A recent Gallup survey measured the Economic Confidence Index in every state and showed that the state of Iowa felt better about the future than the citizens of any other state.
The survey asked about both national economic conditions as well as local economic conditions – including things like hiring activity in their workplace.
Despite the fact that Iowans are relatively upbeat about the future, there are tens of thousands of people in the state who are having financial trouble right now. The state’s unemployment rate is good compared to the rest of the country, but still hovers around the 6% level.
But there’s good news for needy Iowans. You may qualify for a free cell phone and free monthly minutes. T.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Iowa:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Iowa. 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.
- Access Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Standup Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom Wireless
- Tempo Communications
- Truconnect
Lifeline Discount Companies in Iowa
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 Iowa:
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Iowa:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Iowa:
- 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)
In Iowa, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Take a look at the chart below where we shows the income levels at this calculated rate for you:
| Income Based Eligibility for Iowa | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $16,389 | |
| 2 members | $22,221 | |
| 3 members | $28,053 | |
| 4 members | $33,885 | |
| 5 members | $39,717 | |
| 6 members | $45,549 | |
| 7 members | $51,381 | |
| 8 members | $57,213 | |
| For each additional member add $5,832 annually | ||
Latest News for Iowa:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Linda Wood says
My sister is currently in a care facility, on Medicaid. Would she be eligible. She lives in Marion, Iowa
How does this work?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds as if she would qualify, but here’s where you can check to make sure:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Thomas Evensizer says
I’m a 43 year old disabled man who lives in fort dodge iowa, & I’m planning on moving to Mason city Iowa soon are there any discount wireless companies here or there and which are they. Also how to contact them.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find all the contact info you need by clicking on any of the companies listed on this page. Good luck, Thomas.
James Clayton says
Looking for a free cell phone and service for Floyd county Iowa in Nora Springs,Iowa?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are unable to track service down to the local area such as you request, James. But you can easily contact the companies list on this page to ask if they serve your area.
RICHARD BURRILL says
We are receiving SNAPs
We are on social security
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should apply.
Aly says
I think Iowa used to provide a free phone if you received Energy Assistance to heat your home. Does that still qualify you for a free phone? Also, is SSI the same thing as being on Social Security Disability?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s how DisabilitySecrets.com describes the two programs:
“The main difference between Social Security Disability (SSD, or SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) is the fact that SSD is available to workers who have accumulated a sufficient number of work credits, while SSI disability benefits are available to low-income individuals who have either never worked or who haven’t earned enough work credits to qualify for SSD.
“While many people don’t distinguish between SSI (Supplemental Security Income) and SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance), they are two completely different governmental programs. While both programs are overseen and managed by the Social Security Administration, and medical eligibility for disability is determined in the same manner for both programs, there are distinct differences between the two.”
State-based assistance programs no longer make you eligible for the free government cell phone program. Here’s where you can find all the current ways to qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Chris Carter says
I’m looking for a company that isn’t save link or assurance witless. Im very frustrated with the two
I’m looking for a free phone or nice cheap phone around 40-50.00.that has Free data with option to buy more. I would very much apperciate this sence I’m really over whelmed with all the offers…Sioux City Iowa
Thank you.
October 21 2017. 11:57 pm
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’re on the right page, chris. According to our count, Iowa has eleven different companies offering free government cell phone plans. Take your choice and enroll with the one that has the plan that fits your needs best. Good luck.
L king says
Do not use stand up wireless they have gave me the run around, I was approved over two months ago and they never sent me a device and they just told me I received my device and it was deactivated by an agency in Iowa. Not sure who. And I never received anything.
I was then told I would need to reapply. I have given them a copy of my dl. And my insurance card. Now I’m afraid I have been scammed..
N. L. Bryson says
South Dakota only has one free lifeline company and that is Budget Mobil… I was notified that they are going out of the business. What can we, in South Dakota do? How can we get lifeline mobile service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Budget has been the only free government cell phone offering service in South Dakota. Now that Budget is going out of business, many of its customers have been picked up by enTouch. We don’t know if that is true in South Dakota.
Leisa Nolte says
What if I am didn’t know about the free cell phone offer till now. The current cell phone provider I have wants to charge me $300.00 to get out of my contract. Is there any way to get out of this?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, it sounds like you signed a contract for a paid cell phone. The company is not obligated to let you out of your contract, but we would suggest that you call your service provider and ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain your story and ask to be let out of your contract. As a friend of ours always says, “If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” It’s possible that they may let you out of the contract. Not probable, but possible.
Troy Raudabaugh says
I have had 2 lifeline companies, Safelink and Budget mobile.. I cancelled both because of you can’t reach anyone live in customer service, if you have a problem with your phone. Budget Mobile was the worst. Because the phone they sent me didn’t work right from the day I got it.. And could never get them to send me a different phone. I think because it’s free to those who need it, we should just accept what we get, and be happy about it
Free Government Cell Phones says
Give ‘me hell, Troy.
Sherri says
To get customer service using this service is NOT easy , nor functional for elderly .
You will get text and calls from previous owners bill collectors n freinds plus she gets many calls from Mexico , does not know who they are. Plus goes against HER MINS.
Course the service is zero to hardly able to use because it doesn’t connect to all cell towers.
Your customer service hardly able to communicate and takes over a hour to get your point across .
The phones are NOT easy to use for me let alone a elderly person , must cost 5ents to make .
I’ve never ever seen such a joke to get help oh and if your older and don’t know anything about charges that will be charged to you , because buttons do not do what you want ect . Be prepared .
This is the biggest scammers I see OUR goverment plays a part in.
Do not use . Do not buy into.
Free Government Cell Phones says
A couple comments, Sherri. First, we have no idea which company your comment was aimed at because you didn’t say. So no one in a position of responsibility will ever see your comment nor know which company wronged your friend. Second, WE are not part of the problem. We are an independent website not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies.
Daniel says
I have no income…on food stamps…have rent assistance and can’t afford a phone…how do I go about getting one of these phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
It sounds as if you qualify based on income and also because you participate in the food stamp program. So go through the companies listed on this page to find the company and plan that’s best for you. Then contact that company through the contact info shown on that company page. Good luck, Daniel.
Jennifer Hervey says
My phone was stolen how do we shut it off?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Read this article, Jennifer. It tells you what to do in case of a lost, stolen or broken phone:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Valerie Frericks says
this is not getting me any where ask all those quertions and dont get any where but back to the same old stuff…. you asked b 4…
Pauletta Nelson says
I am needing lifeline along with my cell phone.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Call one of the companies above.
tina says
What is the number so that my neighbors can get a phone. They dnt have internet so I really just need a number. Thank you.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Each link in the article above goes to a cell phone provider’s page where you will find the phone number of that company.
John scott says
My father is in a rehabilation center, has a land phone I had put in and pay for, it has local calling only. As I live out of state would he be able to get a free phone to call long distance? As he could call and I would call him back as not to use up his phone time. If so how would this work and how to get this. Would there be any cost? Thank You John
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each company has different plans, you should check on each provider’s website for his state to see.