Government Phones Blessing to the Low Income community

Ever since Covid began, Cell phones have become a lifeline for many Americans. As the pandemic has stuck poor and Vulnerable people around the world, these phones have been a blessing

many families.

The United State Government provides a Lifeline Assistance program that will give you access to a free cell phone and a moderately cheap plan if you meet specific qualifications. To qualify, you must have an income below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines or be enrolled in one of these programs.

The low-income community benefits from the lifeline program. This includes a majority of the homeless in Stanislaus County. Diana Ayala is employed through the county to provide these phones for the community and she explains how hard it is for some people to even get these free phones.

Pablo Guzman is a low-income Modesto resident who is looking for service with this program

“Times have been so hard for me and my family, these phones really help because we are able to keep in touch with family members and our kids.” He stated during an interview.

• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)

• Medicaid

• Federal Public Housing Assistance

• Tribal-specific programs: Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance, Tribally-Administered Temporary

• Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF), Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Head Start

• Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit