Some time back we reported that Safelink Wireless was expanding into additional states — including the four that were not yet being served by the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.
Well, it took a lot longer than we expected and it looks like Montana, Nebraska and Vermont are still out in the cold, but financially-strapped residents of the Pacific paradise can now get free government cell phones from Safelink, the biggest name in the Lifeline business.
If you qualify, you’ll get 500 minutes and unlimited texts each month for the first four months. (Be aware that after that initial four months introductory period, the program will revert back to 350 minutes and unlimited each month.)
Of course, all those free minutes and texts won’t do you much good if you don’t have a cell phone, so Safelink Wireless will give you one of those, too, if you qualify.
If you’re the talkative sort, and if you use up all your allotted monthly minutes, you can purchase additional minutes and top up by purchasing a TracFone Airtime Card. They’re available at any TracFone retailer — including Walmart, CVS, Kmart, Target, Radio Shack, Walgreens, Rite Aid stores, Family Dollar and Dollar General. Odds are you can probably find one of those stores right in your neighborhood.
Here’s how you qualify, hoaloha!
The rules and regulations in Hawaii mirror those in the other states and territories covered by Safelink. The requirements may vary a tad from state to state, but the two means of qualifying are generally very similar:
(1) You must have an income that is at or below 135% of Federal Poverty Guidelines, or (2) You must participate another government assistance programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8).
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF).
- The National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance.
- Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF).
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR).
- Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met).
- Other Hawaiian assistance programs
Say mahalo to Safelink
Now that Safelink Wireless has come to Hawaii, low income residents of the the Aloha State have more choices than ever. Six companies now offer Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones.
The others are American Assistance, Blue Jay Wireless, Budget Mobile, Total Call Mobile, and Tempo Communications. Each company offers slightly different plans with different numbers of minutes and texts and with slightly different restrictions.
Although Safelink is the biggest company in the free government cell phone business, that doesn’t mean they’re necessarily the best. We strongly recommend that you check out each company, assess the various plans, and choose the one that most closely fits your needs.
Shaka, shaka, wahines and Kānes.
Tasha says
How do I apply for phone service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the companies and plans offered in your state, Tasha. You can find them all at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out to find the plan that fits your needs best, then enroll using the contact info we provide in that service provider’s page.
Barbara Jacobsen says
My blue jay wireless phone does not work I’ve gone through 3 phones all compatible the SIM card goes in and the reception is horrible for my house although a few blocks away I can usually get some reception how do I change service to my Prime with another company say Verizon
Free Government Cell Phones says
Verizon does not participate in the free government cell phone program, Barbara. But here are a couple articles that will help you out. First, here’s where you can find a list of all the companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
And here’s where you can find an article that tells you how to switch from one company to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Michael W Len says
Sat 5-27, 2017 0450 here in WASHINTON State where I use my SAFELINK
I am off to Honolulu from June 6 – 7 …. I am hoping this news from a 2015 website… shows what a computer-phobe I am….. is still in the year of 2017 still current…
SAFELINK folk from the Mainland US can take their cells to Hawaii and use them?
Would really appreciate your reply.
Aloha,
Mike
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should be able to use your phone anywhere in the United States, Michael.
Arlene Bwilliams says
Where do I apply for employment in Honolulu Hawaii.
Maria says
Where can I work as an safelink in Honolulu Hawaii. Can I get a contact number?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Try the contact info found on our Safelink provider page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Mary Ellen Apostol says
On behalf of my learning disabled daughter, Nanette Geremonte, is on medicare and medicaid in Hi. She signed up for the free cell phone in Jan. 2014, with BlueJay service, being distributed from a tent in Wai’anae. She had a landline phone with Hawaiian Tel, receiving Lifeline benefits. Nanette received a letter from USAC that only one Lifeline benefit per service was allowed. Unaware that BlueJay was claiming these benefits, she returned the phone and opted to stay with Hawaiian Telcom. Per USAC Safelink is still claiming Lifeline benefits in Nanette’s name or account#. USAC has notified Hawaiian Telcom twice to drop Nanette’s benefits. As a result her phone was disconnected twice, unable to pay full price, late fees and disconnect fees. Please research how this is happening and contact Hawaiian Telcom for retribution. The BluJay account#******. The cell ph# 808-728-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Mary Ellen, but this website has no legal standing to to research your situation. Blue Jay is a really good free government cell phone provider and it’s unfortunate that this has happened to you and your daughter.
It sounds as if the problem is that you did not cancel your Lifeline landline account. You must cancel one of the accounts or you will show up as having two services when only one is allowed.