Brooklyn, NY – Assemblyman Dov Hikind (D-Brooklyn) announced today that his office has been designated as an authorized Assurance Wireless center, where qualifying constituents can obtain and complete an application for a free Assurance Wireless cell phone with 200 free minutes of local and long-distance calling within the United States. Other features include free voicemail, call waiting, caller ID, and free 911 access.
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“There’s no question that having a cell phone gives you peace of mind in the event of an emergency,” said Hikind. “I am proud to be partnering with Assurance Wireless in making cell phones accessible to people who might otherwise not be able to afford one.”
To be eligible, an individual must be the head of their household and receive assistance from at least one of the following programs: Food Stamps, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Section 8, HEAP, Public Assistance, Public Housing or the National Free Lunch program. Proof of program participation is not required.
One may also qualify for a free cell phone based on household size and income guidelines. A household of one cannot exceed a yearly income of $14,621, while a family of five can earn up to $34,817 per year. For those applying using income-based eligibility, documentation is required.
Income verification sources include one of the following:
o The prior year’s state or federal income tax return
o Three consecutive months’ worth of your most current pay stubs
o Social Security/Veterans Administration/Pension benefits statement
o Unemployment/Worker’s Compensation benefit statement
o Divorce decree or child support document
Approved applicants will receive their phone within three weeks. If you are interested in applying for a free Assurance Wireless cell phone, please visit the Office of Assemblyman Dov Hikind at 1310 48th Street, 2nd Floor, Borough Park, Brooklyn for assistance. The office is open Monday through Friday. For more information or to determine if you are income eligible, please call the office at 718.853.9616.
the phones and service may be “free” to the user, but the rest of us are all paying, and paying, for them via the “universal service fund” and plenty of other fees and taxes on our phones.
But at least this way our cash is going to a good purpose.
Oh, and _all_ cell phones, whether on a service plan or not, can still access “911”. That five year old unit that you traded up from, but never threw out.. can still be used for emergency calls at no charge.
(Being a radio it _does_ have to reach a compatible cell tower, so an analog phone from a decade ago is out. But most others should be ok in most cellular areas).
200 free minutes per month, year or what? anyone knows?
If poor people need a phone for emergencies, let them use a non-activated cell phone. 911 works on EVERY phone, regardless if it is in service. This is a waste of money.
What’s next? Free cars to poor people?
Lets try to give poor people an incentive to actually work.
Thank you Dov for this great service to the neediest among us.
it is only for those whe don’t use a lifeline for ther home phone
200 per month, but it’s not rollover
This is a old thing I have it already for few month
Its about time we stop giving away “free” things on others peoples expense. I think people should “earn” a living.
to all ppl complaining, this service was always availible, it is called LifeLine, its a GVMT program giving $10 a month towards phone service,
Now this company Assurance made a deal with Virgin Mobile to grant 200 minutes per month for the price of $10 which they get from the program,
Welcome to Obama Nation, where if you don’t work and don’t pay taxes you every thing for free paid for by the stupid people that actually do work
What is everyone kvetching about? If you have a cell phone and can pay the bill that’s great, I am a working mother and go on the subway and need a phone so in case I get stuck and am running later I use it for backup plans. It is a very nice thing what they are doing. It is also for the elderly who are not working and who will benefit in case of an emergancy.
I don’t have extra money for a phone so I use this free one, I don’t go over the minutes and only use it for emergency purposes. There is a reason for this plan.
For all of you who don’t need it be quiet. I think this webiste was created for ppl. to kvetch………
Problem is that the people who really need it won’t get it because most people in Boro Park are receiving these programs undeserved
Have relative who has this already, without any politician taking credit, all what was required, is to pick up a phone and apply, phone was delivered to their house for free.
However a credit is due to the politician for bringing this benefit to the attention of their constituents.
I work from 9-5. My salary does not allow me to get ANY government help. I even pay for my own insurance. But believe me I’m on the same financial status as my neighbor who is receiving $1000 per month section 8, food stamps and more.
The system is SICK! SICK! SICK!
I often wonder if I should stay home and get section 8, paid insurance, food stamps and who knows what more.
The system is communistic!
It leaves no room for motivation to work!
Will I every get handouts too?
Desparate for an incentive:) (even a 200 minute plan would do)
I got a phone through the office of assemblywoman helen weinstein. itis so nice to have a way to call people without spending 90 bucks a month. I would never be able to afford a phone if not for her.
call assurance wireless straight they sign you up instantly u dont have to schlep yourself down to dov’s office
stop the comminist madness if you cant afford a phone we the tax payer wont give you one go to work a celpphone is a luxery not a right you money sucking libs you
I have Tracfone now totally free not a penny! they call it Safelink wireless and you get 68 rollover min a month. but the best part is you get free text that come off your min. (3 for a min.) very happy but the phone is hard to text multi-tap. They even ported my old number.
I tried calling the assurance number many times and I have not gotten through to anyone. It’s great that I can go to Dov Hikind’s office and apply for the phone. I don’t have to waste my time calling the 1800 number and getting stuck on hold!
This is one of those huge taxes on your cell phone bill.
Its to redistribute wealth and I always thought it was to provide phone service to rural areas and under advantaged folk.
At least Hikind will be diverting some of the stolen loot with his people.