Having trouble paying your cell phone bill every month? You’re not alone With the rising costs of wireless plans, many people struggle to afford this necessary service Luckily, there are ways to get help with paying your cell phone bill so you can stay connected even on a tight budget.
Why Are Cell Phone Bills So Expensive?
There are a few key reasons why cell phone bills keep getting more expensive:
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Data usage – As we use smartphones for more data-heavy tasks like streaming mobile data costs have gone up. Carriers continue to push unlimited data plans which are expensive for low data users.
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Faster networks – Upgrades like 5G coverage are driving up the costs of plans as carriers look to recoup network investment costs.
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Device costs – Today’s smartphones are pricier than ever. The cost of the device is already built into the plan price, even though many offer financing.
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Taxes and fees – Federal, state, and local taxes tack on more than 20% extra per bill. Regulatory fees like the Universal Service Fund also drive up costs.
For people with a limited income, these rising cell phone bills can quickly become unaffordable.
Who Is Eligible for Help Paying Cell Phone Bills?
The main eligibility requirement for cell phone bill assistance programs is having a low household income, such as 150% or below the Federal Poverty Level. However, eligibility can vary by program. Common criteria includes:
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Income: The Federal Poverty Level sets the maximum amount of money that most programs will accept. This is the FPL range, which changes by program and state and is between 135% and 150%.
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Government assistance – Some programs require you receive a benefit like Medicaid, Food Stamps, SSI, or Section 8 housing.
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Tribal programs – If you live on federally-recognized Tribal lands, you may qualify for Tribal-specific assistance.
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Age – Certain assistance is available for seniors and youth/students.
If you’re unsure whether you meet eligibility requirements, you can call 2-1-1 to be connected to a local specialist who can check programs you qualify for.
5 Best Ways To Get Help Paying Cell Phone Bill
If you need assistance paying your wireless bill each month, here are 5 great options to look into:
1. Lifeline Program
Lifeline is a federal benefit that offers up to $9. 25 monthly discount on mobile or home phone service. It’s limited to one discount per household. Lifeline is run by the FCC and can be reached in all 50 states. Lifeline helps more than 13 million families get cheap phone service.
Get Lifeline for your cell phone by applying with a wireless carrier in your state that takes part. A lot of big companies, like AT&T Some even provide free phones, data, and minutes.
2. Emergency Broadband Benefit
A new federal program called the Emergency Broadband Benefit offers up to $50/month discount on internet and/or phone bills for eligible households. This temporary benefit was created to help low-income families stay connected during COVID-19.
To get the Emergency Broadband Benefit for your cell phone, contact your wireless carrier to see if they are participating. You can get the discount applied as a credit on your bill. Over 700 providers are participating, including big companies like AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon.
3. State Programs
Many states have assistance funds to help residents with phone bills. For example, California has the California LifeLine program which provides $14.85 off cell phone bills per month. New York also offers help through the Lifeline Discounts for Telephone Service program.
To find a state program, use the Lifeline National Verifier map to locate your state Lifeline administrator. Or do a search for “[your state] lifeline cell phone” to find state-specific help.
4. Non-Profit Organizations
Local non-profits and charities often have funds to help community members pay utility and phone bills. For instance, the Salvation Army offers emergency utility assistance, including cell phone bills, through local corps community centers.
Search “[your city/state] cell phone bill assistance” to find non-profits and charities offering help in your area. You can also dial 2-1-1 to be referred to programs near you.
5. Negotiate With Your Carrier
If you’re struggling to pay your bill, call your cell phone company and explain your situation. They may be able to put you on an affordable payment plan, lower your monthly rate, waive late fees, or pause service temporarily.
Be honest about what you can afford. Often the carrier’s retention department can find you a cheaper service plan or give you a temporary discount. It never hurts to ask!
Other Ways To Reduce Your Cell Phone Bill
Along with assistance programs, there are steps you can take to cut your cell phone costs:
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Review usage – Check your monthly usage to see if you could save with a lower data limit. Many plans vastly overestimate needs.
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Use WiFi – Connect to WiFi whenever possible to reduce cellular data usage which adds up quickly.
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Disable features – Turn off extra features like mobile hotspot which add to your monthly bill.
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Pay on time – Set payment reminders to avoid costly late fees being added.
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Buy discounted refills – Companies like CallingMart offer discounted minutes/data refills to extend your cell phone usage each month.
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Switch carriers – Do some comparison shopping for cell phone plans every 1-2 years to find the best rate.
Get Help Paying Your Cell Phone Bill Today
Don’t get disconnected due to an unaffordable cell phone bill. There are many great programs out there to provide cell phone financial assistance if you’re currently struggling. Reach out to Lifeline, check for state/local programs, or call your carrier for help. Also be proactive about reducing your monthly cell costs. With a little work, you can find an affordable cell phone plan that keeps you connected.
Two Ways We Can Help:Wage Advance
Wagetap gives you two simple options when youâre short on funds for your phone bill. The first option is to get instant cash with our wage advance. Our wage advance feature provides you with up to $300 of your wage early, so you donât have to wait until payday to access the money youâve earned. This can help you cover your phone bill or any other expenses you need. Itâs your money, so you can spend it the way you need to.
Once payday arrives, youâll get the remainder of your paycheque. Itâs easy, convenient and it helps you have more control of your finances Bill Split.
Your telephone costs can be a fairly large bill, especially if you have multiple phones on your plan. This bill could take a big chunk of your pay when it’s due, making it hard to pay for other things you need. With our split bill feature, you can spread that bill out and turn it into smaller, more manageable payments.
Our split bill feature can cover up to $600 of your phone bill, allowing you to pay that bill over time rather than all at once. If you borrow less than $300 to pay your bill, you’ll make three equal payments on time at the same time every month. Borrowing over $300 for your bill will split it into four payments.
Download Our App to Get Your Cellular Payment Plan Started!
Ready to never miss another phone bill payment? Weâre ready to help. Wagetap is here to make paying your bills less stressful and help you get the financial help you need to feel more comfortable. Download Wagetap today on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Getting your account set up takes just a few minutes.
7 Programs that Can Pay Your Bills For You
FAQ
How can I pay my phone bill if I have no money?
Lifeline can help pay for your landline or cell (wireless) phone service. You can also get help with your internet bill. Lifeline depends on how much money you make and how many people live in your home, or if you get help from a federal program.
What app helps you pay your phone bill?
About this app Papaya is the quickest way to pay your bills. Just snap a photo of your bill and Papaya takes care of the rest! It’s free, secure, and unbelievably easy. That’s right.
Where can I get help with my phone bill?
In addition, cell phone and cable companies also process applications to give help for phone bills. Another option is to contact a non-profit agency in your county. The Lifeline telephone assistance program is part of the Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund.
Do government programs help pay cell phone bills?
Government programs help low-income families, seniors and the disabled to ensure they have some form of landline or smartphone available. There is financial help to pay cell phone bills, landlines and even internet connections from Life Line or other government benefits. Get details on phone bill assistance programs in your state below.
What is the quickest way to pay a cell phone bill?
Out of the six options above, DoNotPay is by far the easiest and quickest solution. Think of DoNotPay as a AI Consumer Champion that offers assistance with a variety of bureaucratic tasks, including help with paying bills. Relying on artificial intelligence technology, we are able to help you with your cell phone bill in just a few steps:
What is phone bill assistance?
Phone bill assistance is an option, including free cell phones for the low-income, disabled or seniors. In addition to money to pay overdue bills, learn about free iPhones, tablets, Samsungs and other smartphones, including for families on EBT or Medicaid. Find phone bill assistance. Free iPhones from the government are given out.
How much can you get off a phone & Internet Bill?
Eligible people can get up to $9. 25 off their monthly phone or internet bill. On Tribal lands, there is an additional discount of up to $25. In today’s high-tech world, telephones and internet service truly are lifelines. But if your budget is stretched, these essential items can seem like luxuries.
Can a non-profit help you pay your cell phone bill?
You may be feeling reluctant to ask for a helping hand with paying for your cell phone bill. In all probability, there is at least one non-profit organization in your community that can provide a much-needed financial aid right now.
