Phone Assistance for Low-Income Families
Phone Assistance for Low-Income Families Save Email Print
NEWPORT NEWS, Va. (AP)
Posted: 10:00 AM Oct 31, 2008
Last Updated: 5:54 PM Oct 30, 2008

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A government program that subsidizes phone service for low-income people is now available in Virginia.

TracFone Wireless, a provider of prepaid mobile phones, will provide free mobile-phone service for up to a year to Virginia families who earn less than 135 percent of the federal poverty level. For a four-person household, for example, the threshold would be an annual income of $28,620.

The SafeLink Wireless program includes a free mobile phone, access to emergency services and 68 minutes of call time a month, which can be carried over. Phone users also can purchase additional minutes.

The Universal Service Fund charge on monthly telephone bills finances the program.

TracFone estimates that 300,000 Virginians are eligible for the service.


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Posted by: Indra Dhimal Location: 3770 Toledo Road, Apt.no:90, Jacksonville , Florida-32217 on Dec 17, 2008 at 03:37 PM
Im a refugee immigrated from Nepal four months ago in U.S.I have no income till yet.I have a disable member too.So, i fall under low income family.Hence, we are greatly in need of phone assistance.

Posted by: Govinda Location: 3770 Toledo Road, jacksonville,Florida-32217 on Dec 17, 2008 at 03:26 PM
Im a recently immigrated Bhutanese Refugee from Nepal having low income family with a disable member 3 months ago in us.

Posted by: paula l. stewart Location: Clarksville,Tn 37043 on Dec 9, 2008 at 12:47 AM
I recieve a monthly disability of 539.00 a month. I donot work. I draw 100.00 weekly for unemployment. I am only allowed to wor part time.

Posted by: willis cox Location: goochland ,va 23063 on Dec 1, 2008 at 09:23 PM
i have yried to qualify for a cell phone throught safelink and it tells me i can't get sevice in my area even throught iam on food stamps can you clearify this for me

Posted by: Vannesther B.Smith Location: daytona beach,fl.32117 on Nov 24, 2008 at 08:07 PM
why ????? is it so hard!!!!! to do online set-up of tracfone voicemail set-up,due to hearing, I am hearing impairment and it very hard on people with hearing problems..

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