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Minnesota: Free government cell phones, internet from Lifeline and ACP

Ahhh, Minnesota. It’s the state known as the Land of 10,000 Lakes, the Gopher State and the North Star State. But from now on it shall also be known as the free government cell phone state because this outstanding program is now available there.

Despite Minnesota’s relatively prosperous economic condition, there are many in the state who are suffering. Many who are out of work. Many who are underemployed. And many who are disabled and simply unable to work. No matter how low the state’s unemployment rate may sink, some residents will always need a helping hand. Especially the kind of helping hand offered by the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.

From International Falls in the north to Blue Earth in the south and from Moorhead in the west to Grand Portage in the east, tens of thousands of Minnesota residents need help. In fact, according to recent statistics, half a million of the state’s residents currently live in poverty.

Help is on the way for those needy Minnesotans. Life Wireless was the first company to make the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program available to low income state residents, and Assurance Wireless entered Minnesota in January 2013. Now a lot more companies are bringing Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) to the Land of 10,000 Lakes.

If you qualify, you can now get a free government smartphone plus unlimited talk, unlimited text, and maybe even unlimited data. And that, of course can help you land a good job and break the cycle of poverty.

Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Minnesota

Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Minnesota. 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.

How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Minnesota

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 Minnesota:

Free of Discounted Cell Phone Eligibility in Minnesota:

You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Minnesota:

  • 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 Minnesota, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See chart below with these calculated income levels:

Income Based Eligibility for Minnesota
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 Minnesota

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.

Low-income Minnesotans have two new friends in the Lifeline and ACP programs. Get your Lifeline and ACP discounts and you, too, can get a free smartphone, unlimited talk, unlimited text, and unlimited data. Enroll now.

Latest ACP & Lifeline News for Minnesota:

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?
25 more ways to qualify for a free government cell phone - Here's a quick, state-by-state summary of additional state assistance programs in which your participation means automatic qualification for the free government cell phone program.
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.
Brave Minnesota politician stands up for free government cell phones - Minnesota State Senator David Tomassoni is a rare politician not afraid to take a public stand in favor of the Lifeline free government cell phone program.
Assurance Wireless brings free government cell phone program to Minnesota - Assurance Wireless has begun competing with Life Wireless in the free government cell phone market in the state of Minnesota.
Minnesota introduces fantastic new way to distribute free government cell phones - Life Wireless free government cell phones are now being distributed by FreePhoneMN in Minnesota through the public library system.

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

Comments

  1. Charles says

    Is there a site or something I can call to find out listing of where they are handing out phones in my city or tablets

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at a street event. They have been the scenes of far too much fraud and abuse. Save yourself a lot of potential trouble by enrolling online or by phone.

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and your service provider will answer.

  2. Dorothy Campbelk says

    I have been accepted into the program,however,i at first chose Qlink as my provider,come to find out,about 3 weeks into trying to get activated,hours of phone time,Qlink does not have coverage in my area. They had me pinpoint on the map where i live,they knew exactly where i am, I think they knew all this time I could not get coverage! Now what?

  3. bonita j massicotte says

    I have had a phone with safelink, it was outdated and stopped, took many months to get another phone an LG since, they were always out of stock, in meantime I lost everything on phone and have no memory. so I cant get the sims number card from old to new. can I go with another company and just get a sims card for this phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Yes, ma’am, Bonita. You can switch service providers at any time for any reason. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch from one provider to another:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers

      Which provider and plan to choose? You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      The new service provider will give you a smart phone OR SIM card when you enroll. So you can use that new phone. However, if you want to use your current phone, you must make sure that your phone is compatible with your new service provider’s national network. Discuss the make and model with customer service to confirm compatibility.

  5. W Hussman says

    “work harder to get a free cell phone” I don’t think your message is right , over worked over built parts of mpls st paul and south subs, cs is history help us recover without the carrot and stick approach , and what of kind of phone is it?If someone else offers a free phone i will probably take it reminder😇 overvwork over ,laboring ,over endeavoring especially in Mn causes chemical dependency ,,causes criminal activity and meglomania , please adjust your message, from christian non cs not hw , no thanks

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We have to admit that we don’t have a clue, not the slightest clue, what W Hussman is trying to say.

  6. patty proulx says

    ive been waitting for a replacement phone now for 15 days. assurance wireless ordered me a phone from virgin mobile. 15 days ago i found out that the phone they ordered for me is on back order. order number is: aw-toma-85*****. how long do they expect me to wait? my phone is my life line. cant even call 911 if i needed to let alone make a call to refill my medication monthly. please send me a phone.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’re not making excuses for anyone, Patty, but everyone in ever industry is having trouble getting items produced and delivered. Have you spoken to your service provider’s customer service team to see what they can tell you?

    • Angie Scruggs says

      I AM ON THE NATIONAL TRANSPLANT LIST!!!! Waiting on two lungs and my phone was on back order the same week as YOURS!!!! I’m supposed to get it by tomorrow now, Friday November 12. I could have lost my life for this mess

  7. Lynn Vincent says

    is the program still available. I am trying to assist a friend in getting a cell phone for his safety.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      That’s not quite how it works, Dillon. You need to click through to each company on this page to carefully check out all the plans to find the one that fits your needs best. Then you can enroll directly with that company using the contact info we provide.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Start at the top of the list of service providers shown on the page above, and call each of them to ask if they provide your service.

  13. Stephanie Dudley says

    I AM LOOKING FOR JUST A BASIC PHONE NOT A SMART PHONE FOR AN OLDER GENTLEMAN. DO YOU KNOW ANY SERVICE PROVIDER THAT HAS SUCH A PHONE AVAILABLE? IT SEEMS TO ME THEY ALL HAVE SWITCHED TO SMART PHONES.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Everyone wants a smart phone these days, so you are correct that it’s hard to find someone who offers good, ol’ fashioned basic phones. We would suggest that you find a plan that works for your friend, then contact that company’s customer service team to see if they offer a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) plan. If so, you can go out and purchase one of those basic phones and he can use it as his free government cell phone. BUT PLEASE MAKE SURE that the phone you purchase is compatible with the company and plan BEFORE you purchase it.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Click on any of the company names listed on this page, Sherina. That will take you to that company’s page where you will find all the contact info you need.

  16. Aaron Olson says

    Already have the free phone service wondering how we can get a new phone do to the old one is not holding a charge had it for a couple years now.

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          Q Link is a service provider, one of many listed in the article above.

          • Ricky Schultz says

            Qlink sent a phone and then said I needed to buy one, then another! I was just on the phone with the FCC fraud division cause they haven’t resolved our issue which was three smart phones they said were compatible,but couldn’t get them to use their service Galaxy 5,6,&7 also Apple 5se, a few others too! I owned them or my daughter! Released from the provide…since November, hours talking and on hold with technical support….Before that a year with me without working service!

          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            Crazy stuff, Ricky. Sorry you’ve had to go through it all.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      That’s impossible for us to know. We don’t know which make and model you will be given.

  18. Khou Lee says

    Who can I talk to regarding the Obama phone? My mom went to get a phone and the person that was there won’t give it to my mom unless she gives them $35.00. The reason for her fee is because of the paperwork and talking to customer service. She went there and it only took less than 5 mins before she was told she qualified for a free phone. Is there supposed to be a fee for the phone? I thought it’s free for people who qualify?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Someone was trying to scam your mom, Khou. There is ZERO fee for a free government cell phone. Otherwise it wouldn’t be called the free government cell phone program.

      This is yet another reason why we urge our readers NOT to enroll at a street event. Your mom can enroll by phone or online with any of the companies listed on this page. We provide contact info for all of them.

  19. Stephanie Boeckermann says

    My client’s phone was stolen and I can’t find a phone number for his provider-horizon wireless. Do you have one?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We’ve never heard of Horizon Wireless. Are you sure it wasn’t Verizon Wireless?

      Your client can get help figuring out who his provider is by visiting USAC.org. Just click around until you find the help page.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Sounds like you need a new phone, not to activate the old one. No? Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

  21. Brenda Johnson says

    I want to switch my slink smartphone to my Samsung phone a friend gave me.smart phone junk.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You can do that IF your Samsung phone is compatible with your current service provider’s cell network. Contact customer service or tech support by calling 9-1-1 on your free government cell phone to get the most accurate answer.

  22. Bill says

    Where in mpls are store’s you can go to about gov free phone that carry them I’m on snap or location of tents with them

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they’ve been the scenes of so much fraud and abuse. It’s much safer to enroll by phone or online.

  23. Chris Lauerman says

    Tried to get a phone at House of Charity they told me I had to pay $40 for a phone. Am homeless and do not have a mailing address……….this article did not help me by telling me where to go in Minneapolis.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Unfortunately, Chris, you must have a street address in order to get a free government phone. Yeah, we know it’s crazy because it leaves out of the equation society’s most needy people, but that’s the way the rules are written. You can qualify for a Lifeline free government cell phone is you can get moved into a permanent shelter or group home.

      • Chloe Jones says

        No one wants to help you in Minneapolis. they want to keep you in the system so they can profit off of you. Just another big business screwing people over.

  24. John Lambros says

    I’ve reviewed the “Free Cell Phone Providers in Minnesota” within this report and have attempted to contact
    all of the providers, with limited luck, on becoming a dealer, agent, distributor, etc.

    Any suggestions on a company that is offering positions as a street dealer, dealer, agent, etc., would
    be greatly appreciated. I am currently staying at a halfway house in Minneapolis and will be released
    within the next 45 days, thus contact with persons in need of lifeline cell phones and plans.

    Thank you in advance for your consideration in this matter.

    John Lambros

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Many of the companies contract the work out to other companies, John, and it’s almost impossible to find out who those companies are. We know that the jobs are often advertised on Craig’s List, so check out that resource.

  25. toby beasley says

    we went through a male in downtown duluth how do we find him again our phone was lost

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      This is yet another reason why we urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events. No, we have no way of helping you find that mysterious individual.

  26. Juanita says

    Standup Wireless is on your list of providers in Minnesota but when I went to their website to apply it said it was not available in my zip code (Minneapolis, MN). Just wanted to let you know.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Thanks for the info, Juanita, but we assume it is available in other Minnesota zip codes, Juanita.

  27. Eula Haynes says

    Help I’m trying to cancel my government phone from Q-Link wireless I lost my phone over 6 months ago and asked them to cancel it instead they supposed to mailed me a replacement which I haven’t received I just want to cancel account

  28. Eddie Edmundson says

    What happened to energy assistance as a form of proof for lifeline? My mother said she can no longer receive the benefit because they no longer take LIHEAP = Energy assistance approval letter.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      The Federal Communications Commission changed all the rules of the program at the end of last year, Eddie. They eliminated several means of qualifying because they said, and we paraphrase, that the vast majority of people qualified by participating in a small number of public assistance programs (the ones shown on this page). Of course, that leaves out some people who qualified via programs like LIHEAP, but that didn’t seem to matter to the FCC. Sorry to hear your mom is one of those people.

      Does she qualify from any of the other programs listed?

  29. Eliot Garahan says

    I have been inaccurately denied a phone with the reason being I’m not on an approved list. I’m on Medicaid and Social Security Disability and don’t work. I really need a phone and can’t afford regular services. How do I appeal this decision?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      “We” have not turned off anyone’s phone, Dean. We’re not your service provider — we’re an independent website. You need to contact customer service at your service provider to complain.

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          You’re on the right page, T, but you need to choose one of the companies on this page and enroll with them using the contact info we’ve provided.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Go to your service provider’s website, Anthony. Most of them allow you to add minutes online.

  31. Tatika Williams says

    I live in St. Paul and need to find a location in order to walk into, ASAP! Where can I go today?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We are unable to track day-by-day activities of the various companies, Tatika. The only thing you can do is check each company listed on this page to find out if they have stores in your area.

  32. patrick lynard says

    I need Verizon it’s the can only one i can use in my area.
    So how do I know.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Each Lifeline Assistance company may operate on one or numerous national cell networks (such as Verizon). The only way to know is to contact the companies you are most interested in and ask customer service. You can find a complete list of companies on a state-by-state basis here, Patrick:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  33. PATRICIA HARDY says

    I AM LOOKING FOR A STAND WHERE SOMEONE COULD HELP ME START MY PHONE AGAIN.. I LIVE IN DULUTH MN. I HAVE TRIED CALLING AND NO ONE EVER ANSWERS. I AM NOT THE BEST ON THE COMPUTER.. THANK YOU…

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      There is no schedule for street booths and tents, Patricia. Either call your service provider’s customer service team or find a store that sells the brand of phone that you were given. Good luck.

      • Monique Taylor says

        I left my ID and EBT card with Free minutes 6/20 at the tent and was told to come back for a phone, but when I returned the tent and everything was gone. Can I get my ID, EBT card back and a phone?
        Monique

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          This is just one of the problems with the street tents and booths, Monique. We frequently urge our readers to apply online or by phone instead.

          Do you remember the name of the company with which you applied at that tent?

  34. Robert P Murray says

    I have a phone. Shipped from Qlink. The first phone was not working. I paid $25.00 to get a replacement. The phone came and service was cancelled because I re-applied. How can I get this phone working. The company will not discuss. They say contact local agency. Who is the local agency to contact?

    Qlink stated that another request was made at the same address and the service was sent to a different provider. Then cancelled because only one phone per address is allowable. Four separate individuals live in my group home.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      This is not an uncommon problem, Robert. Four individuals living in one residence and they all qualify for free government cell phones, but only one account is allowed per address. It’s a huge flaw in the system and there’s no simple solution.

  35. Tami Blaydes says

    I would like to get a government cell phone however I live in rural northern Minnesota and the only cell phones that work for me must be Verizon phones that use the Verizon network. I’ve tried a couple (Assurance Wireless and Safelink) and it is impossible to get a signal strong enough to make a call from my home.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Lack of signal in rural locations is a real problem. Is there a national network in your area that does get a decent signal?

  36. william kuhn says

    My current income is $0.00 and desperately need a cell ASAP to have telephone interviews so I can find a job. I have virtually exhausted anything where locally to me where I can walk to or bicycle, (I am 56 years old) and cannot bicycle very far. I cannot afford a cell at but need to keep my current cell # as I have numerous resumes out there and have no way of knowing if potential employers have been trying to contact me. Is it possible to keep the same number? I had a bad car accident last fall and my car was totaled. I spent almost 3 months in the hospital with no access to pay my bills and then another 3 months in rehab again with no access to a cell phone. While I was the hospital my employer went bankrupt and all of my benefits were cut off. Needless to say my cell was cut off along with all of my other services. Except electrical thankfully. How long will it take to get a phone to my address in Minneapolis?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Wow. Sounds like you could really use some help, William. Hope we can do our part.

      Since you have zero income, you clearly qualify for a free government cell phone. So the first thing you need to do is click on the “States” link at the top of this page. Then click on your state. You’ll find a comprehensive list of companies offering the program in your state. You should click through all of them to find a company and a plan that’s right for you.

      Best of luck. Please let us know what happens.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You’ve come to the right website, Delina. In fact, you’ve come to the right page, because this article lists every free government cell phone company in Minnesota. We suggest that you click each of them to see what each company has to offer, then apply by phone or online with the company that has a plan that fits you best.

  38. Kimmy Fuller says

    Blue Jay Wireless is the best they Processes your info on the spot and give a phone right there. unlimited talk text and a android …. Wow you have to go to Brainerd , MN and get the best deal I have ever seen ..I’m so happy thank you BLUE JAY

  39. Nicole says

    How do I report someone taking advantage of this program if they’ve received a cell phone through lifeline and they have been working a cash job for over 6 months? I have paperwork to prove this. Thank you.

  40. Robin Aspling says

    I reported my free govt. phone lost or stolen about a year ago and I never had it replaced. I assumed it was shut down. Just recently I attempted to get another govt. phone and was told that I still have a phone in my name. I was also told that I would have to have the old phone shut down before I could get a new one. Now I understand that if I do not make at least one call a month on that phone then it will be shut down right? If I lost the phone or it was stolen about a year ago, and it is still active then somebody has to be using it ! I do not remember who the carrier was or the phone number that was issued for the phone. All I know is that my name and info comes up in the main system as having a govt. phone still active. Who do I contact to find out who it is that is the carrier so I can have the phone shut down ?

  42. Maytham says

    Is it okay if you sign up for more than 1 companies or plan ? Like for example I sign up for life wireless and Q link wireless?

  43. Antoine Baker says

    Ive been waiting for a week for my phone to come in the mail how can i check to see where my phone is ??

  45. michelle says

    hi !so i went to use my phone and it says to call costumer service,but i dontknow who costumer service is for these phones.does anyone have any info please?i have no service at all,like i got cutt off.i didnt go over my minutes,so i dont know what happen?but if anyone knows the number to call,thats be great.i cant find it.thank you again!michelle

  47. chris flores says

    what is the address in down town saint paul so i can get a new phone mine is not woking right.

  48. Laurel Caplan says

    I applied and FAXED over all information needed on 10/27/14 to receive my assurance free cell phone. I talked to a representative the next day and all my data had been RECEIVED. Because I am cancelling my CenturyLink landline phone service before November 8th – day of payment, Assurance representative told me he would expedite my info and send me the Assurance phone by November 5th or so. When I called your phone number today on Nov. 3rd to make sure the phone shipped, the representative told me I was not yet approved!!!! The Representative WAS WRONG! I have been approved and I want to know when my phone SHIPPED! I need a tracking # immediately! Thank you…
    Lauren Caplan

  51. Abdi says

    How can i help single mom with disabled child with 24 hrs Nursing Assisting who needs free phone and internet because to get committed night shift nurse requires internet access due to the fact that they might need wifi to have access to their study while they caring the person. Not for fun just for educational, they might be student. Zipcode 55408. Please drop me an email. I am really need to help this person’s child. I personally can not afford to pay her bills.

    • Dan Mack says

      Phones are available from many sources, you can apply on-line easily, I don’t know of any free internet, but Century Link offers their “Basics” program for low-income folks. Great internet service and really cheap, like $10 a month or less! I use them, I’m in zip code 55403.

  53. Molly O says

    Is it possible to have a one page flyer emailed to me about free phones in Minnesota? I would love to refer clients to this program. Thanks!

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We don’t know where any phone providers set up their temporary tents.

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          Then you’ve come to the right website, Danell. Check out all the companies and plans on this page and find the one that’s best for your needs.