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Arkansas: Free government cell phones from Lifeline and ACP

According to some statistics we read, Arkansas residents make less than average. At one point, the state ranked 50th among the states with an average hourly wage of $15 and an average annual income of just $30,870.

We consider that to be a double whammy that makes the state perfect for the Lifeline phone service program. Luckily, it’s not just the unemployed who qualify for the free government cell phone, but also the working poor and others.

Arkansas residents can choose between many different companies that offer the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) and we’ve listed them below. You can contact any of them to find out more about getting a free cell phone.

Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Arkansas

Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Arkansas. They all offer different plans with different numbers of minutes, different refill options, and serve different geographic areas. So click through them all and find the plan that’s best for you.

Lifeline Discount Companies in Arkansas

If you qualify for Lifeline Assistance, but you find that none of the companies offer free government cell phones where you live, you have another option. The companies below, while not offering free cell phone plans, do offer substantial Lifeline discounts off their regular mobile phone plans in Arkansas:

How to qualify for a Lifeline free government cell phone in Arkansas

You may be eligible if you receive benefits from any of the following programs:

  • 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, as these calculated income levels indicate in the following table:

Income Based Eligibility for Arkansas
Members in Household Annual income
1 member $18,347
2 members $24,719
3 members $31,091
4 members $37,463
5 members $43,835
6 members $50,207
7 members $56,579
8 members $62,951
For each additional member add $6,372 annually

How to qualify for an ACP free government phone and unlimited service in Arkansas

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.

If you qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP, why wait? Click through all the companies and all the plans, find the one that fits your needs best, and enroll today.

Latest Lifeline and ACP News for Arkansas:

WTF? Assist Wireless screws up, exposes tens of thousands of customer IDs - Someone screwed up big time at Assist Wireless and exposed not just thousands, but tens of thousands of its Lifeline customers’ personal customer documents on its website.
How do Budget Wireless customers find a new free government cell phone company? - If you're one of those 800,000 abandoned Budget Wireless customers, what should you do next? How do you find another Lifeline company to replace Budget?
Companies dropping out: Trouble in the free government cell phone program? - Two of the top 20 LifeLine Assistance free government cell phone companies have now dropped out of the business. And two others have merged into a single company.
Conexion Wireless Serves Arkansas and Maryland with Lifeline Cell Phones, but Should You Use Them? - Conexion Wireless offers free Lifeline government phones in Arkansas and Maryland. But, should you choose them over Assurance, Safelink or ReachOut?
Insulting: Small Arkansas company calls Lifeline cell phone product “the Obama phone” - We know that many individuals refer to the LifeLine program as the "Obama phone,” but we’ve never seen it done by a phone company that participates in the program.
Assurance Wireless Expands Lifeline Cell Phones Program to Arkansas - Assurance Wireless has just expanded its program that delivers free government cell phones to the poor to Arkansas.

See more cell phone news.

If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.

Comments

  1. Russell Riley says

    I’m currently a qlink wireless customer. I haven’t had service for a few days now. I want to switch providers. What do I need to do?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      If you are still using your free government cell phone, you can simply call 6-1-1 on that phone and you will automatically be connected to your service provider.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You can get phone service and you can get internet service but there is no program that will provide you with free TV service.

    • Henry says

      Many people now stream TV programs on their computers or smartphones, so the ACP discount can be applied to the broadband service subscription charge, so you can apply for a discount if you are a current subscriber. The ACP focuses on internet access and does not include TV services such as cable, satellite, Fios subscribers (TV only). With many TVs having the smart options and being able to access the internet, the boundaries are more blurred between TV and internet services.

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        That being said, Irene wants free phone service, internet service and TV. If she wants internet and TV, it’s virtually impossible if she also gets a free phone. If she attempts to use her phone or laptop to watch TV she will quickly burn through her allotted “unlimited” gigs and get her speed throttled down to the point that TV becomes impossible. Agree, Henry?

        • Henry says

          The amount of TV that any given person watches on a daily basis varies. Some broadband services do NOT have a data limit. You could be throttled, but at least you can still continue to get service. A local cable company in my area accepts the ACP benefit to reduce or eliminate the monthly subscription cost on their internet services. So, if you are OK with standard definition TV watching, any throttling impact should be much less than with HDTV. Some Lifeline providers will combine the ACP benefit and offer “unlimited data” with the smart phone. So, you could make phone calls, go surfing, or watch TV through streaming services on your phone, but of course, the screen is much smaller.

  4. Patrick Ables says

    I’m really saddened to find out that LifeLine is not available in my area. I would have thought that you guys are helping people who need assistance in more populated areas and not in rural areas. We are people also and deserve to have the same opportunities as everyone else. So, it confuses me about the false advertisement you guys are telling us all.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not sure what you’re talking about, Patrick. Lifeline is a national program that is available across the country, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Some rural areas are not covered simply because there very little cell service is available in those areas. But other than those exceptions it is available everywhere.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Did you check the list of cities at the end of each service provider’s page?

  6. Jenn says

    Hi looking for cell phone service that I can ues at by lake catherine sate park the phone I got doesn’t work at my mom house and I have be having problems with the phone Sense last week even when ism home sill have problems with my phone and not good because single mom of 3 on a fixed income

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      It’s damn near the luck of the draw, Jenn. I have to stand on our front porch to get cell reception. My wife can’t get cell reception on the porch, but gets a strong signal back in our kitchen.

  7. joni teague says

    I have a qlink phone I can not use this phone as there is no service in this area can I apply for and possibly receive a new like line phone

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We do not provide service to anyone because we are an independent informational website. You need to contact any of the companies listed on this page. We provide all the contact info.

  10. inquiry says

    I keep listening to the news update speak about getting free online grant applications so I have been looking around for the best site to get one. Could you advise me please, where could i acquire some?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We readily admit that we know nothing — absolutely nothing — about any online government grants. But if you have questions about the Lifeline free government cell phone program, you’ve come to the right place.

  11. Jill Taylor says

    I live in jonesboro Arkansas and we are wandering if we could get a tent schedule where I can walk up and get a phone.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scenes of so much fraud and abuse. You are much better off enrolling by phone or online.

      • Elvis Welch says

        Yeah, I gave ALL my info in Eudora Arkansas for a phone that had a 662 area code. How do I know if it’s fake?

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          Do you know which company you enrolled with? Are you saying you enrolled at a street event and gave all your info to the stranger working in a booth?

  12. crystal says

    i need to put time on a friends phone but only have the number and state is there a way to fined out what one so i can add time

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      What one what? Are you trying to figure out who your friend’s service provider is? He can call 6-1-1 on his free government cell phone and the service provider will answer.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Free might be a problem. If you’ve been a customer of the same free government cell phone company for an extended period of time, you might find a friendly customer service agent who can get you one for free. But the odds are that you’ll need to pay $25 or so for a replacement phone. Just contact your service provider’s customer service team.

  14. Beau says

    I live in Horatio Arkansas and none of these providers say they have coverage there even though they claim to have nationwide coverage. How can I get the lifeline phone I need ?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Have you checked with ALL the companies listed on this page, Beau? If not, give it a try. When companies say they have nationwide service, that doesn’t mean they reach every nook and crannie in the country. There are lots of rural areas and small towns that are beyond the reach of cell towers.

  15. larry D glasscock says

    I Surely need a phone. I have been disabled for a long time. Before, I had one phone provided to me. I believe it was priceline, or ? Anyway, After an accident, over a year ago, I did not use a phone for 3 months. Now, I haaaaaaaaaave no phones,that work. Please reply to me, how to call someone to get a cell phone ? I do not know pof any, besides Qlink. And Afer 5 weeks, no phone, or emails, etc… So, Would someone, please tell me some of the providers of cell phones for the needy people? I’m 61,and handicapped,stuck at home.I need a cell phone, if I left the house, and needed to call someone for help, I would be lost,now. Please reply and let me know of some providers of free cell pnones for the needy. THANK YOU VERY MUCH…THAnks, Larry D.G.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You left this comment on our Arkansas page, Larry. Do you live in Arkansas? If so, you can get a complete list of all the companies and plans available in your state right here on this page. If not, click on “States” and the top of your page and then click on your state.

  16. Gary Stiffler says

    Hello my name is Gary Stiffler. I live on a very low income. I have SSI and SSA but I cannot afford a cellphone. I want to see if I can qulifiy for a government cellphone? I need the unlimited data just for talking I do not need the texting. I have a computer that my mother bought me for my Fortyth Birthday and she’s paying for my Wi-Fi. But I also have rent to pay and my bill’s and a car payment and by the time all of it’s paid for I don’t have enough money to afford a strighttalk cellphone and the card that goes with it. Plus I am retired and I have Medicaid and Medicare. Luckly I don’t have to pay for my perscription’s.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Check out all the plans listed on this page, Gary, and then enroll with the one that fits your needs best.

  17. Rickey Sample says

    My phone from Obama care was stolen and the number was changed on it. I need to replace it because I’m disabled and on a limited income. Thank you. Rickey Sample

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Rickey.

  18. Vanessa Parker says

    How go I get my phone number from my free phone when I don’t have access to it? Please help.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You are correct, Jamie. However, there are a number of very small Lifeline free government cell phone companies scattered around the country that we have chosen not to cover simply because they are so small. If we listed them all, our list of provider would stretch across the country.

  20. Richard leatherwood says

    I’m filing for disability after serious motorcycle accident that happened two years ago but I’m just now filing and I’ve come to learn it will be at least a year before I get it so how am I sappose to do this because I’m in much need but don’t plan on having it after I get disability so will you please help me plus I’m not in the right mind to do this without your help thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We think you’re saying that it will be a least a year before you get your first disability payment. Is that correct, Richard? If so, you don’t really need to prove you’re on disability to get a free government cell phone. Contact the service provider of your choice, speak to customer service and ask them how they would like to proceed. They will probably ask you to prove your income last year. Did you file an income tax return?

  21. Alison VanRoekel says

    I ave a ZTE smart phone under assurance wireless and it break’s up all the time the person on the other end can’t hardly hear me nor can i hear but every other syllable.
    Also is this phone on ³g Or is it due to lack of signal in Cabot and Little Rock Arkansas

  23. Jamie Johnson says

    It another company do free phone in Arkansas Maryland and West Virginia. People can sign up CellSpanarkansas.com for Arkansas. But CellSpan do government phones too.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re an independent website, Johnny, not a Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone company. You need to contact one of the companies listed on this page to enroll in the program.

  25. farzin naji says

    your site is so bad and ugly . every time we try to get application and download form , it does not let and fast stop us with shows ; ” it look like you ve already got…” by GETFORMSONLINE., it look like a virus against people. F*** THIS SCAM PAGE AND YOUR S*** SERVICES

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Another happy customer! (Farzin, you may be interested in knowing that you left this message on the wrong site. We don’t offer application forms. We have no idea what site you’re angry with, but it’s not us. Thank you very much.)

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Get in contact with the Lifeline company you applied with and ask for the status of your application.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      That is incorrect, Daniel. We just got off the phone with TAG and they confirmed that they are still offering free government cell phones in Arkansas.

  28. Debbie Graves says

    Please note the assurance govt. Cell phone will not be needed any longer.the number 1479430**** will be replaced by a phone in the state of Illinois temporarily. DEBBIE G*** 314 ***** ALMA AR. THANK YOU. PLEASE DROP THE SERVICE

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Assurance will not see your message here, Debbie, because this website is not affiliated with Assurance nor any other Lifeline Assistance company. You must contact your service provider by phone or online.

  29. carrie says

    Can the elderly qualify for a free phone? My mother is almost 80 & has a few health issues. She is prone to falling also. Which phone would be best for her.

  32. B. Riley says

    Several years ago the woman who lived across the street had a Safelink phone delivered to our address. I told her to change the address. She apparently never did, because after leaving the government assisted housing across the street YEARSW ago, we still constantly receive information telling her that “You haven’t received your minutes this month, please follow the instructions below to get them manually.” Other communications with other information continue to come to our home addressed to “SAFELINK CUSTOMER”. I have called the ph#’s they give repeatedly… only to be transferred from one person to another for periods of up to 35-45 minutes with absolutely NO results. I want- NO, I DEMAND- that my address be removed from this person’s account with you so that I stop receiving this mail. Really makes me wonder about the legitimacy of the entire program if you can have a customer for years and years with incorrect information on their account.

  33. Keith says

    We make nearly $100k a year and a company in Arkansas gave my wife a phone. We returned it and have reported them for fraud.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      We’re sorry to hear that. We hope you can eventually get to the point where you no longer need to receive them. If you are telling us because you are interested in getting a free cell phone, that is in fact a qualification for one and all you have to do is contact one of the vendors listed in the article above.

  36. Jose hernandez says

    Can i get a phone i cant afored to pay for it i want a smart phone please

  37. David Hice says

    I filled out the online app.
    For us connect free cell phone and its been a few days
    and I have not got a reply from them saying that I will reseve
    my cell phone

  38. Charles Elliott says

    I am checking to see if I would qualify for a unlimited minutes phone. I do not text, all I need from a phone is caller ID and all I do is talk. I am 82 years old and my wife is 69, together our house hold income is 1746.00 but with medical bills and prices of everything going up we are forced to cut out something to try to make ends meet. we are on medi cade

    Thank you,
    Charlie

  39. Jean Champlin says

    I am just checking to see f I would qualify
    for one of you unlimited minute cell phones.
    I am 73 and live alone … I would be proud to have
    even a flip phone as long has
    a Little Rock.Ar
    phone jumber if its unlimited I could call my kids.
    I live alone and my check each month is one thousand
    Forty nine dollars a month.. thanks Jean

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      It sounds like you would qualify on income. Just contact the companies on the list above.

  40. Albert Cook Jr. says

    I was wondering if SSDI qualifies for a free phone. And if not why?If a person is recieving SSDI then that means they are a disabled person.Seems to me that they would be in need of a free phone as much as any of the other programs because they are diabled.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      SSDI does not qualify a person for a phone. Yes, it seems unfair, but they set up the eligibility based upon economic reasons not physical reasons.

  41. Lynda Elliott says

    I have pacemaker for my heart, need wireless phone for @home monitoring to hospital. HELP?

  42. Larry McNeil II says

    I am homeless and just applied for Medicaid and SSI, what other ways can I prove that I meet the guide line for service?

  43. Gus K. Wellisch says

    I only received about ten minutes with my Tracfone. I live in Arkansas and I just initiated the phone.

    I have a government phone because I receive food stamps.

    Thank you