Issa Asad, the CEO of Q Link Wireless, an approved provider of the Federal Lifeline Assistance Program, recently explained the benefits of Lifeline for Food Stamp recipients. “For millions of Americans who struggle financially, the Lifeline program has given them a chance to afford phone service,” said Asad.
Those who are eligible for Lifeline include low-income individuals who meet their specific state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines and those who receive assistance via certain government-funded programs. Those who receive Food Stamps through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are eligible for Lifeline.
What Lifeline Does for Food Stamp Recipients
Those who apply for the Lifeline program based on their eligibility will get free or discounted wireless or landline phone service. Although Lifeline features vary by state and service provider, the type of phone service provided by Lifeline includes 911 access, and most also include voicemail, call waiting, a certain amount of talk time minutes per month and texts. Those who need more minutes are able to purchase them.
Food Stamp recipients who cannot afford a phone can receive a free cell phone from participating wireless providers. Q Link Wireless is one example of a Lifeline service provider that chooses to provide a free cell phone with the free cell phone service. These providers give one cell phone to Lifeline subscribers who are unable to afford a phone.
How Lifeline Benefits Food Stamp Recipients
Food Stamp recipients who take part in the Lifeline program have affordable phone service for at least one year. They will need to recertify their eligibility each year in order to continue using the program. With regular phone service, they can easily call to check their Food Stamp balance before going out to the store. Being able to keep track of their balance also helps them plan their grocery budget without having to worry about running out of food stamps.
“The Lifeline program has been a valuable help to those who receive food stamps,” said Asad, who is also the CEO of Quadrant Holdings. “They can find out how much they have left at any time, leading to one less source of stress in their lives,” explains the QLink Wireless CEO.
Lifeline helps Food Stamp recipients in other ways as well. Those with phone service can look for a steady job more easily, knowing that they will have a phone number to provide potential employers with. This means they do not have to limit the types of jobs that they apply for, and they have a better chance of getting a call back after an interview. They can also keep in touch with loved ones on a regular basis, leading to an improved quality of life. With their own phone service and phone, they do not have to rely on other people to make phone calls or ask to borrow someone else’s phone.
Things to Keep in Mind
Food Stamp recipients who participate in Lifeline will receive a wireless phone service. Only one Lifeline subscription per household is allowed. Those who have more than one subscription already must choose one or risk losing their discounted service. Lifeline subscribers also have to verify their eligibility every year online, over the phone or through the mail.
In order to subscribe to the Lifeline program, Food Stamp recipients will need to show proof that they participate in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or another qualifying government assistance program. Those who no longer need to participate in the Food Stamp program might still be eligible for Lifeline if their income falls below or at 135 percent of their state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines. In most cases, those who have received a free phone through a wireless provider are able to keep that phone, rather than having to return it.
Above content provided by Issa Asad for Quadrant Holdings, the parent company of Q Link Wireless located in Dania, Florida.
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This program benefits so many people with offering phone services to low income people. It gives them access to phone at all times incase of emergency and it can help people find a job. This is doing a good thing for the community.
I imagine how this will reduce expenses, who are in really though condition.
This program gives them access to phone at all times incase of emergency and it can help people find a job. Great.
This program really helps people that need it most!
This is a great program and it will help a lot of people.
This article was great! I learned a lot new things and definitely recommend checking it out.
Great program for those in need of it. I’ve been there. Especially for jobseekers!
This program gives them access to phone at all times incase of emergency and it can help people find a job. Great.
I like the benefits of the program of this company. For sure, thousands of people benefits from it.
It is always noble to help people out especially the needy ones. Whenever a person helps surely he will receive more. Good job for helping lots in their need.
Lifeline is helping a lot of people. Thanks to Issa Asad. People with low income can have a way to contact someone when they need to.
bravo, well done – making positive change in the world!
It’s so important for people to have phones, great program!
Using phones is more than just a luxury, its a necessity for finding jobs and communicating in today’s world. This program will help a lot of underprivileged people.
Thanks to Issa Asad.Because of this program, people with low income are getting benefit.Really good job.
I feel this is an awesome program that can benefit everyone who has low income. i love how they provide a cell phone to those who enroll for the Lifeline program. Hope this becomes a sucess.
This is an awesome program and it’ll help people who have financial problems. Way to go!
I think its important people know this!
This seems like a great program to get people in need phones in their home.
This is great. Everyone needs phone service in this day and age.
Using phones is more than just a luxury, its a necessity for finding jobs and communicating in today’s world. great program!
It is very generous to be included in such program for one year.
I love the work that Mr. Asad and QLink do, making sure those who need it can keep in touch!
the program helps others with low income and collecting food stamps to get back on their feet. It is a nice program that cares for the well-being of others.
This is a great program, because everyone needs a way to contact someone in case of an emergency
A phone is something everyone needs in our world today and it’s nice to see a guy like Issa Asad and his business helping lower income families afford cell phone service
I think programs that assist those in need are awesome to have.