Obama Phone: Free Cell Phone Truth or Myth
Ian C. Langtree - Writer/Editor for Disabled World (DW)
Published: 2012/12/03 - Updated: 2020/10/07
Topic: Disability Communication - Publications List
Page Content: Synopsis - Introduction - Main
Synopsis: Where can I get an Obama phone or is it a myth? Facts and information regarding the so called ObamaPhone. The U.S. State and Federal government has a program that provides free cellphones and free talk time to people with low income as well as senior citizens.
Introduction
Since 2009, there has been an urban myth that President Obama created a program to provide free phones to low-income Americans at taxpayer expense. There is a rumor that Obama is distributing new cellphones and pre-paid minutes to welfare recipients.
Focus
According to Fact-Check, the U.S. federal government does not offer such a program, and, although low-income households have long been eligible for discounted phone services, it is funded by telecommunications companies, not taxes... and the American president has nothing to do with it.
The U.S. State and Federal government has a program that provides free cellphones and free talk time to people with low income as well as senior citizens. This subsidized program is called Lifeline phones assistance program.
As The New York Times notes in an editorial, the Obama administration does not pass out free phones for votes. There is however a national program that provides low-income people with free or discounted phones, but it was started under George W. Bush, Obama's Republican predecessor. The two programs are: Lifeline and Link-Up America - (Eligibility and type of program can vary from state to state)
Lifeline
Provides discounts on basic monthly service at a primary residence for qualified telephone customers up to $10.00 per month, or more for certain Native Americans. Generally, to qualify, your income needs to be at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. If you, or members in your household are, receiving the following benefits you automatically qualify for the Lifeline program.
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Sect. 8)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- If you are a low-income Eligible Resident of Tribal Lands
- The National School Lunch Program's Free Lunch Program.
- Health Benefit Coverage under Child Health Insurance Plan (CHIP)
- Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
More information - https://www.disabled-world.com/communication/usf.php
Link-Up
Assists telecommunications consumers with the installation costs of phone services. This program pays up to $30 of the cost of installation and up to $200 in the form of a one year, interest-free loan for extra installation costs. More information - www.fcc.gov
These services are provided by government approved companies. The three major companies are Safelink Wireless (a government supported program that provides a free cell phone and air-time each month for income-eligible customers), Assurance Wireless and ReachOut Wireless.
Discount Internet Providers
There are still 64.5 million (U.S.) people without a connection to the Internet and that figure hits hardest on those with the lowest incomes. Cheap broadband Internet plans have been created by public-private partnerships, to bring high-speed, wireless Internet access to those on government assistance such as disability benefits, or who have low-income. Further information can be found in our article; Cheap Internet for Disabled, Seniors and Low-Income Americans.
Conclusion
In conclusion there is free phone assistance available to people who qualify - but it is not an Obama administration program. American taxpayers do support the program but not through federal income taxes. Over 8 million Americans have already signed up for the Lifeline program and up to 35% of Americans are qualified.
Caution: Scammers have been spreading text messages promising that the president will cover your bill in full, and all you have to do to take advantage of this amazing deal is to send your account number to a bank account number included in the text. Don't do it!
Author Credentials: Ian is an Australian-born writer, editor, and advocate who currently resides in Montreal, Canada. He is the founder and Editor-in-Chief of Disabled World, a leading resource for news and information on disability issues. With a global perspective shaped by years of travel and lived experience, Ian is a committed proponent of the Social Model of Disability-a transformative framework developed by disabled activists in the 1970s that emphasizes dismantling societal barriers rather than focusing solely on individual impairments. His work reflects a deep commitment to disability rights, accessibility, and social inclusion. To learn more about Ian's background, expertise, and accomplishments, visit his full biography.