is also devoid of features such as Caller ID, Voicemail, Call Waiting, call forwarding, 3-way calling and so forth. If you are not able to get the lifeline landline phone discount mentioned above, consider searching for a budget-friendly phone service for seniors within your locality and you will save more.
CenturyLink coverage area
Some of the areas covered by this carrier include; Salt Lake City, Phoenix, Aurora, Minneapolis, Orlando, Denver, Omaha, Tacoma, Las Vegas, Spokane, Raleigh, Mesa, Colorado Springs, Seattle and so much more. For more details about its coverage, visit “broadbandnow.com/CenturyLink” and then enter your ZIP code or address.
10. Phone.com provider
This landline phone service provider is another option for those seniors looking for reliable and free VoIP services. Here, plans can go as low as $19.99 where you will enjoy unlimited call minutes. Besides this, you will enjoy other features such as blocking, queuing, voicemail to mail and so forth. Thankfully, even those in business can utilize the best VoIP business plan that goes for $19.99
11. Safelink Wireless
To be eligible for a free Safelink wireless landline phone services, clients must take part in an assistance program supported by the federal government. You can also get these services if your household income is below the poverty guidelines of the country.
Additionally, the person applying must live in the US, and provide a physical and valid address in the application. Note that they don’t accept post office box addresses. Applicants should present documents to back up their application details concerning their income and federal assistance.
Safelink Wireless services for seniors
The company provides free cell phones and up to 350 free local and domestic minutes. You will get 500 minutes for the first 30 days. You will also get unlimited texts every month if you qualify. The carrier is part of the lifeline support service and is owned by TracFone.
Safelink Wireless coverage area
Currently, this carrier offers cell services to more than 2 million clients in 31 nations, including Puerto Rico and the District of Columbia. To put this into perspective, this carrier offers its services to state such as; Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Nevada, Rhode Island, Puerto Rico, Missouri, Mississipi, Maine, Lousiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Delaware, Arizona, Alabama, arkansas, Texas, Uta,Washington ,Virginia, North Carolina among other states.
12. Assurance Wireless
The good news is that is that the process of registration is largely easy and straight forward. Besides this, your application stands high chances of getting accepted in case if you are a beneficiary of vital programs such as Medicaid and SNAP. In case you are not a beneficially of any of the government assistance program, brace yourself to show a proof of low income levels, as per the poverty level guidelines of your residential state.
Assurance Wireless services for seniors
If you qualify for this program, you will be able to enjoy incredible offers such as unlimited messages, free cell phone or landline phone and so forth.
Assurance Wireless coverage area
The above-mentioned carrier is available in states such as California, Delaware, Kentucky, Florida, Massachussets, Indiana, Lowa, Colorado, Arizona, Alabama, Maine, Minnesota, Kansas, District of Columbia, Connecticut, Maryland among others.
5 Best Landline Phone For Seniors
Some of the best landline phones for seniors include:
- Clarity D712
- AT&T EL52313
- VTech SN5127
- Panasonic KX-TGE233B
- VTech CS6719-2
Steps To Get Free Landline Phone Service For Seniors
Here are some of the requirements you need to have before applying for free government landline phone service for seniors.
- Generally, households who get various government assistance like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Supplemental Nutrition assistance program do qualify for these plans. You can also be eligible for your income is below 135 % of the federal poverty guidelines for your country: Additionally, families whose kids get reduced or free lunch via the federal government might qualify.
- First, find out if there is a wireless service provider in your region that offers the Lifeline Assistance program. This will assist you in determining your eligibility for free landline phone service for seniors. If you get a free phone, you won’t be required to pay connection charges, must sign an annual agreement, pay monthly service charges, or make a deposit. However, you must comply with the yearly certification for the requirement for ongoing services.
Qualify For Free Landline Phone Service
You must be in any of the following programs to qualify for these services.
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps
- Women and Infant Children (WIC)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Low-Income home energy assistance program (LIHEAP)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Prepare Required Documents For Lifeline Assistance Program For Free Or Discount Landline Phone For Seniors
For you to qualify for the Lifeline assistance free or discount landline phone for seniors, there are a couple of documents that you must present to your service provider so that your eligibility can be verified. Typically, you can qualify for a lifeline either through your revenue or government assistance program. With this in mind, here are the documents that you should present to your preferred service provider:
- Based on your revenue : If you have an income that stands at or is below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines of your state, be sure that you will be able to get a free landline phone service for seniors. However, you must prove that your income is within the above-mentioned range. In this case, you should present any of the following documents:
- Paycheck stub or recent revenue statement from your employer
- Divorce decree, child support award or any other official documents that contains your income details
- Your previous year’s state, federal or tribal tax return
- Workers unemployment’s compensation statement of benefits.
- Based on Government assistance program participation : Besides having a low income, you can also qualify for a free landline phone service for seniors in case you participate in any of the government assistance programs offered in the US. However, there is a need for you to submit an eligibility documents in order to prove this fact. Some of the documents that you should present include:
- The name of the program you benefit from. For instance, you can submit Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income, Food stamps, Low income home energy assistance program etc.
- The name of the beneficiary applying for these services
- Date of the insurance with the last one or a future date of expiry matching with the benefit period
- Tribal or government administrator or managed care organization (MCO) that offered you the document.
Apply For Free Government Landline Phone Service For Seniors
You can enroll in this program by using a lifeline phone provider in your country. However, you will need to prove that you are eligible by providing documentation like previous year tax returns, payroll from your current employer, letter to prove social security benefits, child support, retirement, and unemployment benefits.
- Call your preferred landline phone service provider to request for application
- Fill and sign the application
- Attach evidence of membership of any of the programs mentioned above. If you are not in any of the programs, you can show proof of revenue in your application
Why Keep A Landline Home Phone Service For Seniors
Almost four out of ten families have disconnected their landline home phone and depend on phone service to stay connected. If you are contemplating to join the mobile-money bandwagon, you may need to reconsider. Here are some of the reasons to continue using your home phone.
A landline phone sounds better than cellular
The quality of listening and talking via a cordless home phone is better than that of a cell phone. That is important if you have hearing problems, your family is noisy, or you spend more time on the phone, particularly the home phone.
A landline phone offers improved security
Mobile phone utilize a GPS-based technique to report your IP address in a 911 emergency. That is great when you are travelling, but if you stay in a high rise apartment, it will not show your exact floor. On the other hand, a landline phone is connected to your IP address and the number of the apartment. Therefore, the 911 operator will know where help is required.
Additionally, a telephone with a corded base can still function during a power shortage provided it is connected to the traditional VOIP or landline phone service with battery backup.
Another benefit is that home security systems need a landline phone connection to monitor burglar and fire alarm detectors. If you don’t own one, the alarm company will install a device that interacts with their office through the cell phone connection.
Enable users to remain connected
It is no secret that seniors can remain lonely for quite some time. Such is the case if their children live far away from them or in the city. As a result, the senior in the upcountry might not be able to reach out to his loved ones anytime he or she wants.
To keep the senior connected, there is a need for them to have a landline phone. With this device at hand, be sure that the senior will reach out to his or her loved ones with utmost precision.
Enables them to access emergency health care
Besides being connected, seniors need to access emergency healthcare services every now and then. Moreso, if the senior has an existing health condition that needs urgent healthcare services, this device can be a lifesaver for him or her. All that the senior needs to do is to dial the SOS button and he will be able to reach out to a doctor, almost immediately.
These devices are reliable
Unlike other conventional phones, landline phones usually have excellent network coverage as they do not rely on the ordinary cellular towers. Instead, these devices usually rely on established phone networks that are not prone to network related issues.
In fact, if you compare landline phones with some smartphones and cellphones, be sure that the reception of the former is better and the connection hardly have any form of lag time or delays. As a result, such devices are ideal for senior citizens. With these devices in place, such individuals can remain independent for longer without having to rely on other forks for help and so forth.
They are easy to use
When it comes to ease of use, landline phones do not disappoint. To start with, these devices come with large buttons that are easy to press or dial. Besides this, they come with a larger screen that make it easy for seniors to read text messages. These devices also come with an ergonomic receiver that makes it easier for the seniors above the age of 65 to receive calls.
These devices are relatively cheap
Compared to their cellular counterparts, landline mobile phones are generally cheaper. From the setup costs to the calling costs, landlines tend to be a budget-friendly option and thus ideal for those seniors who want to save more on their overall communication costs. In fact, landline phones offer unlimited local calling that make it a good option for most seniors in the US.
They can work even when there is an outage
Power outage is a common phenomenon across the US and other parts of the world. The good news is that these devices can work well even when you have a blackout in your home or locality.
For instance, during hurricanes or any other inclement weather, these devices will still work optimally and thereby enable you to keep in touch with emergency response personnel, your loved ones and so much more.
FAQs
Can you get a free landline phone through Medicare?
Yes. If you are beneficiary of this program, you can now apply for a free landline phone from your preferred service provider and be good to go.
Can I get a landline phone without the Internet?
Yes. Since this device can work even without internet connection, be sure that you can get one and still remain connected with your loved ones and friends.
How do I set up a landline phone?
The process of setting up a landline phone is generally easy and straightforward. First, you should take the telephone cable and plug one of its end into the right base of your landline phone. Thereafter, plug the other end of the telephone cable into the wall outlet.
Typically, this electrical outlet resembles a normal electrical outlet, just that it possesses two square ports that are built in order to accommodate a modular cork. Lastly, insert the right end of the landline phone’s DC power adapter into its rightful port, which is located at the base of the device. If done correctly, this process should not take you more than 30 minutes. Thereafter, you can now start using the landline phone to make calls and send text messages.
Final Word
Bills for making phone calls and texts are expenses that you have to accept as part of life. The phone is a basic need, and the majority of families opt to use an open conventional phone line. As many exciting alternatives of telecommunications are becoming easy to access, carries will experience stiff competition. For that reason, we offer you a chance to bargain for better deals when it comes to finding the best free landline phone service for seniors and disabled.
