Key Takeaways

• ClearCaptions Phones are available at no cost to you thanks to a federally managed program established under the Americans with Disabilities Act. 
• Accessible communication is your civil right, protected by federal law since 1990. 
• If you have hearing loss that requires captions to use the phone, you may qualify for a caption phone at no cost. 
• No medical proof is required. Simple self-certification during setup is all you need. Keep reading to learn more.

The holiday season brings us closer to the people we love. Phone calls filled with laughter, catching up with distant relatives, and making plans to gather around the table. But if you’re among the millions of Americans living with hearing loss, those precious conversations can feel frustrating rather than joyful. 

This year, consider giving yourself something truly meaningful: the gift of clear, confident phone conversations. 

Your Right to Clear Communication

Many people ask, “Is ClearCaptions really free?” The answer is yes, and understanding why reveals something important about your rights as an American. 

In 1990, President George H.W. Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law. This landmark legislation recognized a fundamental truth: accessible communication is a civil right. The law specifically protects your ability to communicate by phone, ensuring that people with hearing loss can connect with others just as easily as anyone else. 

Think of it this way: just as ramps and lifts help provide physical access to buildings, caption phones provide access to the conversations that keep us connected to our communities, families, and friends. You’ve earned this right, and the holiday season is the perfect time to claim it. 

A Gift That Keeps Giving All Year Long

During the holidays, we often think about giving to others. But sometimes the most meaningful gift we can give is to ourselves, especially when that gift improves our daily lives and strengthens our relationships. 

A caption phone at no cost is more than just a device. This phone provides freedom from asking people to repeat themselves and confidence when the phone rings instead of anxiety. ClearCaptions helps people stay involved in family conversations and community activities. This allows people with hearing loss to maintain their independence and connection to the world around them, all while providing peace of mind to their family and caregivers. 

Imagine answering the phone on Christmas morning and reading every word as your grandchildren excitedly tell you about their new presents. Picture confidently calling your doctor’s office to schedule appointments without worrying you’ll miss important details. Think about chatting with old friends without the exhaustion of straining to hear every word. ClearCaptions exists to ensure everyone has the right to crystal-clear communication. 

How Caption Phones Work

A caption phone turns speech into text, helping people with hearing loss follow their conversations with clarity and confidence. As the other person speaks, captions appear on a built-in screen, making it easier to follow along. If you don’t catch something, you can read the captions to stay on track. 

ClearCaptions Phones come with features designed to make your calls easier, including: 

• Crystal-clear call captioning that appears on your phone screen during every conversation 
• A full-color touchscreen display that can be adjusted with one touch of a button 
• Voicemail messages with captions so you never miss important information 
• Fast dial for all your favorite contacts 
• A built-in speakerphone for hands-free calling 

With these features and many more, staying connected has never been more accessible. 

Who Qualifies for ClearCaptions? 

The eligibility requirements for a caption phone at no cost from ClearCaptions are straightforward and designed to be accessible. You may qualify if you: 

• Live in the United States or a U.S. territory. 
• Have hearing loss that makes captions necessary when using the phone. 
• Have a home internet connection. 
• Speak and read English (as captions are currently only available in English). 

Notice what’s not on that list: you don’t need to provide medical records, doctor’s notes, or proof of your hearing loss. During the simple setup process, a trained ClearCaptions specialist will guide you through self-certification. This certification confirms that you have hearing loss requiring captions to use the phone effectively. 

What Happens Next? 

Once your eligibility is confirmed, a ClearCaptions specialist will schedule a time to come to your home. They’ll set up your phone, configure the captioning service, and show you exactly how to use your new device. They’ll answer all your questions and make sure you feel comfortable before they leave. 

The support doesn’t end there, either. Your caption phone at no cost comes with a lifetime warranty and free customer support. If you ever have questions or concerns, help is just a phone call away, seven days a week. 

This Season, Choose Connection 

The holidays remind us of what matters most: connection, conversation, and community. You shouldn’t have to struggle through phone calls or avoid them altogether because of hearing loss. Thanks to the federally managed program that supports ClearCaptions, you don’t have to. 

Clear communication is your right, protected by law and supported by a program specifically designed to ensure equal access for all Americans. This holiday season, give yourself the gift of every word, every conversation, and every connection. 

You’ve spent a lifetime contributing to your community, raising your family, and building relationships. Now it’s time to protect those connections with the clear, confident communication you deserve, all at no cost to you.  

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ClearCaptions really free, or are there hidden costs? 

Yes, ClearCaptions is truly free to qualified individuals. There are no monthly fees, subscription charges, equipment costs, or hidden fees. The service is funded entirely through the federally managed TRS Fund, which is supported by telephone and internet companies. 

How does ClearCaptions make money if I don’t pay anything? 

ClearCaptions is compensated through the Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund, a federal program managed by the FCC. This fund was established under the Americans with Disabilities Act to ensure people with hearing loss have equal access to phone communication. The program pays for the captioning service so you don’t have to. 

Do I need a doctor’s note or hearing test results to qualify? 

No medical documentation is required. During your setup, a ClearCaptions specialist will guide you through a simple self-certification process where you confirm that you have hearing loss that requires captions to use the phone effectively. 

What if I already have hearing aids? Can I still get a caption phone at no cost? 

Absolutely. Many people use both hearing aids and caption phones. Hearing aids help amplify sound, while caption phones provide visual captions of what’s being said. Together, they offer a more complete solution for phone conversations. Caption phones can also give your ears a rest when you need a break from wearing hearing aids. 

How long does it take to get started with ClearCaptions? 

Once you contact ClearCaptions and confirm your eligibility, they’ll schedule a convenient time for a specialist to come to your home, set up your phone, and show you how to use it. The entire process is designed to be quick and straightforward, with support every step of the way.