It wasn’t long ago that Minnesota was known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes and one free government cell phone company. But Assurance Wireless has begun competing with Life Wireless, the state still has same number of lakes, but twice as many free cell phone companies.
That’s great news for Minnesota’s needy residents, because it means they can now get a free cell phone and 250 free minutes per month plus 250 free text messages every month.
A quick look at poverty statistics makes it clear that this is a program that’s desperately needed in Minnesota. Nearly 170,000 of the state’s residents are unemployed and nearly 20 percent fall below the federal government’s poverty line.
In today’s economy it’s not just the uneducated who are unemployed. According to a study conducted by the Chronicle for Higher Education Urban Institute, college graduates may have degrees, but they don’t necessarily have jobs. The number of doctoral degree holders who signed up for government aid is three times higher than it was in 2007.
An Assurance Wireless press release said, “…we are proud to help more and more customers stay connected to potential employers, medical and childcare providers. We look forward to providing this same type of assistance to eligible Minnesota residents who need support and resources during what continue to be rough economic times for many.”
The free government cell phones are available through a national program called Lifeline Assistance. Eligibility rules vary from state to state, but Minnesota residents may qualify if they already participate in other government aid programs such as Medicaid, Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8), Minnesota Family Investment Program (MFIP), the National School Lunch Program (NSL).
Even if you don’t participate in any of those programs, you may still be eligible for a Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone. If you make less than 135% of the federal government’s poverty level, you may qualify.
Assurance, a subsidiary of Virgin Mobile, now does business in 35 states plus Washington, DC.
We’re happy to say that Minnesota is now one of them.
Peggy Erickson says
Hi. Happy weekend. I have a consumer cellular phone. Can I transfer data? I have Medicaid.
Thx.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact Assurance customer service to find the answer to your question, Peggy.
Michael says
I already have a SIM card and a plan but I can’t get a phone and I can’t afford to pay one can you help me find a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find all the companies and free plans (some with phones, some with SIM cards) in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
bonnie says
i need to get a free cell phone, confused by what i have read as to how to go about it, who supplies the phone?,how do i start the process? do i have to purchase the phone itself?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You don’t have to pay for anything, Bonnie. The phone and the minutes are absolutely free. Just click around at the top left side of this website and you’ll learn everything you need to know.
Kimberly Hensoncrowley says
Where can we go to receive a phone and plan
Free Government Cell Phones says
Don’t go anywhere, Kimberly. Do it on the phone or online right from your own home. It’s much safer than enrolling at a street event.
charles says
Have an old one that broke and can’t aford new one please help me to get a new one thank u
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s why we built this website, to help people like you who cannot afford a phone or service. Read the site and you’ll learn how.
gerard gaudin says
Yes. You can choose any provider that is approved in your State/Area; and, you can transfer from one company to another, as long as you are Qualified for service. The only shortcoming of Assurance Wireless is that they deduct minutes from your Free allotment whether the call is Incoming or Outgoing. Thus, when someone calls you — both of you pay for the call!!
ron zamboria says
Can one change fcrom the old one to the new company?
Carolyn prenot says
even if you have a reg cell phone it is the same and you are charged the same with other free cell phones. Do you know on some free cell phones your name on the caller Id is not yours but someone else. That is why I am switching as for some reason they seem to have a problem putting your name on it.