Eligibility, application, and benefits of Assurance Wireless program

Eligibility, application, and benefits of Assurance Wireless program

The government launched an Assurance Wireless program for public benefit in 2009. Funded by the Federal Universal Service Fund, it’s designed for individuals who are unemployed or fall below the federal-specified poverty line. Under this program, one receives financial assistance in the form of a free government-subsidized phone and telephone service plan per household. Eligible users are not sent a bill, do not sign any contract, and are not charged any activation cost.

Internet plans offer
This financial assistance is convenient and hassle-free; it does not entail any activation costs. Currently, the program offers a free Android phone with a T-Mobile network for coverage and two plans:

Lifeline and ACP Unlimited plan
In this one, you can get unlimited internet data, calling minutes, text messages, worldwide Sprint network coverage, 911 access, and 10GB of mobile hotspots. During congestion, the internet speed may drop after 35 GB of data usage in a month, which allows you to view roughly 60 hours of streaming with standard resolution.

Lifeline-only plan
This plan comes with 4.5 GB data, unlimited texts, and phone minutes which have some state-specified limits. For the first four months, however, you can get 150 free voice minutes. This plan also offers upgrades for an extra cost, which includes additional data and unlimited phone minutes: $15 for 500MB, $20 for 1GB, $30 for 4GB, and $45 for 10GB.

Eligibility criteria
Since it’s a government financial aid, it requires people to fulfill certain eligibility criteria. The foremost is an individual’s financial status. Most states require documents that provide income information. Prior year’s federal income tax returns, income statements from employers, divorce decree, or child support document containing income can qualify as proof. One can also provide statements like social security, retirement, or unemployment benefits for three consecutive years.

One can apply for the program if the total family income is at or below 125% of the specified federal poverty line. Similarly, those who put in 40-plus hours of work and still fall below the federal poverty line can also avail of the benefit.

Assurance phones
You can expect budget-level smartphones, including Alcatel Dawn, Coolpad Illumina, Kyocera Hydro Reach, Moto G Pure, REVVL 4 Plus, and ZTE Quest. Currently, the program does not provide 5G-compatible phones. Note that one cannot have a stolen or lost claim against an Assurance phone.

How to apply for Assurance Wireless Program?
Visit the Assurance Wireless website and register for their free service. Once you sign up, you can check your state-wise eligibility, track application progress, renew the certificate yearly, and even contact government officials in case of doubts. The initial online application requires you to provide personal information. Once you add the state you live in, you will get a downloadable form asking for your name, date of birth, last 4 digits of your Social Security Number, contact number, address, and email ID. Then you will be required to disclose any current benefit program you’re enrolled in and documents that specify income and give proof of your claims. If your application is in place, you can expect to receive an acceptance call within 5 to 7 business days.

Popular Reads

All you need to know about kidney and liver failure

Hepatorenal syndrome is a condition that is identified as a type of kidney failure that occurs in people who have serious damage caused to the liver, commonly due to cirrhosis. When the kidney stops functioning, toxins begin to accumulate in the body which leads to liver failure as well. Therefore, kidney and liver failures are co-dependent in this case. This condition is of two types: 1 and 2. In Type 1 the kidney failure is more rapid, while type 2 patients tend to move gradually toward renal failure and the symptoms are less aggressive. Symptoms The symptoms caused by the hepatorenal syndrome are a cause of medical emergency in most cases. If any of the symptoms associated with the condition occur, the patient must be rushed to a doctor without any delay. The common symptoms associated with the condition include Nausea Increase in body weight Confusion Reduced urination Change in the color of urine, which usually becomes dark-colored Swelling in the abdomen area Jaundice Dementia Vomiting Delirium Causes and risk factors In most cases, the hepatorenal syndrome is a complication associated with liver disease. Almost in all patients, the condition is caused as a result of liver cirrhosis. When a person suffers from cirrhosis of the liver, there are several factors that can cause the hepatorenal syndrome, such as Infections, especially the ones that affect the kidneys Digestive tract disorders such as gastrointestinal bleeding Use of diuretics, the substance used for increased production of urine The primary reason behind the condition is mostly any kind of disease related to the liver.
health

Symptoms, causes, and risk factors of mental health issues

Mental health is a term that is collectively used to understand illnesses that include symptoms that might have an impact on the thinking, mood, and behavior of a person. Mental health problems might make it difficult for people to concentrate on work or maintain a positive work-life balance. There might even be problems pertaining to relationships when a person is dealing with mental health problems. While mental health and stress have a complex but definite relationship, the latter can gravely be worsened by the former. What is the solution? While some people resort to counseling for mental health problems, some might turn to medication. A combination of both can also be a good and effective solution for some. Symptoms of mental health problems The symptoms of mental health illness can vary depending on the individual, the depth of the problem, and how a person is looking to cope with the problem. There can be emotional and behavioral repercussions of mental health illness, and the best way to cure is to identify it early on and support the person suffering from mental health issues as well as possible. Some of the known symptoms of mental health illnesses include: Feeling sad or low Inability to concentrate on the job or even on leisure activities like watching TV or reading the newspaper Extreme feeling of guilt Irrational fears or worries, especially about the future Mood swings Withdrawal from family, friends, and all sorts of social activities Detachment from the real world and a sense of delusion or hallucinations Inability to keep up with daily tasks or powerlessness in handling the stress of simple jobs Difficulty in understanding people and situations Excessive alcohol use Sudden change in eating habits Change in sex drive for the worse Change in temperament and sudden hostile behavior and loss of patience Suicidal thoughts Physical symptoms such as stomach ache, back pain, and headaches Causes of mental health problems Multiple causes can be associated with the occurrence of mental health illnesses.
health