Yogi Berra, perhaps the most famous Missourian of them all, once said, “It ain’t over ‘til the fat lady sings.” If you’re in need of a cell phone and just can’t afford one, don’t give up because it ain’t over ‘til you get in touch with a Lifeline supplier.
The Show Me State has a highly diversified economy, but with an unemployment rate of nearly 9.0% there are lots of people who can’t afford the cell phones that most people consider necessities. People who need jobs but have no way of contacting potential employers and no way for those same employers to call them. People whose health issues require them to stay in touch with their doctors. People who need to say in touch with their children. And people who just need a phone for unexpected emergencies that pop up in everyone’s lives.
Luckily, Missouri currently has at least four Lifeline suppliers – two of the big three plus a couple smaller suppliers. Any of them can supply you with a free cell phone from the government.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Missouri:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Missouri. 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
- American Assistance
- Assist Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
- Easy Wireless
- EnTouch Wireless
- Life Wireless
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- StandUp Wireless
- Tag Mobile
- Tempo Communications
- Truconnect
Lifeline Discount Companies in Missouri
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 Missouri:
Eligibility Guidelines for the Lifeline Assistance Program in Missouri
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Missouri:
- 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)
Another way to qualify is through your low-income levels. If your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines, you may qualify that with this method. Here are the income limits, calculated for you:
| Income Based Eligibility for Missouri | ||
|---|---|---|
| Members in Household | Annual income | |
| 1 member | $17,226 | |
| 2 members | $23,274 | |
| 3 members | $29,322 | |
| 4 members | $35,370 | |
| 5 members | $41,418 | |
| 6 members | $47,466 | |
| 7 members | $53,514 | |
| 8 members | $59,562 | |
| For each additional member add $6,048 annually | ||
Latest News for Missouri:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
JENNIFER A White Esposito says
How to apply for service free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s what this website is all about, Jennifer. Check out all the plans shown on this page, find the one that fits your needs best, then enroll using the contact info we provide for each service provider.
Charles Lamont says
how much does this cost the state of Missouri?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you noticed the name of our website, Charles? FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net.
James Boyle says
His question was about how much money the state pays for citizens to have this service — not how much he has to pay for the service. Like any government benefit, there is a cost that is paid by all of us who pay taxes. How much does this one cost?
Free Government Cell Phones says
A few cents are tacked on to each phone bill each month. You can find out what it costs you by looking at your phone bill and looking for a line item that says “Universal Service fee” or something similar.
Sandra says
I can’t find a provider for my 63957 area .. I know that other people in my area have them but I don’t know where to go to get one where to sign up
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot track individual companies’ service in specific zip codes, Sandra. But you can go down the list of service providers on this page, call them each (we provide their contact info) to ask if they offer service in your area.
Will B. says
I used to have Safelink but customer services were horrible and the most frustrating part was the online recertification. I did the recertification online but I kept getting notification emails that I needed to do recertification again and again. Finally, I switched to Qlink two years ago. I am very happy with Qlink. I am getting 3GB data + 1000 talk mins + unlimited text per month. Highly recommend Qlink.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good to hear that you took the right course of action.
Lateaca Jefferis says
Since May 2017, I been trying to get a replacement phone from QLink wireless. March of 2019 I qualified for disability and finances are very limited. So I tried working with QLink again, they requested info., I sent info. asked for and they will not work with me at all….wont erase me from there records which is keeping me from getting help. I live alone in the country and I need a phone for emergency reasons!
i have filled out application for another lifeline and 3 weeks ago
Lateaca Jefferis
(Address deleted)
I am the Library today…NOW…please help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you are having this much trouble dealing with one company, we’d suggest switching to a different Lifeline company. There’s more than one way to get a free government cell phone, Lateaca.
Kim keith says
I had terracom. In the morning after 2 years I tried to make a call and someone change my carrier without permission or me. No one will help. I am disabled and elderly
Free Government Cell Phones says
Have you called 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will automatically connect you to your service provider’s customer service team. They should be able to help clear things up.
Latrisha Blakey says
I am in MO and have really good service with QlinkWireless. You only get 1000 Talk minutes and 1 GB of data, but when you use Wi-Fi it saves that data, unlimited text. Also you get bonuses and perks for Referrals etc.
Also Safelink, is a better one.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Always nice to hear from someone who is happy with their Lifeline service.
MICHAEL VON RUECKER says
I make to much money to get a free phone, and I am not on Medicaid … I need to apply and be denied to get help elsewhere. How, where can I apply to get a denial letter?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re not quite sure what it is you’re looking for, Michael, but you can find all the ways to qualify at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
kevin says
wow….i checked out safelink, q link, tru connect, & tag mobile w/ the bbb & EVERY single one of them had terrible reviews w/ their customers!!! how do we pick a good co.?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, that’s impossible to answer, Kevin, because service varies so much by so many different factors. What’s great for the guy across the street might not be so great for you.
kevin says
so there is no way of telling who is best or has the best customer record in the 63668 area?
kevin says
so there is no way of telling who is best or has the best customer record in the 63368 area?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Impossible as far as we know.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not possible as far as we know.
Sky Jefferis says
They use to have really good service. Now you can never speak to live person, was connected over 2 yrs. and dropped phone in water they would not replace it . and continued to keep service active.records are completely false, and now my info. showing I have a contract with and has me tied up to where I cannot move forward with a different company.
The customer service is terrible everywhere you go anymore!
Melinda says
Are there any free government cell phones available in Gatewood, Missouri
Free Government Cell Phones says
Speak to customer service at any of the companies listed above.
Deb Zoglmann says
Are there any free government cell phone providers in the Cedar and Henry county areas of Missouri?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t track availability for you, Deb, but all you need to do is check out each of the companies listed on this page to find the answer to your question.
kevin says
i thought i qualified for a lifeline plan do to the poverty guidelines until i contacted safelink & they told me to contact the lifeline national verifier. since i do not qualify for a government program do to owning a paid for house they told me to prove my income. i have been unemployed for some time now and have been living off a meager savings account. my previous few years of income has been zero and do not have to file income taxes. they said they could not except a letter of non filing from the i.r.s. and i probably will not qualify because of no tax return, unemployment, etc. are there any other ways of proving i fall below the poverty guidelines? i asked them if i could send copies of my bank account balance & they said that was unacceptable. please give me some advice.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Kevin, you fall into one big, crazy gap in the Lifeline free government cell phone program. That is, there’s no way to prove your income if you have no income. The USAC says it’s aware of this problem and is working to solve it, but so far there’s nothing to report. Sorry.
Do you participate in any of the government aid programs that would make you automatically eligible? Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
chris says
are there any physcial locations i can apply and pick up the phones at the same time in kansas city missouri
Free Government Cell Phones says
We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scenes of far too much fraud and abuse.
william b sackman says
if my vortex free phone got stolen how do i find out who my carrier is so i can report it
Free Government Cell Phones says
Go here.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-cant-remember-which-company-provides-my-service
Rj says
Standup wireless
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is like Jeopardy. I’ll take “Who’s your service provider?” For $1000, Alex.
Darrell E Gross says
I thought I have applied for the free cell service, but have not heard anything.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Darrell.
Tony Gardner says
I understand there are booths set up at certain spots around KCMO where I can get a phone the same day, with proper documentation.
Can you tell me where these are locarted, especially in the Midtown area?
Thank you,
Tony Gardner
Free Government Cell Phones says
We can’t, Tony. But even if we could, we wouldn’t. There have just been far too many cases of fraud and abuse at these street events and we strongly urge you to enroll online or by phone to protect yourself.
Fred Moret says
Is there actually a lifeline company that furnishes you with a free phone or is it just the service? I was approved by one company who said I qualified for for free service but in essence I would have to purchase a phone from them I couldn’t go get a cell phone from elsewhere. This doesn’t seem right to me
Free Government Cell Phones says
Any company that gave you that information is violating the primary rule of the Lifeline free government cell phone program. ALL new customers are supposed to receive free smartphones AND service, Fred.
David says
1. Is everything here still valid as of July 1, 2018?
2. Do you have a Fact sheet on this?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Things change on a daily basis, David. We’re constantly scurrying to update info.
dawn says
What documentation is needed to disconnect service after death?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Congratulations, Dawn. We often get the same questions asked thousands of times here on FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, but this is the first time we’ve ever been asked this question. To tell you the truth, we don’t know the answer to your question, but we can make a pretty good educated guess because we went through this when our parents passed away.
Therefore, we assume you will be required to show a death certificate and, perhaps, some documentation showing that you have the authority to take actions on behalf of the deceased (probably a will showing that you are the executor).
As an alternative, you can simple turn the free government cell phone off and not use it for 30 days. That is supposed to automatically cause the cancellation of the account. Lifeline customers are required to re-certify that they are eligible for a free government cell phone on an annual basis. So when that one year mark rolls around and the deceased does not re-certify, that should also trigger cancellation of the account.
In other words, you can take an action to cancel the account or simply do nothing and it will be cancelled (theoretically).
Karen Lesmeister says
Does a person have to have access to a computer or have email. I am working with an elderly person who does not have a computer our an email account?
Free Government Cell Phones says
No. We provide customer service phone numbers for each of the Lifeline free government cell phone service providers listed on this page, Karen.
Christina white says
What location has the free phone stands in Springfield mo
Free Government Cell Phones says
We urge you NOT to enroll at a street event, Christina. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse. You are much safer enrolling by phone or online.
Briana says
Is there anyway I can use an old phone of mine and connect it to a government phone assistance? I really need a phone and cannot afford a monthly phone bill and would really like to use the phone I currently have.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You may be able to, Briana, depending on the make and model of your phone and which service provider you choose. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so you should check with your chosen free government cell phone provider’s customer service team to find out if your specific make and model is compatible with its network. Here’s an article that will tell you more. Click here
Patricia says
Ive applied for the phone assistance about tuesday of last week. How long does it take for approval?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Most of the Lifeline companies say it takes about two weeks to receive your phone, but our readers say it often takes three or four weeks or even longer. Check the website of the company you enrolled with to see if it has a “Check Your Status” function.
Larry sanders says
We’re are you guys located at im in Kansas City mo trying get free phone with my food stamps
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sigh. This question again. Don’t enroll at a street tent or booth, Larry. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse. Enroll online or by phone instead. You won’t get a phone today, but your personal info will remain safe.
Michelle Sisco says
How do i get a free phone with a po bix i dint get mail delivered ti my house the usps dosent deliver mail on my road
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to speak to customer service at your chosen free government cell phone company. You situation isn’t really that uncommon and they should be able to help you.
Shawn says
Where do I go for Wayne County missouri
Free Government Cell Phones says
See answers to similar questions below, Shawn.
Rick says
Im homeless. I have food stsmps i qualify by where do i go here in the gladstone missouri area
Free Government Cell Phones says
The Lifeline free government cell phone has a real gap concerning homeless people. In short, no home address, no free government cell phone. You can get around that gap if you live in a homeless shelter. Here’s an article that will tell you more: Click here
Good luck, Rick. We wish you the best.
ananda says
never had a phone I would like to try one out for my self
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you qualify, all you need to do is contact your chosen service provider and enroll online or by phone. Good luck, Nanda.
Tali says
Can you get a phone Begin on unemployment
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you qualify, you can enroll with any of the companies listed on this page, Tali.
Tara says
Sage Telecom is only available in Texas and California, and the link provided isn’t the accurate link. Just fyi.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Thanks for the update, Tara. We have thousands of pages on this website and it’s almost impossible to keep them all up to date and completely accurate at all times. We appreciate our readers’ input, sharp eyes, and corrections.
Marooned in Springfield says
Residing in Springfield, MO with my own NONProvisioned Verizon CDMA device.
Want it connected and have my EBT card documentation ready to email to the provider.
Don’t want that rackjack LG giveaway since my Android is nicer and I need talk, not necessarily data.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, Marooned. So check with the service providers listed on this page to see which ones — if any — will allow you to use your Android.
Matthew Blossom says
Homeless in KCMO. Have food stamp card. Is that all I have to take to the provider?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You fall into an unfortunate gap in the Lifeline Assistance program, Matthew. It’s possible for you to get a free government cell phone, but it’s a little more complex than if you had a permanent address. Here’s an article that tells you more about it: Click here
Steve says
I would like to see [Labeled/Mentioned] or possibly an separate article done – which spells out which Lifeline Companies offer additional bonus to the Honorably Discharged US Military VETERAN.
Not necessary just for Missouri, but, site wide of all Lifeline Companies. I think if you covered this subject it’s popularly may grow between Veteran users and industry standards. So Please FGCP.
This type of Veteran bonus – will it survive mandated FCC Dec. 2016 changes?
Life Wireless does but, It’s hidden deep in their TOS, and then it at the
company discretion.
Life Wireless “Connecting Our Heroes” Program
Life Wireless will provide 100 free additional minutes each month to qualifying Life Wireless Lifeline subscribers who are active military service members or military veterans. Minutes do not roll over and are not transferable. The additional benefit is offered at Life Wireless’ sole discretion.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Interesting idea, Steve. We’ll do a little research and see if there are enough companies to warrant a full article.
Sandra Cieslewicz says
I am unemployed and moving to Missouri to try and start my life over.I have to support myself. I cannot afford the phone I have now anymore. Until I find a job I need assistance with a phone or what ever other help i could get.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You sound like exactly the person this program was designed for, Sandra. You need to check out all the companies listed in the article above. They each have slightly different twists (how many minutes, texts, data plans, etc) so check them all to find the plan that works best for you. Then contact that company using the contact info we’ve provided on each provider’s page.
natasha says
If you receive any kind of help from the government such as disability SSI Healthcare welfare help with childcare or your children get into any of the above things you are eligible for a government phone I go through qlink Wireless all you have to do is fill out the short application take pictures of your ID your food stamp card or your Medicaid card for you or your children and it will say attached file and you simply go to your pictures and hit the picture that has the picture of your ID food stamp card or Medicaid card do it all in one picture have them items sitting side-by-side take a picture of them then hit the download file you will get approved within 24 to 72 hours then after that you will receive your phone 7 to 10 business days you get 500 talk minutes unlimited text messaging unlimited 911 & 411 the internet long distance three way calling caller ID all free as long as you make one call a month I have a cell phone but I also have a Lifeline for when I don’t have money to pay my cell phone bill or if I have to leave the house my preteen daughter has a cell phone in the house or if she goes somewhere she takes the phone with her and your text messages do not take away from your talk minutes because it’s unlimited texting I hope this helps you out
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re always happy to hear from a happy free government cell phone user, but you really should familiarize yourself with punctuation, Natasha. Commas and periods are your friends.
Cheryl durr says
Would like to no if out state can get the free government cell phone my address is 299 Greenville mo. 63944
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are only eligible for a free government cell phone from a company doing business in the state in which you live, Cheryl.
Connie says
But, which offers the best deal available ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s up to you to determine which plan/deal is best for you. Click through all the providers listed on this page and see what they have to offer. Choose the combination of talk, text and data that fits your needs.
Glenwood Turner says
I have a question for anyone who knows, Would I qualify for Lifeline as I receive Social Security disability, My GROSS monthly check is over the allowed amount, BUT after the take out for my insurance I am below the allowed amount. So which one would they go by as all the providers want me to fill out a application BEFORE they give me a answer! Please Help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Please clarify. Do you receive SSI or SSDI benefits? You are eligible for a free government cell phone if you receive SSI, but not if you receive SSDI.
In answer to your question about your income, your eligibility is determined by your GROSS monthly income, not your net.
Linda J . Schreck says
Where can I find locations where the free cell phones are given out. Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
No way of telling, Linda, without calling each company. Good luck.
Dana Hotz says
Where can get a free cell phone in Ozark Missouri?
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can apply online or by phone with any of the service providers listed on this page, Dana.
Kristi says
I need to know what free cell phone programs work in Stockton mo. Thank you!
Gregory Goodwin says
Hello. My name is Greg and I am a homeless vet in the Columbia MO area. I am without a phone that i can use when i need for employment and housing callbacks. I know there has to be someone that has allocated funds to help someone like me. Any help would be appreciated. It is so tough on the streets. I am getting help at the moment but cannot for the life of me find anyone to help with a phone. I do get EBT benefits in the amount of 194.00/mo in case you needed to know that. I have limited transportation as well.
Sincerely,
Gregory T. Goodwin
Mona carter says
I get $148.00 a week on unemployment that’s $600.00 a month for 1 person and I don’t qualify for any kind of free phone I’am way under the guidelines for one person and I still don’t qualify for what reason I thought this programs was in place to help people like me I quess not
Robin Arnold says
Interest in no cost or low cost Internet .
Deana Burgess says
looking for a free cell for to have contact with my family
george simmons jr says
I am interested in a free phone.
Steve says
FGCP.net , Please update your listing for Lifeline discount from T-Mobile.
T-Mobile doesn’t list Missouri anymore on their site, as an offering
to a Lifeline discount.
T-Mobile only offers to 8 states now – Florida, Kentucky, Minnesota,
Mississippi, New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington, and
Puerto Rico – (which is not a state).
See this link
james garnsey says
I am real tired of dealing with ” yourtel ” and their non-english speaking India people —so need to change phone company——have a brand new Sprint phone—so what program is best for me ?
Christina Halstead says
I bring home maybe 300$ check every two weeks
And have so many commitments restitution is 100$ a month my medications aren’t cheap the visits to the psychiatrist cost 50-100 alome. I need help please.
Albert Kandel says
Please send me a free cell phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
It doesn’t work that way. You need to contact one of the phone vendors listed above.
John Lundstrom says
My cell phone (Verison LG) will not accept a charge. Who do I talk to get a new one. My phone Number is (816) 663-****. Need a repair or replacement. Thanks
My landline is (816) 437-****
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Go here
kyristen says
i have food stamps and i would like to know how to apply!!!!!
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Click on any of the vendors on this page to learn how!!!!!
Elaine Carpenter says
I am on food stamps and would like to apply for a free government phone. Can you please help me? Thanks!
nancy newsom says
We truly need a cell phone to keep in touch. We had one, but it was taking up our foods & meds. We had to turn it off.
robert worthington says
how can i get this because im on ssdi
Karen says
Who wrote this? It is full if “sentences” that are not sentences! Can you at least get a grasp of the language before you give away our country?
KEN says
Karen is whats wrong with the world. Not people who want to get a job who cant afford a phone.
toni says
Where are the phone suppliers locations? They use to be on Cass Ave at grand.But now they are gone. Where are they now?
Free Government Cell Phones says
There are multiple companies on this page, above. Some may have retail locations and most probably won’t. We don’t have a list of brick and mortar locations, so you will need to contact the companies.
jack says
how do i get a phone? i have no job and no income but i am not on assistance
Free Government Cell Phones says
As the page states, you can qualify based upon your income level.
Tamara landeiro says
Mi familia y yo, incluyenfo mis dos hijas pequenas recibimos ayuda por el.social service porque somos cubanos q cruzamos frontera, no tenemos ni permiso de trabajo todavia y recibimos hasta food stamp, que debo hacer, estamos en san louis Missouri, no se a donde debo ir para solicitar esta ayudade celular
Free Government Cell Phones says
Roughly ranslated: “My family and I, my two small daughters incluyenfo receive aid el.social service because we Cubans q cross border, we have no work permit and yet to receive food stamp, which I do, we are in St. Louis Missouri, not to where do I go to apply this cell ayudade”
Well, you qualify for a Lifeline phone, as being a US citizen is not a requirement. Not that we approve of such a policy.
You don’t go to a store, you contact the websites on this page.
Anthony Wayne Johnson SR says
I am a100% disable Vietnam veteran. Please e-mail me how to proceed to get a free government cell phone and free service plan.
Respectfully,
Anthony Johnson
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you are in Missouri, you are on the right page. If not, go to the States page,