Cheap cell phone plans for seldom calling seniors
Published 1:30 am Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Q: What are the cheapest cellphone plans available to seniors today? I’m 78 years old and want it primarily for emergency purposes.
A: There are a number of low-cost wireless plans designed with seniors in mind. Here are some super-cheap plans to consider. Prepaid plans are the best deal for seniors who only want a cellphone for emergency purposes or occasional calls. The very cheapest prepaid plan available today is T-Mobile’s Pay As You Go plan, which includes any combination of 30 minutes or 30 text messages for only $3 per month. After that, additional minutes and texts cost 10 cents each. Phone prices start at $75, but if you have a compatible device, you can use it rather than buying a new one. You will, however, need to pay for a $10 SIM Starter Kit fee, whether you bring your own phone or buy a new one. Visit T-Mobile.com or call 844-361-2792 for information.
Two other companies that offer low-cost prepaid deals are TracFone and AT&T. TracFone (TracFone.com, 800-867-7183) has a 30 minute talk/text plan for $10 per month, or an even cheaper a 60 minute talk/text plan for $20 for three months, which averages out to only $6.66 per month. And AT&T (ATT.com, 800-331-0500) has two low-cost prepaid plans including the 25 cent per minute call plan, and a $2 daily plan that charges only when you place or receive a call or send a text that day. The fees are deducted from the prepaid balance on your account. But to use AT&T Prepaid, you must prepay into your account either $10 per month, $25 for three months or $100 per year.
If you’re interested in a senior-friendly cell phone that provides top-notched emergency assistance, consider the Jitterbug Flip (GreatCall.com, 800-918-8543). This is a flip phone that has big buttons, enhanced sound, a simplified menu and a 5Star urgent response button that connects you to an agent that will know your locations, and will be able to assist you whether you need emergency services, directions, roadside assistance or a locksmith, or to contact family. GreatCall’s service runs on Verizon’s network. The Flip phone costs $100, with monthly service plans that start at $15 for 200 minutes. Or, you can get the 5Star service with 50 minutes of monthly talk time for $25.
If your income is low enough, you should check into the federal Lifeline program, which provides free or low-cost cellphones and plans through numerous providers. To qualify, your household income must at or below 135 percent of the Federal Poverty Guidelines — which is $16,389 for one person, or $22,221 for two. Or, you must be receiving Medicaid, food stamps/SNAP, SSI, public housing assistance, veterans pension or survivor’s pension benefit, or live on federally recognized tribal lands. To locate wireless companies in your area that participate, visit LifelineSupport.org or call 800-234-9473.
