Super Cheap Cellphone Plans for Seldom Calling SeniorsWATCH SEGMENT ON KFOR-TV For seniors who don’t use their cellphone very often but still want one for emergencies or occasional use, there are a number super-cheap plans available. Or, depending on your income level you may qualify for a free cellphone. Here’s where to find some of the best deals today. Super Cheap Plans While many cellphone providers still offer these lower cost plans, the very best/cheapest deal available today is through T-Mobile’s pay as you go plan (T-Mobile.com, 800-501-0952). For just $3 per month, this plans provides any combination of 30 minutes of talk or 30 text messages. If you want more, you can pay an additional 10 cents per minute/message when you sign up, or you can make adjustments later. You also don’t have to worry about overage charges with this plan, because once you reach your talk/text limit for the month, the phone stops working. And, if you have a compatible device, you won’t need to purchase a new cell phone. If you’re looking for a little more talk time or text messages, another low-cost option is Pure Talk USA (PureTalkUSA.com, 877-820-7873), which offers a Senior AddVantage 80 Plan. This plan provides any combination of 80 minutes of talk or 240 text messages for only $5 per month. Pure Talk also accepts unlocked phones and they don’t have overage fees. Senior-Friendly Cellphone Free Cellphones The free phones and minutes are provided by a number of big prepaid wireless companies like Safelink, Assurance Wireless and Budget Mobile, along with a host of other regional carriers throughout the country. Most states have several wireless companies that provide the free phones and minutes. If you are eligible, the free cell phone you’ll receive is a basic phone that also offers text messaging, voice mail, call waiting and caller ID. To qualify, you’ll need to show that you’re receiving certain types of government benefits, such as Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, home energy assistance or public housing assistance. Or, that your household income is at or below 135 or 150 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines – it varies by state. To find out if you’re eligible, or to locate the wireless companies that provide Lifeline government cell phones in your state, visit LifelineSupport.org.
|