DEAR SUN SPOTS: Who are the people from Assurance Wireless? They are trying to get me, a senior citizen, to give out my Social Security number and other information about government aid I may be receiving.

They are trying to sell me a cellphone. I suppose they would claim money from my Social Security to pay for it?

They also want us to have our friends sign on. I do not want anything. To me, it is a ripoff. Is this business OK? — G.D., Lewiston

ANSWER: Sun Spots did some research online, which led her to a government program designed to insure that low-income people have telephone service. (Readers may recall the March 7 column about Fairpoint Communications being a “provider of last resort” as part of this mandate.)

At the Federal Communications Commission website (www.fcc.gov), Sun Spots found this explanation:

“Since 1985, the Lifeline program has provided a discount on phone service for qualifying low-income consumers to ensure that all Americans have the opportunities and security that phone service brings, including being able to connect to jobs, family and emergency services. In 2005, Lifeline discounts were made available to qualifying low-income consumers on prepaid wireless service plans in addition to traditional landline service. Lifeline is part of the Universal Service Fund.

“The Lifeline program is available to eligible low-income consumers in every state, territory, commonwealth and on tribal lands. Consumers with proper proof of eligibility may be qualified to enroll. To participate in the program, consumers must have an income that is at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines or participate in a qualifying state, federal or tribal assistance program.”

This service is administered by the Universal Service Administrative Co., which has a list of companies that provide Lifeline in Maine at http://tinyurl.com/kf8n8xz and among them is Assurance.

Those who qualify for the program can choose between landline or wireless service. However, as with any government assistance, it is limited. For example, if you get a cellphone, you will not get unlimited minutes.

To qualify for the program you will have to provide information about your financial situation and be prepared for scrutiny to be sure you qualify. Giving out your Social Security number should always give you pause. Sun Spots suggests that if you want to take advantage of the program that you initiate the call so you will know to whom you are speaking rather than responding to a telemarketing call.

You do not have to go to Assurance to get your reduced-cost cellphone. According to the website above, Safelink and U.S. Cellular can also help you. As can Fairpoint if a landline is your preference.

However, Sun Spots did not find any indication that Assurance is corrupt, although it is not Better Business Bureau certified and there are complaints, as with most phone-service providers.

Sun Spots recommends being careful anytime you sign a contract. She is in the process of altering the Spots’ phone services and has spent an unconscionable amount of time reading all the rules. One safeguard she uses is to ask the same question of two different employees. If the answers do not match, then you know you need to ask even more questions!

This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name (we won’t use it if you ask us not to). Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.

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