Everyone needs a phone in today’s world. We need them to keep in contact with one another, see what’s going on in the world, and for emergency situations. Yet, not everyone can afford to have one. Phones are more expensive to maintain having today than ever before. The good news is that there are options for those who can’t afford to buy one. It’s important to know how to get a free phone as a senior.
The average smartphone, which is what most people have today, costs over $800 to purchase. Then, it’s an additional expense each month, with the average being over $150. It’s estimated that 75% of people who have a phone have a wireless phone, and only 25% have a landline. No matter what type of phone you have, it can be costly for a senior who is living on a fixed income.
Even with the high cost of a phone, seniors need to have a phone, if only for emergency purposes. This is when it is a good idea to try and get a free phone as a senior. This will ensure that you have the means to contact people in an emergency, but you won’t have the high bill to try and pay each month.
How to Get a Free Phone as a Senior
Below, you will find some program options that you can explore to try and find a free phone. As a senior, you are likely in a better position to get a free phone than someone younger. People realize that it helps keep seniors safer if they have access to a phone, so they are willing to help ensure you have one. Explore all the options that make sense for your situation. By reaching out to multiple people, you will increase your chances of getting a free phone.
Lifeline – This is the only federal program that helps provide people with a free phone. The program is backed by the federal government and aims to help those who have a low income to have a free phone so they can have a communication device. Check with your local phone carriers and providers to see if they offer the Lifeline program. If they do, they will provide you with the phone, and the government will ensure they are reimbursed for your usage of it. The program is available around the country and through traditional phone providers. Many people refer to this as the “Obama phone” because it was he who first started the program.
Salvation Army – This charitable organization helps people with many things. They have locations around the nation, making them accessible to most people. Contact them to see if they will help you obtain a free phone. They may be able to provide you with one or offer a referral for how you can get one in your area. They offer a lot of other services, too, including free food, clothing, etc. You could also take the free food and then use your grocery money to purchase a phone. Taking the free items means you won’t spend your money to buy them and can use them for other things you need. To find a location in your area, click here.
Friends and Family – Let your family and friends know that you would like to have a phone but cannot afford one. Oftentimes, friends and family members will offer to help pay for it, just to help keep you safer and in touch with them. If you have multiple family members who chip in together to pay for your phone service each month, then it will not be expensive for any one of them. This is a route that many people take because seniors often have children and grandchildren who are willing to go in to pay for a phone for them.
Churches – Check with the churches in your area to see if they have any free phone programs for seniors. They may be able to help you obtain a phone through donations from their congregation. If you only need a new phone and not monthly service paid for, then you may be able to get someone at the church to donate their used phone to you.
Upgrade Options – If you already have a phone and want a new one, check to see what your current one is worth. If it has any value, you may be able to apply that to a new one and get an upgrade. Contact your phone service provider to see if they can do anything to provide you with a free phone upgrade or what type of options they have available to help a senior obtain a free phone.
Signing a Contract – Those who can afford the monthly phone bill but are having a hard time purchasing the phone itself may have options with signing a contract. Contact local phone carriers to see what offers they have going. Many will let you get a free phone if you sign a service contract of three years or more. This means you will get your phone for free as long as you keep your service with them for the length of the contract. You would only have to pay for the phone if you canceled the contract. Many offer deals like this to keep your service with them for several years. They will often give you a new updated phone for signing the contract.
211 – Call this free referral line to see if they can provide you with information on where to get a free phone as a senior. The service is run by the United Way and is available to everyone in the country. They can help you find all kinds of programs in your local area that can be of assistance. They just need to know what type of issue you need assistance with, and they will check their database to match you to a program that can help. To get more information about the program, click here.
