LAPLACE – A new federal program could help almost 12,000 households in the River Parishes stay connected with loved ones and other important contacts.
Louisiana recently became one of 21 states across the country to participate in SafeLink Wireless, a program funded by the Federal Communications Commission’s Universal Service Fund. Through the program, low-income households can obtain a free cell phone and 68 minutes of free monthly talk time from TracFone.
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According to a TracFone representative, the phones are free of charge, have no contracts or monthly bills and require no security deposits or credit checks. In addition to the 68 free minutes per month, which are transferable from month to month, program participants also have unlimited access to 9-1-1 and may purchase additional minutes in the form of cards from local retailers.
The program period is one year, but households may reapply after their 12 months is up.
Families on government assistance programs such as Medicaid and Food Stamps or whose total household income is at or under 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines may qualify for the program. To find out a full list of qualifications as well as to get an application call 1-800-SAFELINK (1-800-723-3546) or visit www.safelink.com.
SafeLink is an extension of Lifeline, a program started by the FCC in 1984 to ensure everyone had reasonable access to telephone communication. Of course, at that time, telephone communication meant a landline.
Now, according to a TracFone representative, the program has been updated to reflect the way people communicate today.
Additionally, the spate of disasters in the last decade has shown the necessity for cell phone communication when all other methods are unavailable.
Over 4,700 households in St. John the Baptist Parish alone qualify for the program, said a TracFone representative. In St. Charles Parish, over 4,200 qualify, and in St. James Parish over 2,700 households qualify.
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Analizeth Sandoval wrote on Feb 25, 2010 2:54 PM:
I appreciate the news on the help for low income families to have access to a cell phone since in today's society, having a cell phone could be life saving. I am a senior at Walla Walla University finshing my bachelors degree in Social Work. I want to know if you happen to know if there is additional help for families that do not know how to use a cell phone. For example, a family may qualify to receive the cell phone, but lack the necessary skills and knowledge on how to operate a cell phone. I know this question might sound a bit weird but I would not be surprised if a family that is living in impoverished condition does not know how to operate a cell phone. For this reason, I want to know if this program of assistance for families in need of a cell phone that otherwise could not afford it has included basic education on how to operate a cell phone. Thank you for your time and look forward to your reply. "