Lifeline, a government-funded cellphone program, is seeking applications from low-income residents.
Lifeline is for people who make less than $1,257 per month, said Bertron Cowan, vice president of the Leflore County African-American Museum and Center for Arts and Education Inc. They can receive cellphones supplied with up to 250 free minutes per month.
Cowan said others can also qualify for Lifeline phones such as those:
nOn Medicaid.
nReceiving Supplemental Security Income.
nWhose income is 135 percent below the designated poverty rate.
nWho live in federal Section 8 public housing.
nWho are enrolled in the National School Lunch Program.
nWho are enrolled in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
Cowan said the group will be accepting applications for phones at the Greenwood Voters League’s annual banquet today beginning at 5 p.m., although the phone won’t be available tonight.
“It takes two to three weeks to get a phone, provided they have documentation. It would be wise for them to bring a copy of their Social Security card,” Cowan said.
He said applications for Lifeline phones may also be picked up at DeWitt Enterprise and Shoe Repair, 303 Carrollton Ave.
Those interested in applying may also call Cowan at 299-3936.
Cowan said he hopes that people will take advantage of the Lifeline phone program.
“This program has been around for a while, but a lot of people don’t know about it. We hope to change that,” he said.
• Contact Bob Darden at 581-7239 or bdarden@gwcommonwealth.com.
