Hawaii, the Aloha State, known for sunny skies, beautiful beaches, gentle trade winds, and teeming crowds of tourists, is relatively unknown for its free government cell phone program.
Most people would tell you that the program doesn’t exist in 50th State, but we’re here to tell you it does (no wonder FreeGovermentCellPhones.net is known as the leading authority on the Lifeline Assistance program). That’s a good thing, because just a few blocks inland from the glittering beaches lies some of the worst poverty in the nation.
According to Hano-Hawaii.org, “A new federal calculation that takes into account Hawaii’s high cost of living significantly boosts the state’s poverty rate — from the 18th lowest in the nation to the seventh highest.”
Most experts believe that the “supplemental poverty measure,” the official designation of the new poverty estimate, will soon become the way that poverty is measured in every state.
If so, that means that eligibility requirements for government subsidies could be broadened, adding to the number of people to qualify for government services such as Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phone program, and ACP, the Affordable Connectivity Program, which has helped so many cash-strapped Americans across the continental United States.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Hawaii
There are now six a number of providers of free Lifeline and ACP cell phones in Hawaii:
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Hawaii
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Veterans Pension and Survivor's Benefit.
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
You may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, which we’ve calculated for you below:
Income Based Eligibility for Hawaii | ||
---|---|---|
Members in Household | Annual income | |
1 member | $21,101 | |
2 members | $28,431 | |
3 members | $35,762 | |
4 members | $43,092 | |
5 members | $50,423 | |
6 members | $57,753 | |
7 members | $65,084 | |
8 members | $72,414 | |
For each additional member add $7,331 annually |
How to qualify for an ACP free government phone and unlimited service in Hawaii
It’s even easier to qualify for ACP service than it is to qualify for Lifeline service. The USAC website spells it all out:
Consumers qualify for the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) through participation in Lifeline or a Lifeline-qualifying program, having an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, through participation in ACP-qualifying programs, such as the free and reduced-price school lunch or breakfast program (including the Community Eligibility Provision), WIC, through award of a federal Pell Grant, or through participation in a participating service provider’s existing low-income program.
Lifeline and ACP let you say “aloha” to the days when you had to go without cell and internet service. What are you waiting for? Unlimited service is just an application away. Sign up with your favorite service provider today.
Guy Pieper says
Hi, what are the locations where I can sign up for a free fone, I live in Waianae.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at a street event. You are much safer enrolling by phone or online.
mary smith says
I need help with phone it doesn’t work
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Mary.
kenneth m. costa says
what is the location for today free phone give away in hawaii?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers not to enroll at street events. They have been the scenes of far too much fraud and abuse. Instead we urge you to enroll by phone or online.
Lee-Ann N Farias says
My son’s gov. free cell phone was stolen from a staff member at a Homeless Shelter in Hawaii. We reported it Q Link and ordered a replacement SIM card and received a order# but no tracking#. It was suppose to 7 to 10 days but it was never shipped. We learned that Q Link doesn’t ship to HAWAII!! Online, my order is still processing!! I offered to pay for shipping but they still couldn’t help me! Hawaii is part of the United States people!! Help us out here!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Any Lifeline customer can switch service providers at any time. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
Which provider and plan to choose? You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Lumarose says
I uses spectrum can I keep my company?
Free Government Cell Phones says
If sounds as if you are speaking about EBB. Is that correct?
Denise Thompson says
I was just qualified for free phone serve and was told to pick my new phone but I cannot get to that page. It just keeps repeating itself.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not your service provider, Denise. You need to contact that company’s customer service team.
Willy Keahi says
Because I’m on a fixed income and qualified through government programs the need for this service was a no-brainer. My case manager recommended I call him for a appointment so I have the proper documents which would make sign-up probably 10 to 15 minutes to receive my phone over the counter. When he input me into the system he said it looked like I was already with another carrier so he gave me a number to call which was the “Lifeline National Verifier”. I made the necessary calls successfully however when I tried to reach him again at his office unsuccessfully with multiple messages, my hopes of receiving my phone started to fade. This is in combination with just the everyday hardship of trying to get by, staying mentally stable and well enough pay my bills and keep a roof over my while having enough money to put food on the table. So, I get a chance to finally see him at his shop in person and we do business. For some reason there’s another hiccup and I’m unable to get my phone,again. At this point most people would say f@!&%$@ already but because he was referred by my case manager and my Psycho Therapist, I figure I give him the benefit the business and he’s less than 5min. away from my house. one point in our conversation he did admit that it wasn’t me at fault which I know it wasn’t, I just was waiting if he would mention why he did not return my calls. As someone who’s going to be doing business you would think they be more responsive with their clients. Ultimately at the end of the day, after making some calls and trying to make an account I left there without a phone but instructions on what he wants me to do. Fast forward that same day. I come home, make a few calls, get it sorted out, done. Call him back and as usual he’s not answering I leave a message and the rest is history. It looks like there’s a lot of this, problems when Blue Jay left and other took over. I see here in the comments section section a lot of people here in Hawaii having similar problems. I hope this gets resolved soon. One more thing, I hve spectrum for my landline and I had their mobile service but landline will get disconnected and mobile service ripped me off big time. More of a reason for free government phone as much as possible free also would come in as a big help for job search opportunity as we speak.
Sandra Kleinschmit says
I live in Arizona and plan to move to Hawaii. Can I still use my QLink phone when I get there?
Or,do I have to drop my services and get new ones?
Thank you,
Sandra Kleinschmit
Free Government Cell Phones says
You will probably be able to use your phone (depending on which network it uses and if that same network is available in Hawaii), but you will need to re-enroll when your annual recertification rolls around. So we’d recommend that you go ahead and re-enroll with another company as soon as you get there. You’ll not only assure yourself continued service, but get a new phone as well.
Here’s where you can find all the plans currently available in Hawaii:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jake Kale says
i currently have an Obama phone here in California.
my wife and i will be moving to Hawaii later this year.
will i be able to keep this phone and number, or do i need to quit this one and get a new qone issued in Hawaii?
thank you,
Jake
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to enroll with one of the local Hawaii Lifeline companies listed on this page, Jake. You may be able to keep your number, but make sure you tell the customer service agent that “I want to port over my current phone number.”
Dane says
How can I get a free gov’t phone with unlimited minutes that I dont have to pay for in a plan. Which company offers unlimited minutes but don’t need to pay for it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unlimited plans are only available in California and Oklahoma. Here’s an article that will tell you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/why-california-oklahoma-lifeline-assistance-plans-offer-so-much-more
JEFFREY MEDINA says
who do I see about my bluejay cell phone termination I’ve been without a phone since they stopped my service and I don’t have 20 dollars to get a new one
Free Government Cell Phones says
Since BlueJay went out of business and since it doesn’t appear that another service provider has picked up your account, you are free to enroll with any other service provider in your state. You can find them all listed on this page.
Dee says
What phones can I use with stand
up wireless?for example t mobile,Sprint,Verizon etc.?
Free Government Cell Phones says
The best way to get a completely accurate answer to your question is to contact StandUp customer service, Dee.
Genesis says
I got a government phone from BLUEJAY, but it’s no longer working. I cannot even call 611. Could you tell me what’s wrong?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read this article, Genesis. It will tell you everything you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/blue-jay-wireless-another-government-cell-phone-company-gone
Tim says
Safelink offers service to Hawaii but seemingly does not understand the logistics of the islands. At each of my addresses, they hae claimed that my residential address isn’t alid, because it’s not in the USPS database (this is because the post office doesn’t deliver mail on this island, everyone gets a po box) and they tell me I have to give them a water or electric bill in my name as verification, they will not accept a lease (unless it’s for public housing which I don’t get), the address on my state id or any other kind of verification, which is completely ridiculous as most low-income rentals here just include water/electricity in the monthly bill. Will have to completely change my service now because I just moved into a place that is off-grid and therefore a water/electric bill is impossible and they are not willing to work with me at all. I really hope the other services that claim to work in Hawaii actually hae an understanding of how things are here.
Theresa says
Hi, Iowa’s wondering if you ever got that problem solved and if you did how did you do it. Because I have been going through the same thing for almost 2 months now.
Kauiomiliona says
Yes my phone has been broken i’m a customer of bluejay wireless from day one how do i go about getting a new with a new phone number.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have a completely different problem, Kauio. Blue Jay is no longer participating in the Lifeline free government cell phone program. Most of its customers have been moved over to StandUp Wireless, but as far as we can tell, its Hawaiian customers have been left in the lurch. Contact Blue Jay to find out what to do next. If we can ferret out more info, we’ll post it.
Anthony Adams says
I have the LifeLine service from Blue Jay and have had it for several years. I keep getting text messages that my qualification will run out soon and I must recertify. The web site they provide does not work. When I google their website, it does not work. The Phone number they give online answers and then disconnects. When I call the 611 number as requested, I get a foreign speaking person who tells me to call another number that does not work. I am told I have to call back in two days which I have been doing for well over one month. They assure me my phone will not be disconnected, but they offer no help. I managed to get online to recertify, but Blue Jay does not seem to recognize it. Can you tell me it I can recertify with a different provider, one more reliable?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You left out one other odd thing, Anthony. When you go to Blue Jay’s Facebook page, it says nothing about the Lifeline free government cell phone program, but does talk about “wearables.” We’ve been investigating this for the last couple days. Rumor has it that Blue Jay has exited the free government cell phone program and turned its customers over to StandUp Wireless, but we are having as much trouble tracking down information as you are.
Considering the rumors, you might want to get in touch with StandUp to find out if you are now one of their customers.
Suzie Wong says
I’m in kona who can I get a free phone from
Free Government Cell Phones says
C’mon, Suzie, did you read the article on which you put this comment?
Myron W. Ashley says
I have had you service for 2 yrs, or so, lost one phone and bought another for 20 dollars. I had the second phone since ( 10/2017 ) two days ago my phone would not charge. I opened it, and bathe battery had leaked it’s acid , will I have to pay for a new one! I hope not. Please let me know.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Only your service provider’s customer service team can answer that question, Myron. Give them a call.
Daniel Davis says
Hey, there’s a typo in the one person annual income. Yearly income should be $18,292.50.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are correct, sir.
Sarah Hearn-vonFoerster, CFP says
TEMPO COMMUNICATIONS not only offers the Lifeline Assistance-free phone service, but a free business opportunity as well. Why is there so little emphasis placed on this vital sernce.vice when jobs are obviously so important and needed in Hawaii?
However, this company ,wisely, does NOT hand out phones until qualification is verified. The “Nlad” comment is excellent. Homelessness is truly a serious determent to any program, no matter its worthiness.
michael says
Bluejay wireless is one of, if not the only etc to physically hand out phones as soon as a person applies as long as “Nlad” can identify the person within their database. On many instances, although clearly eligibility for the lifeline discounted phone, potential recipients are turned away for reasons of “non verification of identity” from Nlad. To be issued a phone the same day a person applies is crucial to many, especially if someone is literally homeless and without a means to receive their phone via mail. How can qualified recipients be verified and entered into Nlad more efficiently and quickly, and who would the tpiv be?
Sarah Hearn-vonFoerster, CFP says
Appreciate your comment,
Luis Chavez says
Please help me, I am 95% blind . My fiancé passed away one week ago. I am living alone on SS
Disability It is not sufficient to cover my monthly basic needs. I really need to keep my phone but I can’t afford it. Without our combined SS I may become homeless.
I am lost and heartbroken.
George Motel says
PLEASE TO WHOM IT MAY.CONCERN IN DETERMINING IF I AM ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE PHONE THAT IM HOMELESS AND REALLY COULD USE A PHONE SO I MAY TALK TO MY FAMILY IN TJE MAINLAND SO THAT PERHAPS THEY MAY HELP ME GET BACK ON MY FEET!? I HAVE HAF MULTIPLE SURGIES,ETC. PLEASE I BEG OF WHOEVER DECIDES PLEASE I BEG U THAT MAY I BE ABLE TO RECEIVE A FREE PHONE AND IF NOT ME I PRAY ASK, REQUEST THAT MY MOTHER OF 66 YRS OF AGE WITH MEDICADE QUALIFY FOR A FREE PHONE BECAUSE WE REALLY NEED ONE!? HOWEVER I UNDERDTAND IF U CAN NOT FOR WHATEVER REASON U R JUST DOING YOUR JOB AND GOD BLESS U FOR AT LEAST LOOKING INTO IF ONE OF US MAY GET A FREE PHONE? GOD BLESS U AND THANK U FOR YOUR TIME! GOD BLESS U.ALL!
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
You qualify for a free phone and service if you meet the eligibility rules that are listed in the article above. Please read it. There is no begging necessary.
Myrna says
Where andHow can i get replacement of my phone.i have this #(808)364-**** before but i was not able to renew early.
Nolan-ryann says
Wondering how can I get a free android phone . Someone at my clinic told me a guy from the Obama care phones came in nd gave phones to people who needed it. All you needed was your quest card and ID . I have both and would like to visit a store or location where I can start on getting one . Where do I go? I live in Oahu hawaii
don nytil says
hw much doesn’t cost
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
If “hw much doesn’t cost” = “how much does it cost?” the answer is zero.
John de mello says
I went to a bluejay rep. And they signed me up for a phone and I signed a contract for a cell at a dollar a month for one year , at 1000mins. Now I get this text that says that I need to pay 5dollars a month for 250mins. I’m 64 years old and on a snap program because I’m in low income. So you bluejay should stand up to your con. With me not pull this bull shit , what’s up with that what kind of bull shit trip are you trying to pull , this is not right you need to stand by your agreement with me not pull this kind of shit on people , it’s not right , it’s not right that you are pulling this kind of stuff on me and others , what are you con man , you say one thing then pull this and say this other thing , you need to stand on your contract with me , do the right thing bluejay this is bull shit contract is a contract you agreed now stand by it , I still have a contract with you for one dollar a month , that’s it please contact me thanks I think john
dave says
The original plan you signed up for was for one for Hawiian Homelands customers. If you what complete the paperwork to certify that you live on Hawiian Homelands, then you could get the 1000 min plan for $1.00. The funny thing is that they are not required to collect the $1 as that rule changed in 2012, they just never changed it on their side.
Li says
I had a free cell phone started last year, and it was no longer working. I guess the contract is over. Called the company (I believe it’s Sprint”) that provided free cell phone, and was told that they would send me an “e-phone”. three weeks has pasted and I haven’t heard anything. Called the company again, and was told to wait another week. Just want to know where I can go to get it in person locally. I live in Honolulu, Hawaii. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Mike Sato says
Hi, like Ms. G i would like to u8pgrade my phone some. Thank you bluejay wireless. pls advise how i can get a improved phone.
corina guitguiten says
yes I have a phone with bluejay wireless and half of my phone is damaged how can I upgrade it. free to change it.
luis hernandez says
for low income , what i have to do ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read this page, it’s explains everything. Contact one of the providers.
luis hernandez says
this programs are free ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Yes.