Welcome to Ask Lacey, an advice column in which accredited financial counselor and MilMo founder Lacey Langford answers your pressing financial questions. Have a question for Lacey? Submit it here.
Dear Lacey: I need a cell phone and cannot afford one. How can veterans get free cell phones without going through a bunch of red tape and hassle? Also, I need home repairs and cannot afford them.
Rose
Hey, Rose! Thank you for reaching out. I recognize how hard it is to need a cell phone and home repairs but not have the cash to cover those expenses. That stress is already heavy enough without getting tangled up in red tape when you don't need another problem. The good news is, there are options to help you without jumping through a bunch of hoops. I have resources for you!
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Free Cell Phones
There are a few different options to get a free cell phone and services. First, there's the federal Lifeline program, which receives its funding through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides discounted cell phones and monthly plans to low-income earners, including veterans. It's part of the Department of Veterans Affairs' Bridging the Digital Divide program to give veterans access to the internet and internet-connected devices. You can call your local VA office to get additional information about the program or visit its website.
Assurance Wireless, TruConnect and Life Wireless all fall under the Lifeline program and provide free monthly data, minutes and unlimited texting plans. If you qualify, Life Wireless will provide you with a free phone. With all of them, you also have the option to use a cell phone you already have with their plans, if it's compatible.
To qualify, your income must be below a certain level or you are participating in one of these federal programs:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA)
- Veterans pension or survivors benefit programs
- Tribal specific programs
Another resource is Cell Phones for Soldiers, which offers free phones and a year of service to transitioning veterans via their Cell Phones for Soldiers Mobile program. You'll need your DD-214 and to fill out a short application. As of this writing, the program is at capacity, so you'll have to join a waiting list. It will also give one-time emergency financial assistance for phone bills through Helping Heroes Home. To apply for this one, you'll need to email details about your situation and the due date of your bill. You can learn more about all of its benefits here.
Free Home Repairs
There's help available for your home repairs, too. The VA has some programs to help with repairs, but they're more for adaptability repairs for disabled veterans. Those programs are the VA's Specially Adapted Housing (SAH) Grant. For this one, you must own your home and have a service-connected disability. The other is the Home Improvements/Structural Alterations (HISA) program, which helps with minor upgrades for medically necessary improvements to a home.
In the state where you are located, the North Carolina Housing Finance Agency has an Urgent Repair Program (URP) that provides financial assistance for emergency home repairs to those who qualify.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Rural Development Section 504 Home Repair program offers 1% loans or $10,000 grants (if 62+) if you live in a rural area. You can find all the requirements here.
Nonprofits are available in North Carolina and nationwide, such as Rebuilding Together, North Carolina Heroes Fund and Habitat for Humanity, which can all help with home repairs or their costs.
Other Resources
Don't forget to check with your local chapters of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) and the American Legion. They will be tapped into resources and assistance for veterans in their communities. Or donations from local companies and organizations.
Another resource that is not veteran-specific but a great way to find local help is FindHelp.org. Type in your zip code, and they will list financial assistance, food pantries and other free help.
I wish you the best and hope some of the resources can help you get the support you need to secure a cell phone and home repairs.
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