You can get unlimited network-wide texting, free cell phone, 500 minutes long distance, unlimited nationwide texting, and 1GB of data for $1 per month.

The lifeline assistance program can't really be called a free government cell phone program in Alaska. All cell phone companies that are offering the program in Alaska are required to charge their customers at least $1 a month for the airtime. you do get a lot of value for your dollar with this program according to GCI which indicates:

"We are committed to providing excellent services for those in Alaska. Those that qualify GCI program will receive the following."

· Unlimited text Nationwide and unlimited network-wide talk for just $1

· 500 minutes of long distance calling

·  1 GB of turbo zone data and 1GB of included data

·  When you pay upfront you will save over 30%

· One mobile phone per year that is Lifeline eligible

GCI Or General Communications Inc.is a telecommunications corporation that operates in Alaska. They have agreements and Facilities through other providers and they provide internet access, cable television cellular telephone service and Wireline services in the area.

Qualifications

You can qualify it for this program if you are already on government assistance programs. The following programs will allow you to qualify.

· Food Stamps

· SSI or Supplemental Security income

· Medicaid

· Federal Public Housing Assistance

· Alaska Temporary Assistance Program

· Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program

· Adult Public Assistance which includes aid for blind, aged, and disabled individuals

· Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

· BIA Or Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance

· Head Start if you qualify income standards

· Denali KidCare

· National School Lunch Programs Free Lunch Program

· Women, Infants, and children care program or WIC

· Alaska State Housing Corporation Programs including Interest Rate Reduction for Low-Income Borrowers, Public Housing, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program, Home Investment Partnership, and State of Alaska Heating Assistance Program

· Pioneer Home Payment Assistance

· Veterans Administration Disability Pension

· State of Alaska Seniors Benefit Program

· Senior citizen Housing Development Fund

· Child Care Assistance Program which covers Pass I, II, and III

If your total income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines in the Alaska area you can also qualify. The table below outlines the income for members of your household:

INCOME BASED ELIGIBILITY FOR ALASKA
Members in Household	Annual income
1 member	$20,493
2 members	$27,783
3 members	$35,073
4 members	$42,363
5 members	$49,653
6 members	$56,943
7 members	$64,233
8 members	$71,523
For each additional member add $7,290 annually

Communities Involved

There are many communities in the Alaska area that take part in the Lifeline assistance program offered by Alaska DigiTel/GCI.

Akiak, Akiachak, Adak, Akutan, Alakanuk, Aleknagik, Ambler, Aniak, Anchorage, Anderson, Angoon, Anvik, Anaktuvuk Pass, Anchor Point, Atmautluak, Atqasuk, Big Lake, Brevig Mission, Buckland, Butte, Barrow, Bethel, Cantwell, Chefornak, Chenega Bay, Chignik Lake, Chitina, Chuathbaluk, Chugiak, Clark’s Point, Chevak, Chignik, Chignik Lagoon, Clear, Coffman Cove, Cold Bay, Cooper Landing, Copper Center, Cordova, Craig, Cube Cove, Dot Lake, Douglas, Deering, Delta Junction, Dillingham, Diomede, Eklutna, Ekwok, Elfin Cove, Elim, Emmonak, Eagle River-Chugiak, Eek, Egegik, Ekuk, Eielson AFB, Ester, Fairbanks, Fort Wainwright, Fort Yukon, False Pass, Fort Greely, Goodnews Bay, Grayling, Gustavus, Galena, Gambell, Girdwood, Glennallen, Golovi, Halibut Cove, Haines, Healy, Hollis, Holycross, Homer, Hoonah, Hooper Bay, Hope, Houston, Hydaburg, Iliamna, Igiugig, Juneau, Kasilof, Kasaan, Kenai, Ketchikan, Kake, Kaktovik, Kasigluk, , Kiana, King Cove, King Salmon, Kotlik, Kotzebue, Koyuk, Kwethluk, Kwigillingok, Kipnuk, Kivalina, Klawock, Kobuk, Kodiak, Kokhanok, Koliganek, Kongiganak, Little Diomede, Lower Kalskag, Levelock, Metlakatla, Meyers Chuck, Moose Pass, Mountain Village, Manokotak, Marshall,McGrath, Mekoryuk, Mentasta Lake, Nenana, New Stuyahok, Newtok, Nightmute, Nikiski, Naknek, Napakiak, Napaskiak, Naukati, Nelson Lagoon Nome, Nondalton, Noorvik, North Pole, Nuiqsut, Nunam Iqua, Nunapitchuk, Ninilchik, Noatak, Ouzinkie, Oscarville, Pelican, Perryville, Petersberg, Pilot Point, Palmer, Pedro Bay, , Pilot Station, Platinum, Point Baker, Point Hope, Point Lay, Port Alsworth, Port Heiden, Port Lions , Port Graham, Prudhoe Bay Quinhagak, Saint Mary’s, Saint Michael, Saint Paul, Salcha, Sand Point, Ruby, Russian Mission, , Savage, Savoonga, Shishmaref, Shungnak, Sitka, Skagway, Soldotna, Stebbins, Sterling, Selawik, Seldovia, Seward, Shageluk, Shaktoolik, Sheldon Point, Saxman, Scammon Bay, Sutton-Alpine, Teller, Thorne Bay, Togiak, Tok, Talkeetna, Tanana, Tatitlek, Toksook Bay, Trapper Creek, Tuluksak, Tuntutuliak, Tununak, Twin Hills, Tyonek, Unalakleet, Upper Kalskag, Unalaska, , Valdez, Wasilla, Whale Pass, White Mountain, , Whittier, Willow, Wrangell, Wainwright, Wales

Contact:

GCI.com
Customer Service
2550 Denali Street
Suite 1000
Anchorage, AK 99503
Website: GCI Lifeline page
Phone: 265-5400 (Anchorage); 1-800-800-4800 (Statewide)

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