Good news! Assurance Wireless, the second biggest name in the Lifeline free cell phone program, is now open for business in Maine. And we believe that’s very good news for the Pine Tree state’s needy.
Assurance is now offering eligible Maine residents a free cell phone and up to 250 free minutes each month. Unfortunately, there are probably a lot of Mainers who qualify for the program, because the number of Mainers who are unemployed now tops more than 53,000. On top of that, more than 12.3% of the state’s residents now fall below the federal poverty line, so we expect that this program has arrived in the nick of time and is sure to help many people in need. Obviously, there a lot of people in the state who just can’t afford to buy new cell phones and who can’t afford steep monthly service fees.
“As we’ve become available in more and more states, Assurance is proud to help customers stay connected to potential employers, medical providers and child care-givers,” commented David Trimble, vice president at Assurance Wireless. “We look forward to providing this same type of assistance to eligible Maine residents who need support and resources during, what continue to be, rough economic times for many.”
How to qualify
You may wonder if it is difficult to qualify for one of these free government phones and monthly minutes. Fact is, it’s easier to qualify than you may have thought. You may be eligible for Assurance Wireless’ Lifeline program if you participate in any one of the following government programs — Medicaid/Maine Care Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), Food Stamps (SNAP) Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or Emergency Assistance Program. But that’s not the only way you can qualify. You could also qualify if your household income falls below the federal poverty level. To be completely accurate, you can qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
The arrival of Assurance Wireless is a major change in Maine. Until now, free cell phones and free minutes were available from only one company in Maine – Safelink Wireless, the largest company participating in the Lifeline program. We know that competition between suppliers is good for consumers. So now that Assurance Wireless has entered the state, we expect that competition between the two companies will lead to better service from both companies.
What can you get?
Each Assurance Wireless customer in Maine will receive a modern cell phone. Since the company is owned by Virgin Mobile, you’ll get pretty much the same phone that a low end Virgin Mobile customer would get, but at no cost. You’ll also get 250 minutes of airtime each month, and the phone comes with voice mail, caller id, and other standard features. If you need more than 250, you can upgrade your plan ($5/month for 500 minutes; $20/month for 1,000 minutes), or buy more minutes as needed with Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards, available across the country. This subject is thoroughly covered on our page, Assurance Wireless Minutes.
Critics ask how Assurance and Safelink can afford to give away free phones and free minutes. Surprisingly, the answer is really very simple. The FCC-mandated Lifeline Assistance program is funded by the Universal Service Fund. Each month a small fee – sometimes just a few cents – is added to most every phone bill in the United States. In most states it shows up on the bills as “Universal Service Fund.” That money is aggregated and used to support free cell phones and minutes for needy citizens across the country.
Welcome to Maine, Assurance. From Ft. Kent to Portland, from Jackman to Bar Harbor, and everywhere in between, we know the state’s needy citizens look forward to doing business with you.
jeanne lothrop says
Hello, my name is P. Jeanne Lothrop. I am 79 years old and I recently moved from Brunswick, ME to Presque Isle, ME 04769. I have help with my prescriptions from the State of Maine, as well as a portion of Maine Care. I, also, receive food stamps. I would very much like to have a free cell phone, as I have to go places on the local bus for the elderly/handicapped and I have to call them when I’m finished so that they can come and pick me up to take me home. Thank you, P. Jeanne Lothrop
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ve made a common error, Jeanne. We are NOT a Lifeline free government cell phone service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the companies offering plans in your state and enroll with them. Here’s where you can find all those companies and plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Corinna says
Sent this to a disabled elderly lady in Greene Maine she said not available in that town do you have any idea if she can find service thank you. I worry about her alone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s impossible for us to track current availability in every city and town and neighborhood in the country, Corinna. We would suggest that you choose a Lifeline company and speak to its customer service team.
Stefanie Brewer says
I am trying to help my downstairs neighbor to obtain a free government phone. He is very much qualified period he is disabled he gets Medicaid, food stamps, SSI, and is income-based eligible. I have a question however. He has had a lot of physical injuries and it has left him with severe nerve damage where he doesn’t work very well with a smartphone. He has the old push button cell phones, the flip phone. Is it possible for him to keep his old flip phone and add service from insurance? He truly is in desperate need. I look forward to your reply. Thank you for your time and attention. Stefanie
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most Lifeline companies have BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) plans. Keep in mind, however, that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks. So you need to find out which companies’ networks are compatible with that phone. Find out first before you enroll with anyone. Here’s where you can find a complete list of companies offering free government cell phones in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
christine williamson says
I have an assurance phone style kyoceraS1360 phone what type of phone is compatible to use in its place?
Jennifer Redding says
Where is application?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Here is the info on signing up:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers/assurance-wireless
Pat Wilbur says
I know a couple of people of who could really benefit from this. Could you tell me how they could sign up and what they would need to prove eligibility?Both live in a rural area in downeast Maine. Any info would be helpful. Pat
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/maine-government-cell-phone-providers
Ariana wenger says
Do u have the smart phone wth free data text and 200 minutes or wud that b cintex wirelessi am in Maine
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are nine free government cell companies in Maine.
horace neptune says
I would like to apply for a free phone.please
horace neptune says
I would like to apply for a free phone.
Lance Upham says
I could get much needed help with your free wireless phone program
mayvis johnson says
i would like to apply for an Assurance wireless-free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Go to this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers/assurance-wireless
Harold Bricker says
I have you mi information
Harold Bricker says
safelink I would like to buy 500 minutes for $5 a month let me know can i do that thanks Harold Bricker cell # 717 877-0925
Thomas Malmay says
I would like to apply for a free goverment phone..