A cell phone is now a necessity. Un-frickin-believable.
Funding for the program is provided by the Federal Communications Commission from universal services funds, which are charged on phone bills and also pay for Internet access to schools and libraries and rural health care providers. Wireless carriers and pay-telephone providers also contribute to the fund, according to the Tennessee Regulatory Authority.
http://www.timesfreepress.com/news/2008/sep/16/chattanooga-cell-phones-free-who-pays-911-fee/?local
How to Qualify
The process to qualify for Lifeline Service depends on the State you live in. In general, you may qualify if...
1. You already participate in other State or Federal assistance program such as Federal Public Housing Assistance, Food Stamps and Medicaid. OR
2. Your total household income is at or below 135% of the poverty guidelines set by your State and/or the Federal Government.
AND 3. No one in your household currently receives Lifeline Service through another phone carrier.
4. You have a valid United States Postal Address. In order for us to ship you your free phone you must live at a residence that can receive mail from the US Post Office. Sorry, but P.O. Boxes cannot be accepted.
In addition to meeting the guidelines above you will also be required to provide proof of your participation in an assistance program, or proof of your income level.
Then what the hell good is a poverty guideline if we just make up some damn factor on top of it. Why don't they just say all Dumbocrats and idiots who want to be on the plantation.