Hurricane Katrina was the worst natural disaster in the history of the United States. It 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. Now inflation is raging and an economic recession is around the corner and things could be worse than ever.
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 and the newer Affordable Connectivity Program, low-income residents of Louisiana can now receive a free government cell phones, unlimited talk, unlimited texts, and possibly even unlimited internet.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service 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
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Terracom
- Truconnect
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 for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Louisiana
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 | $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 Louisiana
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.
Hurricane Lifeline and Hurricane ACP have now come ashore to help low-income Louisianans recover from the lingering after effects of Hurricane Katrina. Sign up now. It’s real, it’s free, and it is ready for you to sign up and benefit now!
Latest Free Cell Phone News for Louisiana:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Jacqueline Rock says
How can I get a replacement for a damaged cell phone on this service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that spells it all out:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Brenda Price says
How do I get free gov. Tablet
Free Government Cell Phones says
Start by reading this page.
Treas Treadway says
Have you had a device through the ACP program before? Also the tablets are free just have to pay a 1 time activation fee. I can help if your still interested
Rebecca says
Qlink has been charging the government for a service I never used. For almost year. Every time i tell them I’ve never got a phone so how can I be having service. And constantly telling them to cancel the service they have under my name. For months now and they still haven’t stopped. All that money they been collecting from government.
L says
Tag is falsely advertising unlimited minutes! They only give 1000. How are they getting away with this?
Shana T. Hines says
I was scammed after completing application online for assurance wireless. Just thought I would put it out there to BEWARE…..
Donna Du2 says
I received a free phone through EBT in Louisiana. I was connect to assurance network. It does not work here. Im trying to go to someone else but I need the phone unlocked. Original number with Assurance was 225 475 ****. Please respond as I am losing my current phone soon
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you saying that Assurance has no coverage where you live or that the phone is inoperable?
patricia ann campbell says
i had safelink for years suddenly they cut off my service i called and they said i failed to recertife but i did they turned my phone back on but come to find out i now no longer qulifed for unlimited talk and text. only 250 minutes i never had minutes when i needed them even though i hardly talk on the phone. after aruguing with them forever about this i decided to go with another co. qlink wireless. so here i go applying i was apptoved for lifeline and ebb but 3 months lateri still have no phone. if i tell you this has been a nightmare it was and is still they have told me somthing diffrent every day for 3 months i have been told that i need to reapply so i have about 12 times but every time my application kicks back to the old one.so i would call qlink every time to tell them. then i would be told to reapply again and this time change my email address. so i did this about 5 times uploading my info every time. when that didnt go through i called them again and was told to reapply and change my email again. uploading my info each time. this was going on for 3 months in the mean time my grandchild had a birthday that i never even got to call him for and i dont drive and my mother passed away and no one could get intouch with me to let me know so i missed her furenul. i finally got a qlink sims in yesterday. when i put it in my phone it didnt work. so i call qlink again and i have to borrow a phone every time. when i talked to them this time i was told i have no service here. but there is service all around me just not at my address . now you would think someone would have told me this atleast once in all those calls to them the last 3 months. i still have no phone service. im 64 with heart problems and need no stress. what do you think i should do ?. Patricia Campbell
Free Government Cell Phones says
Based on our readers comments, the whole Lifeline program seems to be in disarray.
Henry says
Safelink only provides 350 minutes for residents of my state. Service providers can make changes to the service at any time. Truconnect a few months ago provided 250 minutes per month of voice calls for my area. Now they changed it to unlimited.
If you read the QLink main webpage, no phone is provided even if you opt into EBB. You just get unlimited data, talk, and text and a SIM card for your BYOD device. If the SIM that they sent does not work, I would apply to New Phone wireless (an affiliate of Cintex wireless in LA). They do provide a free phone (but it is USED and NOT brand new) and there are unlimited talk and text and data. Beware that I tried to apply to Cintex wireless in my state and got the run around after not being able to apply online. I placed an order for an upgrade phone which was never sent and I filed a dispute with the credit card company about it. They had 60 days to respond to the bank about it and so far nothing, so I will likely get the refund from the bank. They keep changing the layout and phone models on their website and a few customers had filed complaints with the company.
Rodney Guice says
I have a Samsung a11 from T-Mobile why wen I put my qlink sim card in it won’t work I done did the reset options
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is not a problem we can help you with, Rodney. Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.
Sophia Neal says
I do not have a income at the moment and I do need a cell phone for emergency
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the plans on this page, then enroll with the one that seems to fit your needs best.
Valerie Denise Davis says
***********@gmail.com Please assist me in getting a free phone or using my same phone and number….. Help Please 😫
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s exactly what we did when we created this website, Valerie. Click around and you will find everything you need.
Andrea says
Where are you guys located ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We assume you’re asking where the service providers are located. Correct?
katherine says
thank you so much
Free Government Cell Phones says
Our pleasure, Katherine.
John Phoenix says
I’m in Louisiana. I didn’t know where else to post this. Are others having the same problem I’m having – I’ve used the Lifeline service for a few years now but recently I can only dial out. I don’t get incoming calls half of the time and that’s a problem because I use my service exclusively to keep in touch with my 92 year old mother. Safelink is my provider. It seems If I call my mom or wife they are able to ring my phone right after I hang up with them but if time goes by, they suddenly cannot ring my phone. I don’t know if it’s a Lifeline service issue on Safelinks end or if it’s my Figo brand Atrium 5 model cell phone. The cell phone is like new, it’s never been dropped or anything that could harm it. What do you suggest is the best way for me to track down this problem? Thank you. Btw, your contact me form in this website is down.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No way for us to know what’s wrong with your phone, but you should definitely contact customer service/tech support.
John Phoenix says
I’ll do that. It’s such a strange issue I thought perhaps you’ve heard of others with the same problem before. Thanks.
Freddie says
I am 73, all income I get is Social Security which is to pay bills etc
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you qualify, Freddie. Check out all the companies and plans listed on this page, find the one that fits your needs best, then contact that company using the contact info we provide.
Debra kay yurchick says
where can I go pick up a cell phone in person in Shreveport la
Free Government Cell Phones says
We urge our readers NOT to enroll at a street event because they have been the scenes of far too much fraud and abuse. Do yourself a favor and enroll online or by phone.
davebo says
The worst natural disaster in US history was he Great Galveston Hurricane of 1900 killing over 12,000.
Hurricane Katrina isn’t even in the top 5.
Free Government Cell Phones says
I’ll take Disasters for $1000, Alex.
Ashley says
Phone says no mobile service. What do i do? I have plenty of minutes.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Penelope Madine says
I have no info on my phone ,just the phone number he didn’t activate it is missing the sim cards
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know who “he” is, but whoever he may be, you need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to sort out this problem.
Kimberly Fuselier says
Thiis website has constant technical issues and appears to be out of date. It’s impossible to read the comments & continue reading ( which is the main reason I visit this site) as there are so many hilarious comments to read but as your trying to read and scroll, it won’t scroll correctly, it brings you right back to the beginning of the comment thread everytime and therefore, you have to do this over and over just to try to find where you left off. It’s ridiculous.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, thanks for the compliment, Kimberly. Sorry about the problems you’re having. No one else has ever reported that issue? Any other readers want to pitch in?
Sandra Jenkins says
I would like to work and do the necessary step to help people get a phone. What do i need to do.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact each of the companies listed on this page to find out what their individual hiring practices are. Good luck, Sandra. We hope you land a job with one of them.
Ashley Dawson says
I would like to inquire about being a field agent, a lifeline rep in Louisiana.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You’ll need to speak directly to the company, Ashley. Try calling customer service to see if they can give you the correct contact info.
Evelyn Teal says
I am also agent for safelink in Lancaster CA but wanted to move to baton rouge Louisiana.
How can I become a lifeline agent in baton rouge?
Thank You.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The Lifeline companies don’t share their hiring policies with us, so we cannot answer that question, Evelyn. We would suggest that you get in touch with the Lifeline companies offering free government cell phone plans in your state. You can find them here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Christopher Nolan says
Oh my. As someone who is from Louisiana and lived in Lancaster, CA back in 2014… you’re in for a treat! I miss Antelope Valley.
Free Government Cell Phones says
All you Inland Empire people make us think of our old home just down the road in San Bernardino.
c s bezucha says
How do I replace my phone that was losst 2weeks ago the number was 318-507-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team.
Susan says
How to check minute balance on non smartphones Vortex Hot spot 2
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.
Mortorquek Gaither says
I have a free phone and i need to have it turned off how i go about this please
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you want to turn it off or do you want to terminate your account?
Sharon trahan says
Want to find out who my wireless provider is
Free Government Cell Phones says
Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, Sharon. Your service provider’s customer service team will answer.
Robert Weaver says
I have had a Budget Mobile phone for 5years. Without any notification it quit working. I cannot find any phone number to talk to a live person to find out what to do. Is there any help that I can get and if so how and when????
Free Government Cell Phones says
Budget went out of business months ago, Robert. You should have received notification. Sorry to hear that you didn’t. Most of Budget’s customers were transferred over to enTouch Wireless. You should contact its customer service team to see if you are now one of its customers. You can find enTouch’s contact info at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-cell-phone-providers
Judith says
I do not recognize any of the listed providers for Louisiana.
I can not afford a cell phone.
Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
What do you mean, Judith? You don’t need to know any of the companies in order for them to offer free government cell phones.
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.