Currently, you can get a free government cell phone in close to 40 states; the program is being introduced in new states at a rapid pace. If you currently reside in a state where free cell phones are not currently available, you can still qualify for a free landline.
Who Qualifies
In general, families who already receive government assistance, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), are eligible. You also may qualify if you earn less than 135% of the federal poverty guidelines for your state. Families whose children receive free or reduced lunch through the federal government may also be eligible. The first step in determining your eligibility for free government cell phones is to determine if there is a wireless service provider in your state that is taking part in the Lifeline Assistance program. Three of the large national carriers have service in close to 36 states and a number of regional companies that provide Lifeline Assistance service to one or more states. Here are the details about the four major companies that partner with Lifeline to provide free phones, accrue free monthly minutes, and/or establish a landline at a reduced rate. Currently, Safelink Wireless offers free cell phones in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, Connecticut, DC, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. If you’re not on those programs, you’ll need to show that your income is low enough, according to your state’s poverty level guidelines. Assurance currently operates in Alabama, Arkansas, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Reachout Wireless’ cell phone plans are comparable to the plans offered by Assurance Wireless and Safelink. Reachout also offers a free cell phone and either 125 free cell phone minutes that roll over every month or 250 free cell phone minutes per month that do not roll over. Reachout users also enjoy the following features: three-way calling, call forwarding, caller ID, call waiting, international long distance (added charge), select text messaging, and voicemail. Additionally, Budget Mobile offers a number of prepaid plans which are also available in increments of $5. These plans do not offer as many minutes and text messages for the same amount of money, but the prepaid plans may be convenient for some customers. There are no contracts or fees for any of the company’s plans, and there is nationwide coverage, even though the program is not available in every state. Voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID are all included as well. Budget currently serves Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
