We’ve had many people write us, complaining that they are unable to get a free phone through the federal government Lifeline/Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) program because they only have a Post Office Box. It’s a shame, but if you do not have a physical address, it is against the rules of the program.
This is not something that is under the control of any of the mobile phone companies that provide free cell phones, like Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless and enTouch Wireless. No, it is a regulation issued by the Federal Communications Commission and the USAC.
Find a friend or relative whose address you can use, if and only if you truly qualify for the phone and are unable to get it with your PO Box address.
CC says
I live in a rural area no mail delivery so my CA state state ID has a po box as address. I do have a physical address on my car registration which I have used to purchase a gun, ammo etc. Would this work ? My town is very small if mail is sent using physical address it would go to post-office and clerk would get it to me
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be cool as long as you can provide that street address.
Richard Parry says
I just read the response you gave to s homeless man with only a po box. Rules is rules so there advice LIE. and say no other company will help you either. My problem is even if I was into lying to the government but people already have a phone at the address. ON per house hold.
Meta Self says
This is NOT true. We live in Santa Cruz, California, which has one of the highest populations of people who are homeless per capita, and we and other people who are homeless can get Lifeline phones from various cellular service providers who set up tables at homeless service centers, free meals, or who walk through tent encampments with phones in hand. What companies choose to do this is up to the companies, not the FCC.
California has robust consumer protection laws that often carve out exceptions to product warranties and corporate liability, so perhaps it is different here. Also, California Lifeline is a distinct, state deliniated entity, and not the same as Lifeline entities in other states and/or regions. We do not know whether correlation equals causation in this case.
We do know that we personally have had Lifeline program phones, tablets, and cellular/wifi service through Tru Connect Wireless, from company agents that approached us outside of the library and who we came across hawking in a tent encampment.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just because you believe it does not make it true, Meta. You do need a street address even in the hell hole called California. Anyone who enrolls you otherwise is committing fraud.
The only exception is for people who are living in temporary or transitional housing (such as a homeless shelter, domestic violence shelter, or transitional living facility) and can use that facility’s address.
The only other exception is for individuals whose home doesn’t a traditional street address (such as a boat or RV).
Ph says
How do we get the exception for living in an RV full time? I qualify for the acp program but cannot get Verizon to approve the final step of my application because of a po box address.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We hate giving this answer, Ph, but you cannot qualify for the program unless you have a street address. Will the post office not deliver to the street address where your RV sits?
Craig L Wilson says
I work with a client who lives in a shelter and needs a phone. She can only provide a P.O. Box for a mailing address. Is she eligible if the only address she can provide is a P.O. Box.
Craig Wilson
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, she cannot qualify unless she has a street address. Yes, it’s a crazy rule that makes ineligible the people who need phones the most. Can she not use the address of the shelter?
Henry says
Try transferring the USPS PO Box account over to a UPS box account. UPS allows you to designate the business address as the customer’s address for receiving mail and packages.
mark tewes says
I Think It Is Wrong You Are Homeless And Can Not Use A P.O. Box Number To
Get A Phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We complete agree, Mark. We’ve bitched and moaned for years about this huge flaw in the Lifeline program. It automatically excludes the neediest people who need a free cell phone the most.
Mark A Stoddard says
Yes can I use a address that already has a phone plan at if I’m homeless and the people are just letting me use the address for my legal mail and I’m not any relation to the other family?? If so how
Free Government Cell Phones says
That might work, but it would be illegal.
Douglas says
So if I receive food stamps in a state that qualifies me for the government phone and have no relatives or friends in that state, but I have friends and a relative in a neighboring state that I don’t receive government assistance that qualifies me for the government phone, can I use that friends or relatives address that lives there? Or does the address have to be where I’m receiving the government assistance?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do not understand why you are going through all these maneuvers, Douglas. Why not just apply in the state in which you live?
Richard Parry says
Do you ever read ,? He said he’s gotta go to relieves in other states to pull of the fraud you recommend
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s not what he said, genius. And where did we recommend any fraud?
Lupe Contreras says
United States Postal Service only delivers mail to my post office box on the other hand I do get FedEx mail and other mail delivered to my home address but my ID says my PO box and so i cant get one because of this i have no bills that co.e fed ex this makes no sence you should reevaluate your guys’s program especially with all the covid and a half the world’s going homeless couldn’t consideration
Free Government Cell Phones says
We absolutely agree, Lupe, but please keep in mind that we don’t run the Lifeline program. This is an independent informational website.
jay says
if i use a friends address, i will still have to upload my drivers license that has a po box as my address. will that work.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That would be fraudulent.
Jeremy tate says
I put a physical address and p.o box on the application will they send it to the physical even though input po box under mailing address
Free Government Cell Phones says
The PO Box may screw up your order. Call your service provider’s customer service team ASAP to discuss.
Heather says
I have a legitimate Street address where the mail does come to yet in my application it says ‘address not found’. How can I resolve this situation?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you spoken to your chosen service provider’s customer service team?
ty says
i have the same problem, after i spoke with the chosen service provider’s customer support and the lady told me that i didnt have a valid residential address in the usps system and therefore was ineligble but the usps system was never intended as a method to valid residential addresses its purpose is for mailing addresses. feels ignorant and deceitful. even the DMV and the emergency response system treats my residential address as valid. surely this isnt how the government wants this program to work? that makes every rural individual ineligible which is absurd
Jason Dallas says
I live in a place, Bisbee arizona, where I have the use of a physical address, but mail has to be sent to a p.o. box. How can I make this work?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have just run smack dab into one of the biggest problems with the free government cell phone program. They have never developed a way to handle this option.
sandi says
you have to show proof of the address. so once u get a letter to that address with your name on it,,,,you r in
tony vasquez says
homeless only have po box
Free Government Cell Phones says
Hate to tell you this, Tony, but you are not eligible unless you have a street address. Even a homeless shelter address will allow you to qualify.
Bailey Hebert says
I live in a DV shelter and being that everything is confidential here and we can receive mail here much less order delivery or even tell anyone where we are at how can I get one. I have only a po box to receive mail.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you spoken to management of the shelter about this issue? Group homes such as the one you live in are supposed to be the exception to the one-per-household rule.
Claudia says
They take mail out the mail box. Can it be mail to the mailbox.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Huh?
Carol says
Same here – apartment complex has ONE MAIL BOX OF ALL APARTMENTS, I can provide a Physical Address but lol it may not get to me. Crazy I know but I can try to see if my good neighbor will accept it for me. No worries, very Thankful.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good luck. Please let us know what happens.
Susan Dixon says
How can we help the homeless without any postal box or physical address get the lifeline phone service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve nailed one of the biggest problems in the free government cell phone program, Susan: No street address, no enrollment possible.
brian says
im homeless how do i get one i dont have no friends or family
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sadly, Brian, it’s virtually impossible for you to get a free government cell phone under those circumstances. One of the biggest flaws in the Lifeline system is that applicants need a street address to enroll. If you become a resident of a homeless shelter, you will be eligible to enroll. But otherwise you are, unfortunately, out of luck.
Melissa D says
WAIT!! YOU CAN GET A PHONE!!
You can use the address of a post office that’s near you.
Use the address for both your physical address and your mailing address.
Then you can just pick it up at the post office. You just go up to the counter and give them your name and ask if they have any mail for you. That’s what I did.
First in the mail comes a confirmation letter. Save the letter, it has your account number on the upper right corner. My letter came pretty quick, about 4 days after I applied online. And about 2-3 days later (which was just yesterday), my phone arrived.
SO YOU CAN get a phone without a physical address. And you DO have a friend!!!! I hope you get this message and I hope you get a phone too. 🙂
Free Government Cell Phones says
We hope that works because it would make life a lot easier for a lot of potential Lifeline customers, but we have repeatedly been told that your approach is invalid. If any of our other readers have had experience with this approach, we’d love to hear about it.
Melissa D says
Well I certainly don’t want to be invalid but I couldn’t think if any other way. We have property but don’t get a physical address till our house is finished being built. Tried various things including just explaining situation to them. Files been in limbo for months. Last week or so I applied under my husband’s name with post office address as I said. Wala! Now, if I had only picked a carrier that has service in my area, lol.
Free Government Cell Phones says
LOL, indeed. Good luck with your approach. We hope it works out for you.
Andria Clevenger says
They won’t accept my po box and it’s the only way I recieve mail. Why can’t I get an obama phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The requirement that customers have a valid street address has frustrated thousands of people who want to apply for this program, Andria. Unfortunately, there is no way around the regulation. Is there no possible way to receive mail at your home address?
Chuck says
MY post office allows me to use their physical street address and my box# for packages etc.. ,which I used originally for my lifeline phone. Example like 12345 Any Street unit #98765 Any City, Any State , zip code 00001 .. My Qualifying document had my post office address and unit number on it as my mailing address so , I got a phone no problem. A couple of years later I was disqualified when I had to speak to one of their live reps. and and I slipped up when they ask me to verify my home address. It took a while to clear that up and get requalified so , I lost that phone number and was unable to recover it. But yeah they seem to be really paranoid and strict about fraud and abuse people trying to obtain more than one phone per household. All government programs get abused and the strict rules create problems for all of us honest people that need them.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you saying that all government programs should allow more fraud and abuse?
Bren says
I don’t think that is what he is saying at all.
He is saying when people abuse the programs, rules get stricter for everyone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your interpretation is certainly possible, Bren, but several of us here at the office re-read his comment and none of us agree with you.
Ericka says
I have to say that after reading it over several times, I would have to agree with Bren, and that is the only way I (and several others) interpreted what he was saying. Not one of us interpreted in any way the way you (or your co-workers) interpreted it.
Henry says
You appeared to use something like the PMB (personal mailbox) address that is provided by the UPS store for people renting their mailboxes and they allow you to use the street address instead of standard P. O. Box that is issued by the USPS. The rules of the Lifeline program is that P. O. Box address is not allowed to be used for residence verification. The UPS Store PMB address is not a personal residence address, (legal definition is a domicile address), so it violates the rule of the LIfeline program.
The strict rule is to prevent abuse by anyone (whether that person is honest or dishonest in character).
I do not think the comment was intended to mean that fraud and abuse should be “made easier” for government programs. But, it does express a sentiment that strict rules make it more difficult for “honest” people. I disagree with this sentiment. The rule was enforced to stop ANYONE from using a non-personal residence address when applying for the Lifeline program. That includes an address where you do NOT physically reside at. He did that when he originally applied for the program. So he violated the program’s guidelines. Period.
If you don’t like strict program guidelines, then take your business elsewhere.
Remember, beggars cannot be choosers.
Melissa D says
Andrea. Just use the post offices physical address as your physical address and use their physical address with your p o. Box number as like a unit or apt. Number. 123 main Street. /. 123 main. St. #245. That’s what I did. Instantly approved and received my phone in like 8 days or something. 🙂
Susan D. says
Hi Melissa D.
Please share which cell service was receptive to this new approach.
Thank you for your response.
Chelsey says
I typed in my address for a free government phone it won’t take my apt number what do I do?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call customer service.
Blake Hanson says
I do not have any friends or family or I would not be homeless.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re breaking our hearts, Blake.
KBJ says
Still need to pay $25 if I received the phone, charged it, then the day I was going to activate it, the constables evicted me and my phone and my life’s possessions are either in someone else’s house or a high cost storage? (seriously and true question)
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not sure what your question is, KBJ.
KBJ says
So, many before I am sure have stated the obvious, but the government does not trust the post office enough (run by the federal government) to be able to undertake the high importance action of a cell phone to individuals who more than likely only qualify for the low income needed to qualify and live with others?
Has me scrambling.
Sadenna says
What if you have a physical address, but have to have your mail only sent to a PO Box via college campus? They accept packages of all types, yet sites say the reason why they cannot is that USPS will not send to PO Boxes while that is certainly not true.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s an interesting question, Sadenna, and we’re not quite sure of the answer. You should contact customer service at your chosen service provider and ask them that question. We wouldn’t be surprised if the first agent you speak to reverts to the standard “you need a mailing address” answer. If so, ask to speak to a supervisor.
LaTanya hickson says
My address keeps being denied or blocked how can I get a free cell phone at my mailing address?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why is your address being denied or blocked? Have they given you a reason?
Beverly says
They need to change this law where you can’t get a free cellphone from your PO Box !!!!!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We understand the purpose of the PO Box ban, but it does create hardship for a lot of people.
Michelle Sisco says
yes they do the post office here in springfield mo wont put a mail rout on my road
Sadenna says
Especially if you are a college student!
Ryan Leathers says
My free government cell phone has been stolen three times in one year. I have had a phone from Budget and then Assurance and then Qlink I think. I am the victim of identity theft and they keep hounding me.
How do I get my service shut off? And then I need a phone! Man you can’t live without a cell phone.
I’m freaking homeless and there is no way I am going to get out of homelessness without a cell phone.
Ryan Leathers
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Ryan. I know that’s not going to be easy without a phone, but it appears that you have access to a computer. Check the company’s website to see if the have an online chat function or a customer service email form. Good luck, buddy.
Mary Spingath says
Ok how do I get an obama phone using a friends address ? Please be specific I need help with this.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Using a friend’s address is contrary to the program’s regulations, Mary.
Aidan says
I live in a small mountain town in Colorado. I live in a house, I have a physical address, however everyone in this town gets their mail through a PO Box because mail is not delivered to the houses directly. My street, which is on my state issued ID, is not recognized, nor is my PO Box accepted. How do I get past this issue?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes, Aidan, you have run into one of the on-going problems in the free government cell phone program. Unfortunately, the Federal Communications Commission will not allow you to use a PO Box as a mailing address even in a rural situation like yours in which everyone gets their mail that way.
eli abbey says
how does a homeless person get a FREE phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry to hear about your situation, Eli. But there is hope. To learn more about how you can qualify for a free government cell phone, read this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-phones-for-the-homeless
Jennifer says
My friend gave me a safelink phone and it got turn off I want to get it turned back on in my name all my disance family members have that number to reach me. I don’t have no way to contact them they can’t received incoming calls can I have it turn back on my friend that had the phone first have moved can’t locate her. .if not can I get one of my own phones on that is not active
Verizon 4G Samsung
hYC 3DHD imaging sprint.
Please Help need into asap thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You had a problem, Jennifer. It’s illegal for you to be using that phone, because you are not the account holder. So Safelink will not turn it on for you.
The solution is for you to apply for a new phone in your name. Do you qualify? Find out here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Since you need to get an account in your name, you should realize that Safelink is not your only option. There may be other companies with better plans (more minutes, more texts, smartphones, data plans, etc). Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
heaher madden says
How do I track my phone I ordered because it hasn’t came yet
Sonya Herrod says
I filled out an online application for the free phone and have not received one yet, it was completed three weeks ago. Was the phone sent out to me yet? Thank you
Toye says
I live in rural Arkansas on a county road. Why can’t I use my billing address like I do for everything else? It keeps telling me its a general address & won’t accept my application. Help!
NANCy says
I have lived in my home for 60 years and I am 82 years old. I have tried for two years to get a free cell phone. Just told them last week I would not try any more. I have filled out application online and accepted only to be told general delivery is not acceptable. I was told I could not have it sent to my son’s that would be a working address. I think that it is so unfair to have to beg for one of their phones. I am considering filing a complaint with FTC. Probably would not do any good. I offered copies of my deed and utility bills as proof their is a address her. No go their either. Cannot believe this is government. Has to be the phone carriers.
gil lutz says
I have lived at this address for 15 years. It is the physical address on file with government agencies and social servces. However. since there is no mail delivery in the rural area in which I live, I maintain a PO Box in Hilo. Hawaii. Certainly, there is a way to overcome this obstacle short of moving to an area which has mail delivery. There are entire communities where, lacking door-to-door mail delivery, all residents must get mail from PO Boxes. Such as the old part Bisbee AZ 85603, where houses are accessible only by stairways, not roads. Certainly, with that area having a high poverty rate, they are not excluded from the phone program. Your response on this matter, please.
happy says
a) some post office allow “general delivery” so has physical street address. hold package for 30 days. Bring government identification with face picture. Free , no cost.
https://tools.usps.com/go/POLocatorAction!input.action
b) homeless shelters , social service organizations ( public assistance aid ) do allow clients to receive postal mail. Bring government identification with face picture.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Thanks a lot happy. That’s helpful information. The only issue is that if any one other person has received a Lifeline cell phone at that same address in the last year, then no one else will be able to since it would violate the one phone per address rule.
david says
Homeless no mailing address how do I get a phone
Kara Bismarck says
I have been having the same problem. You can see my house from Google, but at USPS.com it just doesn’t exist as we have our mail delivered to a p.o. box. I contacted the post office, and they suggested I contact my local post office to see if they offer a service called “move to competitive mailing” or something similar. Wonderfully kind lady at the post office. That allows you to use the post office address to receive mail from places that don’t deliver to post office boxes, such as Federal Express. They sent my phone to the p.o. box, but cut off my service as my address can’t be validated at usps.com.
This is a new service with the post office, so hopefully this helps someone. I know, it is very frustrating. And the people at Safelink are not helpful at all.
Good luck,
Kara
Susan says
Con’t …won’t take another one. I can’t use mine as I have a phone from another co. at my address. This is infuriating, that honest people, who qualify, can’t participate in the program. My parents both over 80 yrs old have to drive almost 2 hrs. just to get to their P.O. Box to pick up mail. I realize this must be to prevent fraud, but why should honest people who are truly in need be penalized.?! Surely the gov. could find a way to verify, the integrity of an application! The application requires proof of assistance st. or gov. at the P.O. Box! Why is this not satisfactory!? I don’t know if I’m more AGGRAVATED or DISGUSTED.
Daniella says
WOW, guess I not the only one having trouble getting free phone, I have a PO. box too, and I called the main office, the reason they can’t validated the address and they don’t delivered the mail here. The PO told to them to send it to there PO with there address can’t do that either. I think they going to have to change the rules for us who don’t have the mail delivered the government wants to help but this is not helping, I know there was a catch nothing is for free.
Dana Smith says
I’ve had my address for 5 yrs, it’s my residential and 911 address. I had no problem before with this address, but this yr 2014 they are telling me that this address is outside the Tag?s service area. Don’t know how that could be it’s the same address I had when I got the phone last yr. And when I call the repersent. I speak with can’t understand English very well and I can’t understand her. All she could say is use the alternet address. I don’t have one she told me to call back when I could find one. It would really be nice to be able to speak with someone who would try to figure out what was going on instead of the answer I got because I really need the phone and don’t want them to turn the services off. Please if someone at Tagmobile could please e-mail and let me know what i need to do to resolve this problem. Thanks Dana *****, *** *** ****
joyce says
I have tried and tried to get a free goverment phone for over a year now. I have lived at my residense now going on 15 years. I have never had a problem with delivery until i tried getting the goverment phone. They say my address does not exist. I desperately need a phone and for the life of me can not get one due to where they will not let you recieve one in your mail box at the post office. A post office is a safe place to recieve the phone. With the phone being delivered to your home, if you’re not home and a thief decides he or she wants it, then there lays a free phone for them to pick up and carry away. Please start sending the phones to our post office box where it’s safe to get it.
Billy G. says
Since I use a p. o. box is it legal to use my father inlaw address on app. to safe link.
Thanks Billy G.
joyce says
yes billy it is legal to use you’re father in law or anyone elses address to recieve the free goverment phone. Only problem is there is only one phone allowed at the address, so if you’re father in law needed a phone he would’nt be allowed to use his address to get it.
Crystal says
I HAVE A RESIDENTIAL ADDRESS FOR SOME REASON NIETHER OF THE CELL PHONE COMPANIES CAN GET MY ADDRESS VALIDATED. I HAVE LIVED IN THE SAME PLACE FOR 12+ YEARS AND HAVE HAD DELIVERIES HERE USING THE SAME ADDRESS. EXPLAIN TO ME WHY I CAN’T GET A VALIDATION ON MY ADDRESS TO GET MY FREE PHONE.
Shannon S. says
You know, I think that is discriminating to people (like me) who receive assistance from the state, only have one option for mail delivery (PO Box), and are in need of a free government assisted cell phone. I am a mother of 2 boys, and it would be a big help to my family to be able to qualify, and have that ability to keep in touch with my children. Especially in case of an emergencies. If someone has knowledge of a company who is willing to accept a PO box to qualify please, please, please respond! Thank you!
Shannon S. says
I am a West Virginia resident. I know some cell companies are not doing the program in my state. Just thought I would save someone the trouble of a response to a company who does not offer it in my state. Thanks again!
sandy smith says
im not able to get a free cell phone (goverment phone) my on food stamps and getting partical help and no one will delivery to my po box or fed ex a phone i live in the country where i have no mailbox by road …. i only have a po box how do i get one . i live alone due to domestic voilience and i cant get safelink unless i install a mailbox . which cost money!!! which i dont have anymore .. HELP!!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just won’t work. Those are the (stupid) rules.
Sherry says
Safelink is now in the process of developing a “white list” of places in the country that do not have residential mail delivery. Hopefully this situation will be resolved soon!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Can you point us to more detail on this?
Sherry says
Wow – I think you just suggested that people commit fraud to use the service. I’m on LIHEAP and for verification have to show proof of that. That’s certainly not going to work if my utility bills are for a different address than I’ve listed for my phone. I’ve been working on the problem of people not having mail delivery service at their residences and it seems like it may get resolved soon.
By the way, at this time Assurance is more willing to work with anyone with that problem than Safelink is.
AZ Skye says
I’ve been through the mill of homelessness for at least seven years, sometimes living in my car, sometimes able to find employment that pays minimum wage without benefits and be able to live month-to-month in a cheap motel, which is for me a luxury.
I have Aspergers and Complex PTSD. In the past four years I’ve been re-victimized by people who promised me a safe place to live and have or be able to seek employment, only to be physically abused, subjected to threats, harassment, ridicule and bullying by people who gave me “a job” in exchange for helping them with domestic chores, property management, advocacy for medical and legal issues..the list goes on.
It’s difficult to get on one’s feet when your “landlord” or “host” turns out to be a substance abuser, a predator, a sociopath or combination of the aforementioned.The DES does not require a home address (you can live “Under a Bridge”), but they do require a place where clients can receive mail. I have no family and only one friend who has remained a friend, who has not attempted to exploit or harm me in exchange for a place to stay.
On my last “job”, I was promised privacy and a peaceful environment in exchange for preventing theft or damage to anything on my “employer’s” property and was told that work would be done on my car and I’d be paid for my time and vigilance. I did my job. The biggest thief I dealt with was my “employer”, who tried after a month of seeming like a very nice person, to start a romance with me that I was totally disinterested in having. He went on to destroy my car battery and siphoned gas from the tank! He never once admitted responsibility or paid for the damage he did.
Medications I take for anxiety and sleep came up mysteriously “short” and one entire prescription, still in the pharmacy bag, just as mysteriously appeared in my “employer’s” residence. He “found” it while rummaging through one of his cabinets while I was sitting and watching and casually hands me the bag while saying: “I think this is yours.” There was no reason this would ever have accidentally have come into his possession. One staple was missing from the bag..enough to push the bottle out of the bag. I’ve yet to count the number of capsules. I could say nothing without putting myself at risk.
This man would deny ever entering my “home”, although he was the only other person with a key. When I returned from a rare few hours “vacation” helping a friend who needed support after a medical procedure, I found the shelves where I kept my prescriptions hidden behind books in total disarray. He blamed my cats!
I could not afford low-cost cell phone service, as I had (and have) little more than change in my pocket. This was a moot point, as cell my phone charger disappeared and only reappeared in a totally bizarre place where I found it when I was preparing to move out, after I had to admit the situation had become unacceptably dangerous for me. There’s the message: no one is suggesting that people commit fraud by asking to use a reliable address. Some of us haven’t any choice.
The reality and disruption of homelessness for any person is very hard to face. It’s chaotic and makes a person extremely vulnerable. Some just attempt or succeed in committing suicide. For someone with Aspergers and Complex PTSD, it is very often complete and utter hell. I want to trust, to get back to a place of stability and self-reliance, to find a real job that pays a living wage rather than ask the government for a check (it’s humiliating enough to be getting Nutritional Assistance and subsidized medical care after working so hard for decades).
Every time I experience trauma, my ability to cope with people is severely comprised. I fear interacting with other humans. There’s no appropriate counseling available where I live and the insurance that’s provided to me doesn’t cover anything as exotic as EDMR or hypnotherapy. I’m very fortunate to have insurance at all!
So I’ve used an address and PO Box that I can rely on where I live on a temporary basis, rather than put my faith and mail into the hands of people whose motives too often are not what they seem.. is this any more fraudulent than Safe Houses using a mail forwarding service to protect the precise location of an abused person from an abuser?