Top 7 Questions to Consider When Choosing a Senior Phone Plan
- Which cell phone carriers in your area? Your cell phone plan options will depend on which carriers provide coverage where you live. Ask your local friends, neighbors, and family which carriers they use and if they’re satisfied with their coverage.
- How will you use your phone? Will your phone be for just talking and texting? Or do you plan to use it for heavy internet surfing and video streaming? How you’ll use your phone dictates the type of plan you need.
- Do you already have a cell phone? If you’d like to continue using your current phone, be sure to ask if the plan and carrier you are considering allows you to do so.
- Do you need a health and safety package? Some carriers, such as Lively and Consumer Cellular, offer add-on health and safety packages that include urgent response and fall detection features.
- Do you want a prepaid plan? With prepaid cell phone plans, you’ll pay upfront for the number of minutes, texts, and data you need.
- Are you eligible for a veteran discount or low-income plan pricing? Many carriers offer discounts on phone plans to seniors, veterans, and low-income individuals.
- Do you travel out of the country often? You can stay connected with family and friends, even when you’re out of the country, with a plan that includes overseas coverage.
5 Common Cell Phone Plan Fees
Deciphering cell phone plan pricing can be tricky! Before locking into your new plan, ask the salesperson to total up all of the plan costs, including taxes and fees, so you know exactly what to expect when you receive your monthly billing statement. Don’t be afraid to ask for fees to be waived! You could snag some savings by simply speaking to a customer service representative.
Here are the five most common fees to look out for:
- Activation fee
- SIM card fee
- State and local wireless tax
- Phone upgrade fee
- Regulatory Cost Recovery Fee (RCRF)
Free to Low-Cost Cell Phone Plans for Seniors
Many older adults living on a fixed income struggle to pay for cell phones and services. And how much Social Security you get certainly plays a major role! Luckily, help is available through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Lifeline program.
Participants in Medicaid health insurance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance (FPHA), veterans pension and survivor benefits, and other federal and state assistance programs may be eligible for free or low-cost phone service.
The FCC’s Lifeline program provides subscribers a discount on monthly telephone service, broadband internet service, or bundled voice-broadband packages purchased from participating wireline or wireless providers.
Best Phones for Seniors: How to Choose
As you shop for the best cell phone plan, you’ll need to make sure you have the perfect phone to go with it! With so many choices, finding the right cell phone can seem like a daunting task. These resources will help you make the most of your new cell phone and plan.
