Assurance Wireless Marks Two-Year Anniversary In Michigan
WARREN, N.J. -- Assurance Wireless, which provides eligible low-income people with a cell phone and 250 minutes of free monthly voice service, marks its two-year anniversary of providing services to Michigan residents.
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline Assistance program supported by the federal Universal Service Fund.
More than 417,000 Michigan residents are without a job and more than 24 percent are living below the federal poverty line. Assurance Wireless customers enjoy the ability to provide a contact number to and receive calls from a prospective employer, which, studies show, can improve the chances of securing employment.
"We look forward to continuing to provide this service to eligible Michigan residents who need support and resources during what continues to be a rough economic time for many," said Grace Boehm, director of strategy and business planning, Assurance Wireless.
According to a recent report, "If all 28.5 million adults eligible for Lifeline Assistance were to take advantage of the program and earn at the same rate and level as (the study) sample, it would result in $3.7 billion in fresh income for the poor and near poor." According to a nationwide survey from Assurance Wireless, adults with an income of less than $25,000 are as likely to use their mobile phone for employment searches as those with higher incomes.
Assurance Wireless is a Lifeline Assistance program supported by the low income program of the federal Universal Service Fund which is designed to ensure that quality telecommunications services are available to low-income consumers at affordable rates. Customers eligible for Assurance Wireless include those who participate in Medicaid, Food Stamps/SNAP, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families/TANF, Supplemental Security Income/SSI, Federal Housing Assistance/Section 8 and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program/LIHEAP. Customers may also qualify based on low household income. Eligibility varies by state.
In addition to a voice mail account and call waiting, Assurance Wireless provides caller ID and access to 911 in case of emergency. Beyond the 250 free voice minutes each month, customers can choose from other low cost options to pay for additional minutes, texting, international calling and more at competitive rates.
Eligible residents can apply for Assurance Wireless by calling (toll-free) 800-395-2171, or visiting www.assurancewireless.com.
