How to choose the best landline phone services for seniors<\/h1>\n\n\n\n![\"free](\"https:\/\/itgust.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/04\/free-landline-phone-service-for-seniors.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAccording to ACA International, only 41% of American homes are operating solely on wireless services. Although holding on to a landline service may seem like an outdated option, many benefits come with landline phones including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
i) Security<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In cases of emergency, a cell phone can only detect the general vicinity of the user and not the exact location. When you make a call to emergency services using a landline, the operator can see your exact address, floor and even apartment number. Your data is also secure since it can\u2019t be intercepted unlike smartphones which use radio waves that are easily intercepted, compromising your privacy and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ii) Clear connection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Landlines rely on a network and not cell towers hence they have crystal-clear strong connections. If you are tired of having a lot of dropped calls and poor connections, landlines are the best bet. They are known for having consistent and high-quality transmissions, Additionally, a landline will also work during a power outage as long as it is connected to a corded base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
iii) Low maintenance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Landlines are generally easy to maintain and they can be used for very long periods without significant wear. They are also significantly easier to use for senior citizens than modern smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
iv) Extended talk time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Landlines generally have a longer talk time compared to smartphones due to their limited features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With all these great benefits, how do you choose the best landline phone and services for senior citizens? Here is a comprehensive list of the features to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
i) Call quality<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This is important when choosing a landline phone. Make sure you choose one that promises no call interference and zero interference. Distorted calls can be a great source of frustration for a senior citizen so make sure that the clarity of voice is excellent on both ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ii) Caller ID and call blocker<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The caller ID will make sure you know who is calling you at all times as it displays the name, number and date of incoming calls. The call blocking feature is also great assistance in blocking spam calls to make sure you have peace at home with no random disturbances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
iii) Disability considerations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cell phone companies are continually manufacturing cell phones that can be used by people with different disabilities such as cell phones for visually impaired seniors<\/a>, hearing disabilities and more. Choose a landline with easily dialable buttons and a backlit keyboard for ease of use by visually impaired citizens and also consider the ringer volume for seniors with hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\niv) Backup power on the base unit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Make sure the base unit has a backup power source such as batteries or it will not transmit calls during a blackout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Other factors that need to be considered when choosing a landline for a senior is whether they have an alarm system and answering machines for recording messages when they are not there. But choosing the landline is only half the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Make sure you choose a landline service provider with a trusted record for clear calls at all times and a great coverage area. Make sure to also consider the bundled services offered by the service providers and whether they offer value for money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How to get lifeline for seniors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The lifeline assistance program was launched by the Reagan administration to provide free landline service to low-income households. Today, this program offers qualifying customers monthly discounts of $9.25. Here is a complete guide on how seniors can get lifeline assistance for their landline service<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\nStep 1: Eligibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Although Lifeline is sponsored by the Federal government, it is regulated by the state governments. The eligibility requirements may, therefore, have slight variations from state to state. Generally, there are two ways in which you can qualify for lifeline assistance<\/p>\n\n\n\n
i) Income-based eligibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You qualify for Lifeline if your total household income is at or below the 135% mark of the federal poverty guidelines. To prove this, you need to present any of the following items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- The previous year\u2019s federal, state or tribal tax return<\/li>
- Child support award or divorce decree<\/li>
- Paycheck stub or recent revenue statement from an employer<\/li>
- Worker\u2019s unemployment\u2019s compensation statement of benefits<\/li>
- Any other official document that contains income details<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
ii) Participation in Federal Assistance Programs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
You also qualify for Lifeline Assistance if you participate in any of these Federal assistance programs including but not limited to;<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Medicaid<\/li>
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)<\/li>
- Federal Public Housing Assistance<\/li>
- Food stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)<\/li>
- National School Lunch Program (NSL)<\/li>
- Temporary Assistance for needy families (TANF)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You will need letters of participation from the program you are participating in to prove eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Choose a lifeline provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Find out which companies offer lifeline services in your state. Each Lifeline provider is required by the Federal government to provide a minimum amount of services. Look at the services offered and choose the package that suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coverage is also important. Find out if the company you are considering offers good coverage at your specific location Once you settle on a company, it is now time to make the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Make the application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
After picking a carrier and informing them that you qualify for Lifeline, they will begin the application process for you. An application form will be mailed to you within a week with a PIN in a pink envelope. Fill in the form honestly, sign it and send it to the Lifeline administrator in your state together with all required documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Wait for notice on the state of your application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If your application is not accepted, you will receive a notice via email or mail followed by a letter. If, however, your application is successful, you will receive your discounted service within 7 to 10 days on your registered landline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Renew your Lifeline application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Applying once for Lifeline is not enough. You will need to renew your application yearly. A renewal form with a PIN will be mailed to you 105 days before your registration anniversary. To renew your discounts, fill in the form, sign it and send it to the California lifeline administrator<\/a> before the due date. Failure to renew your application will see you discontinued from receiving more discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAlthough Lifeline services being limited to one phone per household, seniors living in nursing homes and homeless shelters may also receive Lifeline discounts despite these areas being considered as multiple households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The 5 Best Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n1) AT&T<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications service providers with a 140-year history. It has great nationwide coverage and has a high probability of having coverage in your area. Today it offers home phone, cellular, internet and television services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You can get great discounts by bundling these services together. AT&T also participates in the Federal government’s lifeline program and you can receive up to $9.25 in discounts per month and a free phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AT&T offers the following calling features on their landline phones: all call forwarding, busy call forwarding, exclusive call forwarding, no answer call forwarding, safe call forwarding, call blocking, anonymous call blocking, call screening, call screening, do not disturb, caller ID, caller ID blocking, call waiting, call trace, directory assurance blocking, international call blocking, locate me, three-way calling, cancel call waiting for all calls, single call, and mid-call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
AT&T<\/a> offers more features than most competitors and if you have any queries, you can contact a customer care representative on their toll-free line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n2) Set up landline with Google voice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Google voice has home phone services with call forwarding, call blocking voice calls and text messages for free. Google voice connects your phone number to your recipient’s number for free. Here’s how you sign up for google voice services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First you need to get an adapter box from Obi. An Obi box taps into Google’s free voice calling service and makes it work through a landline. Secondly, you need a google voice phone number. If you don’t have one you can set it up at the Google Voice website<\/a>. Lastly, you just need to plug everything in and follow the instructions on the Obi box and use your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n3) Ooma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ooma is a phone system that offers unlimited calling to US and Canada and unlimited users with private voicemail. Though originally designed for office use, it offers great services for senior citizens. The initial investment in an Ooma router may be a bit high (around $200), you will face almost zero costs thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
You will be responsible for the payment of around 3.47 dollars per month. Another great thing with Ooma<\/a> is that it supports Local Number Portability (LNP).<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis means that you don\u2019t have to get a new phone number as you can transfer your old one. If you buy the router at the company, your account will be set up for you so all you have to do is plug it in and use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
4) Magic Jack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nAccording to ACA International, only 41% of American homes are operating solely on wireless services. Although holding on to a landline service may seem like an outdated option, many benefits come with landline phones including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
i) Security<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
In cases of emergency, a cell phone can only detect the general vicinity of the user and not the exact location. When you make a call to emergency services using a landline, the operator can see your exact address, floor and even apartment number. Your data is also secure since it can\u2019t be intercepted unlike smartphones which use radio waves that are easily intercepted, compromising your privacy and security.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ii) Clear connection<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Landlines rely on a network and not cell towers hence they have crystal-clear strong connections. If you are tired of having a lot of dropped calls and poor connections, landlines are the best bet. They are known for having consistent and high-quality transmissions, Additionally, a landline will also work during a power outage as long as it is connected to a corded base.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
iii) Low maintenance<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Landlines are generally easy to maintain and they can be used for very long periods without significant wear. They are also significantly easier to use for senior citizens than modern smartphones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
iv) Extended talk time<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Landlines generally have a longer talk time compared to smartphones due to their limited features.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
With all these great benefits, how do you choose the best landline phone and services for senior citizens? Here is a comprehensive list of the features to look out for.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
i) Call quality<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
This is important when choosing a landline phone. Make sure you choose one that promises no call interference and zero interference. Distorted calls can be a great source of frustration for a senior citizen so make sure that the clarity of voice is excellent on both ends.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
ii) Caller ID and call blocker<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
The caller ID will make sure you know who is calling you at all times as it displays the name, number and date of incoming calls. The call blocking feature is also great assistance in blocking spam calls to make sure you have peace at home with no random disturbances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
iii) Disability considerations<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Cell phone companies are continually manufacturing cell phones that can be used by people with different disabilities such as cell phones for visually impaired seniors<\/a>, hearing disabilities and more. Choose a landline with easily dialable buttons and a backlit keyboard for ease of use by visually impaired citizens and also consider the ringer volume for seniors with hearing aids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure the base unit has a backup power source such as batteries or it will not transmit calls during a blackout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Other factors that need to be considered when choosing a landline for a senior is whether they have an alarm system and answering machines for recording messages when they are not there. But choosing the landline is only half the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you choose a landline service provider with a trusted record for clear calls at all times and a great coverage area. Make sure to also consider the bundled services offered by the service providers and whether they offer value for money.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The lifeline assistance program was launched by the Reagan administration to provide free landline service to low-income households. Today, this program offers qualifying customers monthly discounts of $9.25. Here is a complete guide on how seniors can get lifeline assistance for their landline service<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Lifeline is sponsored by the Federal government, it is regulated by the state governments. The eligibility requirements may, therefore, have slight variations from state to state. Generally, there are two ways in which you can qualify for lifeline assistance<\/p>\n\n\n\n You qualify for Lifeline if your total household income is at or below the 135% mark of the federal poverty guidelines. To prove this, you need to present any of the following items:<\/p>\n\n\n\n You also qualify for Lifeline Assistance if you participate in any of these Federal assistance programs including but not limited to;<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will need letters of participation from the program you are participating in to prove eligibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Find out which companies offer lifeline services in your state. Each Lifeline provider is required by the Federal government to provide a minimum amount of services. Look at the services offered and choose the package that suits you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Coverage is also important. Find out if the company you are considering offers good coverage at your specific location Once you settle on a company, it is now time to make the application.<\/p>\n\n\n\n After picking a carrier and informing them that you qualify for Lifeline, they will begin the application process for you. An application form will be mailed to you within a week with a PIN in a pink envelope. Fill in the form honestly, sign it and send it to the Lifeline administrator in your state together with all required documents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If your application is not accepted, you will receive a notice via email or mail followed by a letter. If, however, your application is successful, you will receive your discounted service within 7 to 10 days on your registered landline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Applying once for Lifeline is not enough. You will need to renew your application yearly. A renewal form with a PIN will be mailed to you 105 days before your registration anniversary. To renew your discounts, fill in the form, sign it and send it to the California lifeline administrator<\/a> before the due date. Failure to renew your application will see you discontinued from receiving more discounts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Lifeline services being limited to one phone per household, seniors living in nursing homes and homeless shelters may also receive Lifeline discounts despite these areas being considered as multiple households.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AT&T is one of the largest telecommunications service providers with a 140-year history. It has great nationwide coverage and has a high probability of having coverage in your area. Today it offers home phone, cellular, internet and television services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can get great discounts by bundling these services together. AT&T also participates in the Federal government’s lifeline program and you can receive up to $9.25 in discounts per month and a free phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AT&T offers the following calling features on their landline phones: all call forwarding, busy call forwarding, exclusive call forwarding, no answer call forwarding, safe call forwarding, call blocking, anonymous call blocking, call screening, call screening, do not disturb, caller ID, caller ID blocking, call waiting, call trace, directory assurance blocking, international call blocking, locate me, three-way calling, cancel call waiting for all calls, single call, and mid-call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n AT&T<\/a> offers more features than most competitors and if you have any queries, you can contact a customer care representative on their toll-free line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Google voice has home phone services with call forwarding, call blocking voice calls and text messages for free. Google voice connects your phone number to your recipient’s number for free. Here’s how you sign up for google voice services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First you need to get an adapter box from Obi. An Obi box taps into Google’s free voice calling service and makes it work through a landline. Secondly, you need a google voice phone number. If you don’t have one you can set it up at the Google Voice website<\/a>. Lastly, you just need to plug everything in and follow the instructions on the Obi box and use your phone.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ooma is a phone system that offers unlimited calling to US and Canada and unlimited users with private voicemail. Though originally designed for office use, it offers great services for senior citizens. The initial investment in an Ooma router may be a bit high (around $200), you will face almost zero costs thereafter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You will be responsible for the payment of around 3.47 dollars per month. Another great thing with Ooma<\/a> is that it supports Local Number Portability (LNP).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This means that you don\u2019t have to get a new phone number as you can transfer your old one. If you buy the router at the company, your account will be set up for you so all you have to do is plug it in and use it.<\/p>\n\n\n\niv) Backup power on the base unit<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
How to get lifeline for seniors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 1: Eligibility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
i) Income-based eligibility<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
ii) Participation in Federal Assistance Programs<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Step 2: Choose a lifeline provider<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 3: Make the application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 4: Wait for notice on the state of your application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Step 5: Renew your Lifeline application<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The 5 Best Free Landline Phone Service for Seniors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
1) AT&T<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
2) Set up landline with Google voice<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3) Ooma<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
4) Magic Jack<\/h3>\n\n\n\n