Free Cell Phone For Iowa Seniors & Low Income Households

KCRG TV news recently reported on a story about the Polk County sheriff's office free cell phone program whereby they give out free cell phones with only 911 capability for seniors to use in case of emergencies like accidents, medical emergencies, etc. These cell phones have been refurbished to only dial 911. The sheriff's department usually runs out of the free cell phones quickly because there is such a high demand for them.

Here's some good news for Iowa seniors and low income residents. Virgin Mobile's free government assisted cell phone program is now available in Iowa. These free cell phones are full fledged cell phones. They come with free monthly minutes that roll over from month to month. Applicants can apply to get a free cell phone and free monthly minutes at the website of Virgin Mobile's subsidiary company, Assurance Wireless or call their toll free phone number for assistance (1.888.898.4888).

The qualifications vary from state to state, but typically if an applicant's income is at or below the state's poverty level, they will qualify. Also, an applicant who is already receiving assistance in another program like food stamp, SSI, etc. usually qualifies for a free cell phone and free monthly minutes.

Note: Don't confuse the Assurance Wireless free cell phone program with the SafeLink Wireless program. SafeLink is not yet (3/14/11) available in the state of Iowa, but Assurance Wireless is.

Another Government Supported Free Cell Phone Program: ReachOut Wireless

ReachOut Wireless Free Cell Phone Program 

ReachOut Wireless is another telecommunications company offering a government supported free cell phone and service. The free cell phone program is funded by the Lifeline program. The Lifeline program was created back in the 1980's to assist consumers in obtaining reasonably priced land line telephone service. With the invention of cell phones, the FCC granted telecommunications companies the permission to extend this to cell phones and free phone service. Any telecommunications company can create a program to help eligible consumers obtain service using the Lifeline funds.


For more info about the ReachOut Wireless free cell phone program and free cell phone service, visit their website at www.reachoutmobile.com. They have a on site web chat operator to assist you. You can apply online, by phone or print off an application. I will be finding out more info on their program and make a more detailed blog post later. In the mean time check out their website.

Other free government supported cell phone programs:
SafeLink Wireless Free Cell Phone Program
Virgin Mobile's Free Cell Phone Program thru Assurance Wireless

Low Income Families, Disabled & Elderly Citizens Can Get A 100% Free Cell Phone From Virgin Mobile

Virgin Mobile has launched a new program giving a free cell phone and free phone service to low income families. You can also get a free cell phone from them if you’re a disabled or elderly citizen.

You may have already heard about the free cell phone program by TracFone and SafeLink wireless. They have been giving free cell phones and 68 (recently updated to 250) free minutes every month to low income families, the disabled and elderly citizens. Now, Virgin Mobile is entering the scene by offering a free cell phone program of their own called Assurance Wireless. They are offering a free cell phone and 200 free monthly minutes. (Update: You may be eligible for up to 250 free monthly minutes per recent changes to the program).

The Virgin Mobile program is fairly new so there are only a hand full of states participating so far. The current list of participating states are Florida, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia. However, they expect to add more states by the end of the year. (NOTE: If your state is not participating in the Virgin Mobile Free Cell Phone program, check to see if your state is participating in SafeLink's Free Cell Phone program.)

You may qualify for a free cell phone and free phone service if you participate in any of the following.

• Medicaid
• Food Stamp program
• Supplemental Security Income
• Bureau of Indian Affairs programs
• Federal Public Housing Assistance/ Section 8
• National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch program

You can learn more about Virgin Mobile’s Assurance Wireless free cell phone program and how to get a free cell phone by calling their toll free phone number 1-888-898-4888 or visiting www.AssuranceWireless.com.

SafeLink is Giving Free Cell Phones To Low Income Families

The SafeLink free cell phone program is one great piece of information that everyone needs to know about, especially low income families, disabled, and elderly citizens.

I don't need to mention how bad this economy is right now. A record number of people are unemployed. Those who are fortunate enough to have a job are also struggling to make ends meet. Thanks to the SafeLink free cell phone program, the phone bill can be one less expense you need to worry about. They are giving a free TracFone cell phone and free monthly minutes to those who qualify.

If your home state is participating in SafeLink’s program and you're already receiving government assistance you probably qualify to get a free cell phone and free phone service.

Please visit their website at SafeLink.com for more information about how you can get a free cell phone. You can apply online today. If you’re approved, I've heard that a free cell phone can be shipped to you within a week.

The chart shown below is a list of states participating in the SafeLink Free Cell Phone program. More states have been added to the list. New states participating but not shown on the list are: Arkansas,  Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Washington. 

More states are being added so, if your state is not listed please check SafeLink's website for an updated list.

If you do not qualify for SafeLink's Free Cell Phone program, you may want to check into another program. Virgin Mobile also has a program, but is in fewer states.

Related article post: Virgin Mobile Giving 100% Free Cell Phone To Low Income Families