Q&A on the News

By Andy Johnston

For the AJC

Q: One sees frequent TV ads for SafeLink. The ad says there is no cost to senior citizens. How does this sort of thing work? Who pays for it? How do people become qualified?

-- Alex L. Norman, Decatur

A: SafeLink is part of a federal program called the Universal Service Fund that “provides discounts on monthly service and initial telephone installation or activation fees for primary residences to income-eligible consumers,” according to the Federal Communications Commission, which oversees the USF. It’s subsidized by cellphone fees that consumers pay to their service providers, and USF funds also are available to schools and libraries and rural health care. SafeLink, which is provided by TracFone Wireless, offers a free wireless phone and a choice of three monthly plans for Georgia residents who participate in one of the following:

• Federal Public Housing Assistance/Section 8
• food stamps
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program
• Medicaid
• senior citizen low-income discount plan offered by the local gas or power company
• Supplemental Security Income
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

Also, no one in a household currently can receive Lifeline assistance through another phone carrier and you must have a valid address in the U.S. Apply at www.safelinkwireless.com or call 1-800-Safelink to receive an application by fax or mail.

Q: Why is Jennifer Valdez doing the weather at 11 p.m. instead of on “Better Mornings Atlanta”?

-- Donna Wilson, Grayson

A: Valdez is filling in for Markina Brown, who is on medical leave, the AJC reported. “I’ll be back on ‘BMA’ once she returns,” Valdez told Q&A on the News in an email.

Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).