A bizarre question.. but I hope you can help

[February]

In Michigan there are a couple of programs designed to help low income people with phone service. AT&T has one…I believe it’s called “Lifeline” or something to that effect. I heard about a cell phone program recently, but it is not available in CA, I just checked. The only thing would be that her minutes would most likely be limited, but it’s something to look into.

 

[Catholic90]

If the sister *only *uses the phone to contact family members it is cheaper. If she starts making large numbers of calls to people who are not on the plan…

Well, of course. That’s why I mentioned rules would have to be set up regarding who she could call on that phone, etc.

 

[funnyyetsavvy]

Ummmm I don’t have a landline, I only have my cell, which is a prepaid one that I control the use of. I don’t want a two year contract full of hidden fees!

In this economy, ANYONE can have financial difficulties. If she’s looking for work, or about to lose her family home because of things beyond her control, she needs a phone! If she has children, she needs a phone! That phone is her way out. Employers call for interviews on a phone. In an emergency, she calls the doctor on a phone. If she’s calling her family because she feels like she’s at the end of her rope and hanging on for dear life…well…that phone is her way to do it.

People seem a tad harsh on this…Personally, I sympathize with her and hope that she can avoid feeling like there is no hope to come out of her situation and that her family will be there for her the way mine was for me.

Maybe explore a Tracfone for her. They are under $20 I think, and maybe get her a minute doubling card and some minutes and then let her take it from there.

I know you struggled to pay the collect calls, they are terribly expensive! Bless you for being there for her! :hug3:

 

[AHapka]

I would NOT get a phone for someone else. Espeically someone who is having terrible financial troubles.

I’d make an exception for a pre-paid phone. Then you can control when and how much money you put on it. Also, if the relationship goes sour, it’s very easy to stop putting money on it if need be.

That might be a good possible solution.

 

[MarieVeronica]

My point is, if you can’t pay bills or buy food, how is it you can afford a cell phone? When I worked at a hospital, we had people who couldn’t afford baby clothes, but 99% of them had cell phones and digital cameras.

Kathy

Kathy, my sister has a “top up” phone. It’s not the same as… like the Verizon “Family Plan” type of cell phone :sad_yes: . The phone she uses, she “pays as she goes”. These type of cell phones, just about everyone can keep. I think I’ve even seen homeless people, using them. They cost a minimum of about $20.00 every 90 days… more, if you use it more.

The fact that she wanted me to call her, at the pay phone is probably an indication that she’s either low on “minutes”… or is afraid of using those she has left. She has a sporadic “courier” job, where she has to call in.

Anyway… this is kind of off the topic. I really didn’t mean to ask for judgment of my sisters intentions. Just wanted to know if anyone knew how calls to pay phones are charged… so I wouldn’t get any BIG surprises on my bill, later.

Thanks all. God bless.