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Lifeline phone service provides free cell phones to America's financially disadvantaged

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New Mexico: Cell Phones from the Government

The free government cell phone program has finally come to New Mexico. And in our opinion, it’s about time.

First the good news: 25% of New Mexican workers are employed by the Federal Government. State and local governments are also major employers. The state also has lots of high paying jobs in aerospace and mining. Its unemployment rate is an enviable 6.4% (December, 2012), compared to the national average of 7.8%.

Based on those statistics, you might be inclined to assume that the state’s economy is strong and vibrant. Unfortunately, that would be a huge error.

Now the bad news: A shocking 19.0% of the state’s residents live below the official federal government poverty level (compared to 14.3% nationally). The state’s average income also lags behind the national average.

When you compare and contrast those conflicting statistics, New Mexico seems to be an economic Jekyll & Hyde with abject poverty living right alongside

How can this be explained? According to the United States Census Bureau (2011), 10.1% of New Mexico’s population is Native Americans. And according to Wikipedia, the poverty rate in some reservations exceeds 60%.

Luckily, the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program is now available to almost all low-income New Mexicans. And special programs are available for those who live on reservations.

We sincerely hope this can help close that gap between well-to-do New Mexicans and the state’s neediest residents.

Free Cell Phone Providers in New Mexico:

Who’s offering the Lifeline Assistance program in New Mexico? Just two companies, but they ara strong ones. Please check them both out and compare the plans as not everything is the same:

  • Safelink Wireless
  • Assurance Wireless

Free Cell Phone Eligibility in New Mexico:

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

  • 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. See chart for New Mexico incomes below:

Income Based Eligibility for New Mexico
Members in HouseholdAnnual income
1 member$16,389
2 members$22,221
3 members$28,053
4 members$33,885
5 members$39,717
6 members$45,549
7 members$51,381
8 members$57,213
For each additional member add $5,832 annually

Latest News for New Mexico:

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

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  1. If you are going to ask "how do I get a cell phone?" go here instead.
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  3. We are not your cell phone company. All technical questions should be asked of your vendor.
  4. Your comments are moderated, and we will manually approve those worth publishing within 24 hours.

Comments

  1. Ernest Urban says

    December 2, 2019 at 7:35 am

    Im a disable person and with monthly checks im not able too afford a cell phone for all my doctor appointments.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 3, 2019 at 7:37 am

      Because you left a comment on our New Mexico page, we assume you live in New Mexico. Check out all the companies and plans listed on this page and enroll in the plans that fits your needs best.

      Reply
  2. Melanie Brunson says

    October 28, 2019 at 12:20 am

    Hi. I live in Tijeras NM. In the area, the only cell coverage is thru verizon. I am on Medicaid and have an assurance wireless phone but it serves no purpose as I cant get service. I am disabled with no income and have no way to pay for monthly service thru verizon. What can I do to get a discounted plan thru verizon for the life line program. I need to have phone service for daily living. Help please.
    Thank you, ms. Brunson

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 28, 2019 at 2:24 am

      You only have two choices, Melanie. Call both companies listed on this page to speak to customer service and ask if they can help.

      Reply
  3. Lyle Salt says

    October 15, 2019 at 9:21 am

    Where are is your tent located today or where will it be located tomorrow in Albuquerque, NM?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 15, 2019 at 1:42 pm

      We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at a street event. They’ve been the scenes of far too much fraud and abuse.

      Reply
  4. Nicole Brown says

    October 3, 2019 at 11:44 am

    You guys need to make it to where Say people live in a half way house. and we have a lot of people that come in and out. so they all have the same address. y’all should make it to where it isn’t as hard to get them a phone… its very hard.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 4, 2019 at 3:28 pm

      You are correct that it should be easier, because those people are clearly in need, but we don’t make the rules, Nicole.

      Reply
  5. Debra Peterson says

    September 26, 2019 at 10:58 am

    Hello I qualify for a phone. I am in Santa Teresa, NM.
    I am having trouble finding where to sign up.
    Please help!
    Thank you very much!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 26, 2019 at 1:41 pm

      You can sign up (enroll) right from the comfort of you home, Debra. All the companies that offer plans can be found in the article above. Check them all out to find the plan that fits your needs best. Then enroll by using the contact info we include on each provider’s page.

      Reply
  6. Cecilia Ortega says

    August 30, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    I need to know where are the assurance wireless free phones tent in Albuquerque New Mexico? Thank you! Sincerely Cecilia Ortega

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 30, 2019 at 12:35 pm

      We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at a street event. It’s far safer if you enroll by phone or online.

      Reply
  7. pamela woods says

    July 31, 2019 at 6:42 pm

    HELLO DONNA MY NAME IS PAMELA WOODS I HAD THE SAME PROBLEM WITH ASSURANCE WIRELESS CELL PHONES, I HAD 2 OF THEM MESS UP ON ME AND NOW THIS 3RD ONE IS A ANDROID CELL PHONE FROM ASSURANCE WIRELESS AND NOW ITS MESSED UP AND I CAN’T EVEN SEND IT BACK TO GET A REPLACEMENT, NOW THE PEOPLE AT ASSURANCE WIRELESS IS TELLING ME THAT I HAVE TO BUY A NEW PHONE FROM THEM AND I TOLD THEM NO BECAUSE I DON’T HAVE THE MONEY TO BUY ONE, THATS WHY I NEED ANOTHER FREE CELL PHONE REPLACEMENT, DAMN PEOPLE AND EVERYBODY WHO IS SAYING ASSURANCE WIRELESS IS A BAD CELL PHONE COMPANY I HAVE TO AGREE WITH THEM, I DIDN’T THINK ASSURANCE WAS LIKE THAT. THEY SAY I ALSO HAVE TO HAVE A 2 YR CONTRACT WITH THAT PHONE FROM THEM!!!!!! HELL NO!! I’M GONNA LOOK FOR A OTHER FREE CELL PHONE COMPANY THAT HAS LOTS BETTER CELL PHONE SERVICE AND U DON’T GET TREATED LIKE CRAPPY PEOPLE DAMN!!! REAL SHITTY OF THEM!!!

    Reply
  8. Kent ivo says

    July 9, 2019 at 1:49 pm

    I need to recieve a cell phone to help my family.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 9, 2019 at 7:10 pm

      Just click around this website and you’ll find out everything you need to do. It’s really pretty simple.

      Reply
  9. walter wilcox says

    June 9, 2019 at 11:27 am

    my phone broke in to .I would like a replacment .one my cell # is 1505.610.****

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 9, 2019 at 12:54 pm

      Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Walter.

      Reply
  10. Donna McDonald says

    May 14, 2019 at 12:28 pm

    Sign me up I need a phone and I can’t afford to buy one

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 14, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      We can’t “sign you up” Donna. You need to enroll yourself by choosing any of the plans listed on this page and then enroll using the contact info shown on this page.

      Reply
    • Pam says

      August 26, 2019 at 10:58 am

      Safelink is the better provider for free service. Better phones and service.

      Reply
  11. JOSE DANIEL MARQUEZ JR says

    April 17, 2019 at 7:45 pm

    Assurance Wireless have bad phones and a monopoly on only two types of cell phones and bad services now can’t go to safelink to get services and im hadicape

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 17, 2019 at 8:18 pm

      Why can’t you go to Safelink, Jose? The rules of the program say that a customer can switch service providers every 60 days.

      Reply
    • Donna McDonald says

      May 14, 2019 at 12:33 pm

      Assurance wireless is the worst had a phone from them for two weeks and it needed replacing and I couldn’t get the replacement to work I call them trump phones because they only work for the Rich. I sent the replacement back but I still need a phone and lifelink isn’t in my state.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        May 14, 2019 at 2:37 pm

        “They only work for the rich” is an goofy comment because the phones are only available or the poor.

        Reply
  12. Lorraine says

    March 1, 2019 at 2:55 pm

    How do you contact these companies to apply for a free cell phone if you do not have a phone? Can you do all this online through email or do you need to access a phone somewhere to talk to someone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 1, 2019 at 3:41 pm

      We provide all the contact info you need on each service provider’s page. In most cases you can speak to a real, live human being but some companies make that so difficult that you’ll have better luck enrolling online.

      Reply
  13. Dwayne Begay says

    February 27, 2019 at 7:38 am

    I live in Abq…Is there any place in Abq i can get a free phone?…

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 27, 2019 at 7:48 am

      Very few free government cell phone companies have brick-and-mortar locations, Dwayne. But you can easily enroll online or by phone.

      Reply
  14. Margaret Brawley says

    November 6, 2018 at 10:51 am

    My name is Margaret Brawley and have Power of Attorney of John R. Lambert. Mr. Lambert is now in a living facility, Genesis, at 7900 ******** Avenue, ********, New Mexico. Please advise how I must proceed to get his a free government cell phone. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 6, 2018 at 5:16 pm

      Every once in a while we get a question we’ve never been asked before and this is one of those cases, Margaret. We don’t know the correct answer, but this comment moderator has acted as a POA in the past, so this advice is based on that experience. We’d suggest that you contact your preferred free government cell phone service provider and explain the situation to customer service. If it works as it did when we served as a POA, you will be required to provide a copy of the POA document before the enrollment can begin.

      After you get it all worked out, we’d love it if you would come back here and leave another comment sharing your experience. We’re sure our readers will find it interesting.

      Reply
  15. Joseph Holmes says

    October 24, 2018 at 6:10 pm

    Are you still available to give out free phones? I am 78 years old and on Social Security. I am way down on the poverty income list. I need a cell phone because without I am no longer considered employable even to the lowest paying company in New Mexico. I can be reached at: ***********@gmail.com

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 24, 2018 at 10:12 pm

      It certainly sounds as if you qualify, Joseph. Check all the plans outlined on this page, then contact the company that offers the one that fits your needs best. Good luck.

      Reply
  16. Cindy says

    October 19, 2018 at 3:03 pm

    Hello, looking for free phone and service

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 21, 2018 at 9:30 am

      Everything you need to know about free government cell phones in New Mexico can be found right here on this page, Cindy.

      Reply
  17. michele wolfe says

    August 15, 2018 at 12:02 pm

    i sent in my application a while ago,i’ve been waiting for a response . my name Michele Wolfe,email *********@gmail.com. waiting pationitly. Thank you. message phone 505-480-****

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 15, 2018 at 1:54 pm

      This is an independent informational website, Michele, not one operated by your service provider. As a result, wed don’t know the status of your application. You’ll need to check with customer service at the company you enrolled with.

      Reply
  18. Enrique Martinez says

    August 15, 2018 at 8:47 am

    Can i go to my local ISD office to get a free gov’t phone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 15, 2018 at 10:24 am

      We assume you mean ISP (Internet Service Provider). If not, we’re not sure what an ISD is.

      The answer is “only if your local ISP is listed as one of the low-income internet service providers listed on this page.”

      Reply
  19. Alma says

    March 1, 2018 at 1:50 am

    I have a smartphone already I’m with MetroPCS. I’m on the $30 mthy plan. I was advice that I can keep my cell and get assistance in paying my cell. How I’m on soc sec. And on snap, and medicade.How do I go about that. So I have to ask MetroPCS that question?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 1, 2018 at 5:03 am

      Just read the main sections of this website, Alma, and you’ll find out everything you need to know. You’ll probably be able to keep your own smartphone, but remember that not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So it’s vital that you specifically ask the customer service team(s) if your specific make and model is compatible with their networks.

      Reply
  20. Jennifer says

    January 8, 2018 at 1:32 pm

    Does New Mexico have low income Internet Plans unlimited for students or higher education discounts.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 8, 2018 at 1:48 pm

      We are unaware of any plans like that, Jennifer.

      Reply
    • Raven says

      January 28, 2018 at 11:21 am

      Xfinity offers $10 internet plans to students in certain areas of New Mexico

      Reply
  21. Marie says

    November 10, 2017 at 9:43 am

    I applied twice faxing paper work of income all that was needed 3 weeks ago haven’t heard anything said it on application that i would receive it with in next 7 business days i haven’t gotten it yet can you please let me know if i will be receiving it

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 10, 2017 at 4:40 pm

      You didn’t mention which company you enrolled with, Marie, but we would suggest visiting that company’s website to see if it offers a “Check Your Status” fucntion. Many of them offer this feature.

      Reply
  22. Ron Mod says

    June 1, 2017 at 9:32 am

    terrible website – nearly impossible to get through the navigational sequence – seems anything related to government is below the normal quality offered by tens of thousands of regular businesses

    Reply
    • Paula says

      August 20, 2017 at 4:52 pm

      I applied for a free phone almost a yr ago and have heard absolutely nothing. All i get is that they have my application. I took pictures of everything they needed and submitted it. This is bs if you ask me. How long does it take!

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        August 21, 2017 at 12:01 am

        That’s crazy, Paula. There’s no reason for you to have been jerked around like that. Which company did you attempt to enroll with? Have you called their customer service team to discuss the problem?

        Reply
  23. Nasser says

    January 2, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    So you mean by that
    There is no job opportunities in new mexico
    ??!!
    No future there or what? ?!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 2, 2017 at 7:22 pm

      We have no idea why you would say that, Nasser.

      Reply
  24. Kevin says

    December 16, 2016 at 3:09 pm

    I have had a Safelink phone for 1 year. When it was time to recertify, I met the requirements but I still do not have the service nor the replacement phone.

    I applied to ASSURANCE on 10/25/16 and still I have no phone.

    The toll free numbers listed to contact them do not provide access to a live operator for specific assistance.

    Safelink support has told me that I have to purchase my own phone and a sim card kit before they will reinstate my phone service. Why?

    I am homeless and I need a phone for employment opportunities.

    I am doing the best I can to end my homeless experience.

    The customer service people do not understand our trials and obstacles. They make it even more complicated to receive the service is specifically targeted to my kind.
    Why?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 16, 2016 at 6:49 pm

      That’s a heartbreaking story, Kevin. It’s terrible that you are being given the run around. We have no idea why SAfelink is tellin gyou that you need to provide your own phone. We’ve never heard that before.

      Do you live in a homeless shelter? Perhaps the people there can help you overcome these issues.

      Reply
  25. Lucinda George says

    May 11, 2016 at 8:36 pm

    self employed annual income is less than $ 15,890 and monthly income less than $1324 for household member of 1. Does that qualify as low-income or do you have to receive benefits from the programs such as: Medicaid, Food Stamps, Supplemental Security Income, etc. I would appreciate a respond.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 11, 2016 at 10:11 pm

      Household income is defined as the combined income of all people living in the house, Lucinda. So if your combined income is below 135% the Federal poverty level, you would qualify. If the combined income is above that level, you must qualify by participating in one of the state or federal assistance programs listed on this page. Hope that helps.

      Reply
  26. Debbie Eras says

    November 30, 2015 at 4:51 pm

    I’m on Medicaid and SNAP

    Reply
  27. Bebe Larrea says

    November 17, 2015 at 5:43 pm

    Asking for my 81 year old mom..she lives in an assisted living home..but all her social security check goes to them..plus we have to pay the difference that is still owed..she is on the PACE program..which helps with her medical needs..,but she needs a phone just to be able to call us or we call her.. Just need less than 100 minutes a month..she gets $1772 a month from ss,but all handed over to assisted living home..plus we have to pay an additional $200 for difference..can you help?

    Reply
  28. Mo Shatzer says

    October 20, 2015 at 11:40 am

    This government provides assistance to other states but when it come to New Mexico, we are left high and dry. The government needs to do a better job of taking care of ALL states and it’s people.

    Reply
  29. shirley says

    August 2, 2015 at 4:07 pm

    How would I apply for this

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      August 2, 2015 at 5:22 pm

      Then pick a provider above and contact them.

      Reply
  30. Maria T Doloricon says

    July 15, 2015 at 10:52 am

    Is there a place in Albuquerque NM that I can sign up in person to get a free government phone Im a low income and I have Medicaid and food stamp.

    Reply
  31. Dominica says

    June 25, 2015 at 12:50 pm

    Is there a place in Albuquerque Nm that I can sign up in person to get a free government phone

    Reply
  32. frederick alford says

    June 17, 2015 at 2:40 pm

    i am looking for an address in 87102zip for free phones for low income friend.

    Reply
  33. David Espinoza says

    June 4, 2015 at 8:18 am

    Becuse of my situation of being on food stamps and my medicl history and condition, it is imparitive that I have phone service and internet.

    Reply
  34. marlon smith says

    May 17, 2015 at 12:54 am

    My phone was stolen

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      May 17, 2015 at 2:53 pm

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement

      Reply
  35. David White says

    September 17, 2014 at 9:26 am

    I am 79, getting food stamps, on ssdi, total income $681.00
    rent is $475.00, plus gas $25.00. i need a phone in case i need a doctor

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 17, 2014 at 4:09 pm

      Just call one of the companies listed above.

      Reply
  36. stella lovato says

    July 3, 2014 at 9:45 am

    I need to no if I’m disabled if I will qualify for this phone

    Reply

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