Two words explain why so many citizens of the Bayou State qualify for a Lifeline phone, the government’s free cell phone program –- Hurricane Katrina.
The worst natural disaster in the history of the United States destroyed thousands of businesses and three tens of thousands out of work permanently. It’s been five years and the state and its people still haven’t recovered. Some experts say it never will recover despite the best efforts of the state’s good, hard working people.
It’s a situation like this that cries out for a program like Lifeline and we welcome our Louisiana friends to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and encourage them to take advantage of the popular, free government cell phones program.
Louisiana residents are in luck: All three of the major Lifeline free cell phone providers do business in Louisiana. Contact any of them to apply for Lifeline phone service, thanks to the government’s Lifeline program (Low Income Program of the Universal Service Fund).
Free Cell Phone Providers in Louisiana:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Louisiana. 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
- Conexion Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- NewPhone Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom
- Total Call Mobile
Lifeline Discount Companies in Louisiana
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 Louisiana:
How to Qualify in Louisiana for a Free or Discounted Government Cell Phone
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Louisiana:
- 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 you can see calculated in the table below:
| Income Based Eligibility for Louisiana | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $16,281 | |
| 2 members | $21,924 | |
| 3 members | $27,567 | |
| 4 members | $33,210 | |
| 5 members | $38,853 | |
| 6 members | $44,496 | |
| 7 members | $50,139 | |
| 8 members | $55,782 | |
| For each additional member add $5,643 annually | ||
Latest News for Louisiana:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Carolyn Jones says
Where do I apply for a free cell phone?? I cannot find this.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You apply online or by phone from the comfort of your own home. We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events. We provide contact info for every company listed in the above article.
Karla says
I’m unable to get a phone due to my address being used on someone account how do I find out who that is so I can’t get my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s what the USAC, the organization that governs the Lifeline free government cell phone program, says, “To contact USAC, call (800) 234-9473 Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM ET (press 1 for English or press 2 for Spanish), or send an email. You can also use one of the other options below.” They can help you out.
sonia says
wher can I go pick up a government phone around Baker, La.?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge you to enroll by phone or online, Sonia. The street tents and booths have been the scene of too much fraud and abuse.
James Key says
I need a great touch screen phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
All Lifeline free government cell phone companies are now required to give smartphones to all new customers. So all you need to do it enroll with one of the companies listed in the above article.
Wendell Bonin says
A 2 person household is NA if. 1 lives in hot shed and the other does not contribute!
George Fitzgerald says
How soon after applying for a cell phone can I expect to get it?
I applied two weeks ago because I qualify for Medicare.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most companies say it will take two weeks or so, but readers have told us it often takes three or even four weeks.
Mickie Cowan says
Can I get a free phone if I am 84 and live alone on Medicare No I never said that yet
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing you need to do is figure out if you qualify, Mickie. You can find all the ways to qualify at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
robert says
I have personally been homeless and i understand the hardships and difficulties that come with the situation. In hindsight, i think that the greatest tool any homeless person could have at their disposal would be the ability to communicate. Given that we live in an era where cell-phones are freely given to a wide and diverse set of the population(usual criteria is to establish receipt of public benefits), Then perhaps the city can acquire a very large number of cell-phones with the intent to distribute them to the homeless. If the city had a thousand such phones at the ready there might be a lot less homelessness and deaths as reported in this story
Food and shelter are just the basic and immediate needs of a homeless person. But laundry and showers facilities also go over very well. After that comes access to medical care. But the biggest key, the most valuable asset a homeless individual can have would be access to communication. I know every time i ever filled out a job application, i needed to put in a contact number for the prospective employer to reach me at. Also, try to imagine how much better it could be for the homeless individual to reach out and call for help.
Preload contacts on these cellphones with all the hotline numbers for organizations that help with issues like meals, suicides, gambling and other addictions, emergency care services.
Do this and then perhaps, we’ll see the number of deaths (44) fall to half of what they are now.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Great idea, Robert, but in these days when city, county, state and federal budgets are stretched to their limits, politicians always have other priorities. Sad situation.
Rachel says
Robert, I’m writing an article for the paper about this program and how it helps people. You seem to have a lot to say about it and I would like to talk to you more if you wouldn’t mind. Please email me ASAP at ***********@beauregarddailynews.net Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Rachel, but we don’t know if your comment is legit or not, so we’ve edited your email address out of your comment. Maybe we’re being overly precautious, but we’re rather err on the side of safety.
solesco adinsco says
someone told me school pupils on medicaid also qualify, is this true, is so, which of the carriers do this
Free Government Cell Phones says
The rules are the same for every service provider in your state, Solesco. You can find the full list of those providers in this article and you can also find the eligibility requirements.
Mark Savoy says
I just signed up with Qlinkwireless. I cannot us their phone because I have no reception with it so it is useless to me. I have heart and other health problems and need a reliable phone at home. Qlinkwireless won’t allow me to change to another company, SafeLink, which I know I would be able to use because I use to have TracFone and had ATT with great reception. My question is, can I switch companies in the 12 month grace period since Qlinkwireless is useless to me???? Thanks for your help!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, you cannot switch providers until you have had Q Link for a full twelve months, Mary.
solesco adinsco says
that is dishonest, qlink switched me from assurance to them only after 3 months with assurance, and lied to me online that they will send me 4G phone with full functions, including camera, instead, they sent me 3G phone without camera, after several complaints, they eventually sent me email that if i want to upgrade, i should send them $50, because i do not trust them, i refused to do it
Trevin Chevalier says
I need to apply for a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then that’s exactly what you should do, Trevin.
Catreece Madison says
How long it take to get the phone
James M. Montgomery says
I was trying to recertify on line and the website was unresponsive.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Shelly says
Helping an uncle apply for service has handicap wife
Jason Kendall says
I am currently homeless and getting a job interview is very hard without a way for the company to contact me. Getting a government phone would really help me out greatly. Thank you.
Nancy broussard says
I’m in very serious need of this help n service I’m a single disabled mom w 3 children 12,10&5. My income is $625 month w no other help n support . I had a safe link phone which never called out r received calls worst ever.
I live in the country closest hey is jefferson island hwy. new Iberia, la.desperately needing this service
I do have current contact number ******** if u need to contact me.
I am also trying to see about weatherzation program and safe home living repair n needs for our home which is paid for I own
Thank you. Nancy Broussard
Samuel LaPrarie says
Can I get more than one free phone per household ? If so how do I apply ?
Judy stiegman says
Need to apply for free cell phone
Steven Holland says
I’ve fallen on hard times and a phone would greatly help in finding a job.
Thanks for your consideration
Steven Holland
Shirley Jenkins says
I am on disability/SS and take care of my mom, who is also on SS and has to use oxygen 24/7. She has spells and falls and I am afraid to leave even to run errands, and if we both had a cell phone we could contact each other or she could get help in case she falls inside or outside. We can’t afford a plan. Thank you for your consideration.
Christian simpson says
I am a mother of 2 kids I need a phone to call around a look for jobs right now I am on my dad’s phone we are barley making it please if you can help out located in pounchatoula L.A. need to know asap thanks and God bless
Terry Francis says
How do I become an authorized independent agent to sign people up for the service?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We have written a page on this:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/get-a-job-handing-out-free-cell-phones
martha says
I am a single. mom. needing a phone. to fine work. to support. my family.I have 3 kids and barely. makeing it.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Give one of the companies above a try.
kathleen vance says
i have a goverment cell phone. i don’t remember what company i got it from. its a sanyo, sprint. i have had it for several years no and it has stoped working. how do i get another phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
If you don’t know who you got the phone from, you are out of luck getting a replacement. But if you contact another company in your state to get a new phone and request for them to cancel your previous service it might work.
lisa guess says
my question is if I have a phone through another company which I use on a daily bases and I am on food stamps, my daughter is on Medicaid, and I get child care assistance. would I be eligible to get a government phone and still keep the phone I have with the company I am currently using the phone through.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Yes, as long as the current phone you have is not a free or discounted Lifeline cell phone.
Deborah Taylor says
I would appreciate a free cell phone. I am on SNAP and I am on Social Security Disability. Thank you very much. I live in Louisiana.
lori says
My father has a government phone already. However it is bromen. He can make calls but can’t receive them. How can we get a replacement phone in monroe Louisiana
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
douglas thomassie says
On SSI
Free Government Cell Phones says
Congratulations. You qualify for a free phone and service.
Joe says
Can a student in college on a football scholarship get a free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You still have to meet the same eligibility criteria.
Kristie Brown says
Like information on how to get a cell phone please?
sherile says
question? I have a tracfone cell phone and I’d like to know do the phone qualify for lifeline at this present time I’m buying minutes.
ty says
i already have a phone it got dropped in water and wont come on how do i Get anothrr phne bt use the Same sim
Natasha Price says
Hi I’m trying to find out who is the phone provider for this number, my phone is broken I don’t remember the provider, PLEASE HELP ME ,,,,,, MAY GOD BLESS THIS READER! Louisiana phone 504-657-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
I wish we knew and could help you.
531 9350 says
My mother is in need of assistance or a free phone.I am trying to get the steps it takes or who to call and what she needs to have in order for her to get the assistance she needs. Thanx.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just follow the links on this page if you are in Louisiana.
William Jones says
Can my Straight Talk Wireless phone be transfered to this program.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You would have to check with each vendor in the list in the article above. It depends upon both their policy and the type (CDMA, GSM, etc) of phone you have and they support.