In this article, you will learn How to get Free Government Jitterbug Phone For Seniors. The mobile phone has become a vital part of human society. The need for a cell phone is as great as it is for everyone, but seniors are more in need. Without a cell phone, seniors can barely survive in a medical emergency or need help when left alone.
Most seniors, however, cannot afford a cell phone because of financial constraints. This is where the government’s lifeline program considers seniors eligible for free phones. In addition to free phones, seniors can also take advantage of free data, calls, and messages through the program.
Senior citizens can also get jitterbug phones from lively direct for no extra charge besides the government. Through cell phone plans offered by Jitterbug it is aimed at making phones and plans more affordable for them. Lively has introduced jitterbug value plans for seniors starting at $14.99 monthly, making it affordable for seniors to own a cell phone.
This plan includes unlimited talk time, text messages, and a phone. The feature set on these phones is even more senior-friendly, with a dedicated emergency call key and easy-to-use buttons, among other things. This guide will help you learn more about jitterbug phones for seniors for free.
Is Jitterbug a Phone Provider or Manufacturer?
There is no manufacturer or provider of phones at Jitterbug. The Jitterbug line of phones is designed to meet the unique needs of seniors, making them incredibly easy to use. The company that manufactures Jitterbug phones is Lively (the company was known as GreatCall before 2021). It is possible to purchase Jitterbug phones from several phone providers. Jitterbug phones are also offered free of charge by many Lifeline providers.
Does Government Provide Free Jitterbug Phones For Seniors?
Seniors can receive free Jitterbug through the government’s Lifeline program. A federal government program called Lifeline lowers cell phone and internet service costs. It provides communication services at no cost or a reduced rate to low-income families nationwide. This program is also available to low-income seniors.
Lifeline provides free phones for seniors with low income through participating service providers. You may access free phones such as the Jitterbug from these providers. Your free phone will only be delivered if you prove your eligibility under the lifeline program. A free jitterbug will also be mailed to your address once you fill out an application form. Applicants may request this if it is available when they apply.
Does the Jitterbug Directly Provide Free Phones for Seniors?
There is no phone maker called JITTERBUG, but rather a line of phones designed to fit seniors’ needs. Because of this, Jitterbug cannot give away free smartphones to seniors. As a non-Lifeline provider, Lively, the manufacturer of Jitterbug, doesn’t directly provide free phones for seniors either.
The Lively website does offer affordable and discounted Jitterbug phones for seniors. At lively.com/phones, Lively offers discounted Jitterbug phones for seniors.
How to get Free Government Jitterbug Phone For Seniors?
A government program called Lifeline helps low-income households afford communications services. A discount can be applied to qualifying monthly phone, internet, or bundled services of up to $9.25 for eligible households not living on tribal lands or $10.25 for eligible households living on tribal lands. Customers who qualify for Lifeline also receive free phones.
How to Qualify for the Lifeline Free Jitterbug Phone for Seniors?
You must meet at least one of the following strict eligibility criteria set by the FCC to be eligible for Lifeline:
A household income of 135% or less of the Federal Poverty Guidelines applies to you.
There is at least one federal assistance program you or other members of your household participate in:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as Food Stamps.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
The following tribal assistance programs are available to you or a member of your household:
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations
- Bureau of Indian Affairs and General Assistance
- Head Start (only households meeting the qualifying income standard)
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
A person applying for Lifeline must also be 18 years old or an emancipated minor and a resident of one of the states where the chosen provider offers its services.
Required Documents to Apply for Lifeline Free Jitterbug Phone for Seniors?
The Lifeline program may interest senior citizens who want a Jitterbug phone.
Those with low income can take advantage of Lifeline’s monthly discount program to reduce the cost of their telephone service.
The following documentation is required to apply for the Lifeline program –
- Proof of income, such as your most recent tax return or Social Security statement.
- Utility bill.
- U.S. citizenship or legal residency.
- An application form that is signed and dated.
It is possible to submit all required documentation to the Lifeline program once all the required documents are collected.
How to Apply for Lifeline Free Jitterbug Phone for Seniors?
Lifeline is a government assistance program that can be applied in two ways. The process can be completed online or by mail.
Apply Online
- Go To nv.fcc.gov/lifeline.
- Get started by logging in or creating a new account.
- Press ‘Get Started’ and select your state or territory.
- Lifeline application forms are available in each state and territory. Please fill out the form with all the necessary information. The application can be submitted by pressing ‘Next’ at the end of each page.
Apply via Mail
- Go to lifelinesupport.org/wp-content/uploads/documents/get-lifeline/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf to print out an application form.
- You need to complete the Lifeline application.
- Please add the proof documentation.
- Please send the entire package to Lifeline Support Center, P.O. Box 7082, London, KY 40742.
It is also possible for you to apply directly through the website of your selected Lifeline provider without first having to go to the Lifeline support center.
Jitterbug Affordable Cell Phone Plans For Seniors
The affordable cell phone plans Jitterbug offers will help you avoid unnecessary costs on mobile minutes and features. Seniors can easily afford monthly phone services with Jitterbug Flip2 and Jitterbug Smart3 because there are no long-term contracts or cancellation fees.
There are two options: a value plan, which is $14.99 per month, and an unlimited talk and text plan, which is $19.99 per month. These plans include the following phones:
Jitterbug flip2
The phone is more challenging than this, specifically designed to help seniors make and receive calls. Seniors can make and receive phone calls effortlessly with this phone’s large buttons, large screen, and simple menu.
A powerful speaker enhances the audibility of the device. A quick dial button is also available for answering urgent calls and responding to emergencies. The phone works with Amazon Alexa, so your grandma can use her voice to make a call or send a message.
Jitterbug smat3
The Jitterbug smat3 is a touchscreen phone with various senior-friendly features, unlike the Jitterbug flip 2. In general, smartphones are complicated devices, but the jitterbug smat3 is not one of them.
This phone has a large screen, clear icons, and a simple menu to make it easy for seniors. Moreover, the battery lasts long, and the speakers are powerful for easy communication. Furthermore, the phone has an easy-to-press button for emergency responses.
What Benefits Do I Get After Qualifying for Lifeline
It depends on the Lifeline provider you choose and which specific benefits you can receive after qualifying for Lifeline. Most Lifeline providers offer several benefits:
You can receive a discount of up to $9.25 or $34.25 on your monthly phone or internet service if you are an eligible tribal member.
- You can get free Wireless or phone services every month if you:
- Voice minutes are limited or unlimited.
- Texts are unlimited
- Data limits or unlimited amounts per month
- Data hotspots, international calls, and other benefits may be included.
- The government could provide free phones (perhaps a Jitterbug for seniors)
8 Best Free Cell Phone Providers For Seniors That Are Compatible With Jitterbug
Cintex Wireless
ACP program from Cintex Wireless can give you a free cell phone if you are a qualified senior. These phones include free data, free texting, and free talk, along with other benefits. In addition to free 911 calls, you can expect to receive caller I.D., call waiting, domestic text messaging, and 411 Directory services.
Life Wireless
Life Wireless, with the federal lifeline program provides qualifying seniors free cell phones. You can get a free cell phone and a free phone with voicemail, call waiting, unlimited texting, free 911 calls, three-way calling, and caller identification, as well as a free phone with voicemail.
Assist Wireless
Assist Wireless also offers free cell phones to low-income seniors and those enrolled in SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, or another government assistance program. The assist wireless lifeline program provides eligible seniors free cell phones, texts, calls, and data.
American Assistance
The American Assistance program provides free cell phones to low-income households and seniors. The company’s lifeline program offers qualified seniors free cell phones and monthly plans. In addition to free unlimited calling, free unlimited texting, and free monthly data, the plan also provides nationwide coverage.
Safelink Wireless
Are you a senior citizen living on a low income? The Safelink Wireless lifeline program can also provide you with a free cellphone. ACP and Lifeline are two Safelink programs providing eligible seniors with free cell phones.
The criteria for eligibility for Safelink Lifeline must be met, however. Through these programs, you can get a free cellphone, unlimited text and talk, and 25 G.B. of monthly data for free.
enTouch Wireless
The enTouch wireless lifeline program offers free cell phones for seniors and other eligible households. The program includes free phones, unlimited data plans, unlimited texting, free international calls, and unlimited data.
Companies like this offer low-cost insurance to qualified senior citizens from Arizona, California, Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Colorado, North Dakota, Puerto Rico, Idaho, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky, Nevada, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas.
Easy Wireless
Easy Wireless is a reputable service provider that assists qualified seniors in contacting their family and friends. Free unlimited talk, text, and unlimited data are available through Lifeline’s free cellphone plan.
Feelsafe Wireless
You can also receive a free cellphone from the Feelsafe wireless lifeline program if you live in Kentucky, California, Michigan, Mississippi, New York, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, or Wisconsin. With this provider, you will receive free phone, call, text, and data if you have low income or receive government assistance.
How do I activate my Jitterbug phone for seniors?
You can reach our Activation Line at (888) 900-1367 if you do not have Internet access. Please get in touch with our customer service agents at (866) 482-1424 if you have questions about your Jitterbug activation or service.
FAQs
Does the Jitterbug Provide Any Other Services?
The only services provided by Jitterbug are the line of phones. On the other hand, Lively, the phone’s manufacturer, offers health and safety packages, data plans, and phone plans.
Can You Use Jitterbug Phone With Any Carrier?
A jitterbug phone is an unlocked device that follows nationwide standards. Because of this, they are compatible with any carrier that accepts them as a service. All carriers may not activate unlocked jitterbug phones despite being unlocked.
Does a Jitterbug Phone Have an Emergency Response One-button?
Yes, Jitterbug phones include an easy-to-find Urgent Response button on the screen, designed especially for seniors.
How much does a Jitterbug phone cost per month?
There is no additional charge for unnecessary services with Jitterbug’s Flip2 and Smart3 plans. You can get a Value plan for $14.99 monthly and an Unlimited Talk & Text plan for $19.99. Jitterbug Smart3 requires a monthly data plan for as little as $2.49.
Does the Jitterbug use a SIM card?
Under the back cover with the battery are two slot locations for SIM cards and S.D. cards. In addition to the 16G of onboard memory, users can add up to 16G of external memory.
Conclusion
The Jitterbug phone keeps seniors connected with their loved ones and allows them to maintain their independence. There are some health and safety features on the flip phone and smartphone offered by the company, but seniors seeking a medical alert system may want to purchase a separate device.