To qualify for a free cell phone, participants must meet one of the two eligibility criteria: program-based or income-based qualification.
Program-Based Qualification
If you participate in any of these programs in South Dakota, you are eligible for free cell phones:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP):
- SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides financial assistance to low-income families to help them purchase food.
- If an individual or family is receiving SNAP benefits, they automatically qualify for the free mobile phone program. This ensures that those already receiving food assistance can also stay connected to other critical services.
- Medicaid:
- Medicaid offers healthcare coverage to low-income individuals, including children, elderly adults, and people with disabilities.
- Those enrolled in Medicaid automatically qualify for the program, which ensures they can stay connected to healthcare providers, make appointments, and receive medical services when needed.
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI):
- SSI provides financial support to elderly, blind, or disabled individuals who have little or no income.
- People receiving SSI benefits automatically qualify for the mobile phone program, allowing them to stay in touch with family, medical professionals, and social services.
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA):
- FPHA assists low-income families with housing costs, ensuring they can afford safe and stable housing.
- If an individual or family receives FPHA benefits, they automatically qualify for the free mobile phone program, which helps them stay connected to landlords, housing authorities, and other vital services.
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefits:
- This program provides financial assistance to low-income veterans, their spouses, and dependents.
- Veterans and their families who are enrolled in this program qualify for the free mobile phone, helping them stay connected to healthcare services and community support networks.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA):
- The BIA provides financial support to Native American individuals and families, particularly those living on reservations.
- Those enrolled in the BIA General Assistance program are eligible for the free mobile phone program, ensuring that people in remote areas have access to essential communication.
- Tribal Head Start:
- This early childhood education program is designed for Native American children and their families.
- Families with children enrolled in Tribal Head Start qualify for the program, ensuring that parents stay connected to their child’s education and community services.
- Tribal Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF):
- TANF provides temporary financial aid to Native American families with children who are experiencing financial hardship.
- Enrolled families automatically qualify for the mobile phone program, which helps them access work opportunities, childcare, and other critical services.
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR):
- This program offers nutritious food to low-income households on Indian reservations.
- Participation in FDPIR qualifies individuals for the free mobile phone program, helping them stay connected to health and social services.
Income-Based Qualification
You may also qualify for a free cell phone if your total household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The Federal Poverty Guidelines set income limits based on household size. Individuals with incomes below this threshold qualify for the program. The specific income thresholds depend on household size and location. The table below shows 135% of the 2024 Federal Poverty Guidelines for South Dakota:
Income Based Eligibility for South Dakota | |
---|---|
Members in Household | Annual Income |
1 member | $20,331 |
2 members | $27,594 |
3 members | $34,857 |
4 members | $42,120 |
5 members | $49,383 |
6 members | $56,646 |
7 members | $63,909 |
8 members | $71,172 |
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