Cricket Reminds Eligible Americans of Wireless Phone Assistance Available through Lifeline Credit

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SAN DIEGO, Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Staying connected to local resources and emergency services can improve and possibly save many lives, say state regulators. In support of National Lifeline Awareness Week, September 9-15, Cricket Communications, Inc. reminds eligible Americans that they can receive financial assistance with their monthly wireless service plans through the Cricket Lifeline Credit.

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Access to local emergency services and community resources is vital to low-income and elderly residents. Cricket wants residents to "stay connected," and is reaching out to those who want wireless cell phone service but may need help paying for it. Cricket highlights the Lifeline Assistance Program year-round by offering discounts through its Cricket Lifeline Credit program to help residents pay for to basic wireless cell phone service. Cricket is also investing in making the Cricket Lifeline Credit application and approval process as simple and quick as possible by implementing a PC tablet-based in-store application process with program approval at the point of purchase.

Cricket's Lifeline Credit offers monthly wireless cell phone bill discounts to eligible customers in 28 states, as well as the District of Columbia. Eligibility requirements vary by state and recipients must receive low-income benefits under certain programs or have a total household income below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines. Qualifying Cricket Lifeline Credit customers will receive discounts ranging from $10.00 to $13.50[1] off their monthly wireless bill for one phone in their household.

The Cricket Lifeline Credit is part of the company's continued commitment to helping people stay connected across the country with access to a reliable, working mobile phone. Cricket is working diligently help low income consumers connect to the nation's communications networks, find jobs, access health care services, connect with family, and call for help in an emergency.

Cricket Wireless monthly service plans are available to customers at Cricket company-owned stores and exclusive Cricket dealers. Plans start at $35 for feature phones and offer unlimited nationwide talk and text. Cricket's new smartphone rate plans include unlimited nationwide talk, text, data and music[2] for as low as $45 per month (with Auto Bill Pay).

If an eligible customer does not have Cricket Wireless service, the first step is to activate a new account before consideration for enrollment in the Lifeline program. For a complete list of eligible public assistance programs, income requirements and program restrictions, please visit: http://www.mycricket.com/support/topic/cricket-lifeline-credit. You can also find out more information on Lifeline and state qualifications at any local Cricket store.

About Cricket

Cricket is the pioneer and leader in delivering innovative value-rich prepaid wireless services with no long-term contracts. Cricket offers nationwide wireless voice and mobile data services over high-quality, all-digital 4G LTE and 3G CDMA wireless networks. Cricket's innovative products and services, including the award-winning Muve Music^® - the first music service designed for a wireless phone, are available nationwide at Cricket branded retail stores, dealers, national retailers and at www.mycricket.com. For more information about Cricket, please visit www.mycricket.com.

[1] Discount varies by state

[2] Unlimited music available only on Android smartphones

SOURCE Cricket Communications, Inc.