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Oregon: Free government cell phones (with internet!) from Lifeline and ACP

According to a “Report On Poverty” produced by the good people at Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Emerald State’s poverty rate is far too high. While that may be slightly better than the official national average, it should still alarm one and all.

The bottom line for us is that a huge percentage of Beaver State residents desperately need the kind of help they can get from the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program. And now that the government has introduced the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free government internet program, there are now two programs to help low-income Oregonians.

We’re not sure why it took so long for a phone company to offer programs like this in Oregon nor why it took so long for the state to approve them, but what’s past is past. Both programs are now up and running and if you can meet the simple requirements, you can qualify for your own free martphone, unlimited talk, unlimited text AND maybe even unlimited internet.

Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in Oregon

Here’s where you can get one in Oregon. Just two companies, but there are two of the biggest, Make sure to check both out and compare their similar, yet different plans:

Lifeline Discount Companies in Oregon

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 Oregon:

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

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

  • 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 Oregon, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. See chart below, which has applied the 135% to the income limits:

Income Based Eligibility for Oregon
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 Oregon

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.

The time is here, Oregonians. And so are the programs. Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) are available now. Enroll now to begin receiving all these great benefits (free smartphone, unlimited talk and text, and unlimited internet.

Latest ACP & Lifeline News for Oregon:

Portland TV station reports latest news on the free government cell phone program. How does it impact you? - Steve Dunn, host of the You Paid For It news segment on KATU-TV in Portland, Oregon this week reported the latest news on LifeLine Assistance, the free government cell phone program, in his state.
Oregon gets $5,000,000 ‘bonus’ for increasing food stamp users. Isn’t it about time the state authorizes the Lifeline program? - Lifeline hasn't yet been approved in Oregon despite the fact that the state recently won a $5,000,000 bonus for increasing the number of residents on food stamps more than any other state.

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

Comments

  1. Debra Bearden says

    This page is not helpful. I need to be able to walk into a store and pick up the Obama Phone. My normal samsung galaxy a03s is being hacked, as a matter of fact all my cellphones have been hacked for 10 years. Please advise.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Don’t blame the page, blame the phone companies. Very few companies in very few states offer walk-in stores.

  2. Gene Mitchell says

    Have had Lifeline for close to 10 years. Moving to Oregon. Told by Assurance Wireless when I arrive in Oregon my phone won’t be able to access a network and it the number will no longer be valid. Looking at the eligibility in Oregon I don’t qualify for lifeline. In 2022 135% of FPL is $18,664 and my MAGI for 2022 will be $27,155. and I don’t receive any of the various government benefits listed that can also make one eligible. There is one phrase I read here that does give me slight pause, ”

    However, I believe I qualify for the ACP in 2 ways: 1) currently receiving Lifeline benefits (thought seems like I’ll lose them in 12 days when I go from Florida to Oregon. But 200% of FPL in 2022 is $27180 & as I stated my MAGI in 2022 will be $27,155.

    So with less than 2 weeks until I move I wondered what steps I need to take to get cell phone (and internet) assistance. Is it only Lifeline that provides a free phone or is there a way to get that benefit with ACP? Don’t know how I proceed to contact telecom companies and choose services (all I’ve known is Assurance Wireless whether it was with a Virgin Atlantic network and later a T-Mobile network.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Looks like you just barely squeaked in under the ACP rules for income. That’s good. However, if you look at our list of companies offering plans in Oregon, it appears that only one of them (Access Wireless) offers an ACP-only plan. That being said, there are only two companies offering Lifeline plans in Oregon, so you might as well do a little research and speak to enTouch’s customer service team before you enroll with Access just to make sure they aren’t offering some special plan or discount.

  3. Channon Baker says

    i just was accepted on the usaphone.org program, I thought the plan came with a phone but it doesn’t. How can I get a free phone?

  4. Kelly Ann Osgood says

    My question is simple…Did Assurance Wireless announce to their Oregon Lifeline customers that they were voluntarily ending their participation in the Lifeline program in Oregon (plus two other states as well), effective April 1, 2022, and is no longer accepting applications for Lifeline in Oregon? I have been on the Assurance Wireless Lifeline program for 8 years, I went to use my phone on May 24th for an important family matter…I was met with the rude reality that my Lifeline phone did not have funds and that I would have to pay 10 cents a minute or purchase a plan? WTF? I had just received the notification about my monthly plan being filled on the 26 of May! What kind of helpline phone program wouldn’t make sure their customers knew about that major change? no heads up? no common courtesy Did any others hear about the charge prior to the middle of May? I hope I don’t lose my benefits, watch, somehow I get screwed…

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Yes, it was announced back then and several readers commented on it back then. But we have a question for you, Kelly Ann. Are we correct in assuming that you have not used your free government cell phone between April 1 and May 24? If that’s the case, your plan probably would have been cancelled anyway, because of one of program’s primary rules says that plans get cancelled if the phone isn’t used for 30 days. Just wondering.

  6. Tomas says

    Assurance is dropping their lifeline service on April 1 2022 the only lifeline service in Oregon is EnTouch Wireless is the only option in Oregon.

  7. Dean Trandinh says

    Dear Ladies and Gentlement:
    I would need a free phone , so please help.

    Regards,
    Dean

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We are not a service provider, Dean. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact one of the companies on this page. But first, make sure you check out ALL the companies and ALL the plans to find the one that fits your needs best.

  8. Autumn says

    I’m on snap and my partner is disabled. It says I can i only get one free phone per household, but is there any options for 2 lines (even if its just reduced price.)

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      There is one exemption to the one-per-household rule. Contact your preferred service provider and ask about the exemption. It does not sound to us as if you’ll qualify, but you may. Can’t hurt to ask.

  9. Andrew Pace says

    Why all the hoops to jump through if you really want to help people get a cell phone just say ho a to get one so far I’ve been on 15 different pages not one has had a form to get a cell phone Democrats suck

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      If you have read 15 pages on this website and still don’t know how to get a free government cell phone, you really aren’t trying very hard, Andrew.

  10. Zoe says

    My mom has a smart phone but it is difficult for her to manage. Is it possible to get a flip phone?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Check to see if your mom’s service provider offers a BYOB (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. If so, she can buy a cheap flip phone that’s compatible with her provider’s national cell network. But PLEASE have her make sure the phone she wants is compatible BEFORE she buys it.

    • Lee says

      I’m sorry but I am very angry you guys were supposed to keep my same phone number now I’m screwed I need my old phone number back it’s 503-462-**** and I don’t appreciate you guys lying to me and telling me I would get the same number I wouldn’t have done it if I would have known that I’ve got too many contacts

      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        Don’t be mad at us, Lee. We are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

  11. Dan Kenshol says

    Can I qualify for assistance on a phone as an Oregon resident, married, on social security retirement benefit of $1470 per month total income? If so, can I get a LAN, rather than a cell?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      All the free government cell phone companies now offer data plans, but we doubt that you could get by on the limited number of gigs they offer.

  12. Candi says

    I’m looking for free cell phone. In Oregon its telling me not available in my state.what should I do to get one?

      • Lisa S Whitehall says

        OK how do you get any assisitive technology.. Phone…in Oregon ??
        They’re liars.
        I am beiy deniwan iPhone 7+…at my doctors request..I’m partially blind.. 3/4 deaf…DENIED?? INCIDENTLY OREGON ALSO DENIES MY FULL FAVORABLE FEDERAL BENCH awards FOR BLIND-DEAF!!! ONLY IN OREGON WHERE DISCRIMINATION ON DISABILITY IS A REGULAR ACT! DISGUSTING OREGON!!!

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          If only you were able to join the rioters and attempt to burn down Portland you would surely be given more than you get now.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Just check out the plans shown on this page and choose the one that fits your needs best, Katelin. Then enroll with that company.

  15. Merissa Adams says

    About a year-and-a-half ago I believe you guys cut off our cell phone service, for whatever reasons. I was just wondering if we could ever get another one. IDK if we still have the phone. What can I do to get another phone that is big enough for me to read text, phone numbers and see the buttons. Thank you

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We are not now nor never were your service provider, Melissa. This is an independent informational website.

      If you still qualify, you can enroll with any of the free government cell phone companies listed in the article on this page.

  16. Sonja Leppert says

    i ALREADY HAVE ASSISTANCE ON MY HOME PHONE i AM AWARE i CAN NOT HAVE TWO ACCOUNTS i WANT THE CELL PHONE HOW DO i DO THIS WITHOUT BEING WITHOUT SERVICE FOR DAYS? And can I keep my number It is a centrylink account? Does this include internet? I am now paying $76 for service.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Whole lot of questions, Sonja. You may, in fact, be without phone service for days when you switch over from a home landline to a cell phone. Sorry, but that’s the truth.

      You may be able to keep your phone number by telling the customer service rep that “I want to port over my current phone number.” There may be a problem going from landline number to a cell number, but you should be able to get it done.

      If you want internet as part of your plan, you must check out all the plans available in your state and apply for one that offers internet service. Here’s where you can find all the providers in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

  17. shirley evers says

    They are not Obama phones .. They are just goverment phones… Life line phones was started before Obama lied about his citizenship and sadly was in government​office..

    • Ms. C says

      The government requires all telecommunications companies to pay into what is called a “universal service fund”. Companies are then allowed to pass their funding obligations over to the public. So, the phones given as part of the lifeline program are not Obama, Trump, Clinton, neither of the Bushes, on Reagan. The phone is yours, cause you paid for it with the money you added to the USF.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Click on any of the service providers listed in this article, Kandyce. Each of our “Providers” pages offers contact info for that company.

  19. Charmaine mitchell says

    I LIVE IN A APT and have no one. I have no money to pay fpr any phone. I get pay 963 a month and my check is 750. I have no way to pay. I have fallen here so bad that my glasses broke and I had 2 BLACK EYES. NO MORE GLASSES CAN HELP MYSELF. I ID GET COME 2 FOR 3 hours. then I fell down sreps t a a flight s stair on to metal. i hqv hd 2 back surgies and 2 neck surgies. Falling made it ll the matter worse and was told thry can’t fisix I need helpit.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Very upsetting story, Charmaine. But we’re not sure what your question is.

  20. Deb Elder says

    FYI ~ Assurance Wireless is quite simply AWFUL service!!!
    The phone rings but the screen won’t pull up to answer the calls.
    Plus, Google maps fails constantly.

    It would make more sense for the State of Oregon to give people credits to buy time with other carriers.

  21. Larry says

    hi, i applied and was approved through entouch wireless back in september. when i called customer zervice to determine which free phone i would receive i was told they don’t offer free phones and until i had account for six months i could not bring my own phone. does that sound right to you?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Chad from enTouch does a great job monitoring the comments on this page, Larry. Check back here again to see what he has to say.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      How did you try to apply, Kimberlynn? By phone? Online? At a street event? We’d suggest that you attempt to contact customer service to get the problem straightened out.

  23. mercedes baum says

    i need a phone fast i am living with my parents and they take my phones and i am 18

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Check out the service providers on this page, Mercedes, to find the plan that’s best for you and apply to that company. We provide all the contact info you need on each provider’s page.

      • Michele M Mayes-Gerra says

        Just to put this out there for the next person that comes looking for information. An 18-year-old still living at home with Mom and Dad, is probably not on an assistance program by herself. Further, they would take the household income, not just the 18-year-olds.

        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          You are correct, Michele — the entire household’s income is added together.

  24. Reina says

    I’ve been trying for 45 minutes to find the application form without any luck. It’s been taking me to the same pages over and over and over again. Where is it?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      We are not a free government cell phone company, Reina. We’re an independent website, so we cannot offer those forms. You need to get in touch with one of the companies listed on this page using the contact info we provide.

  25. Melinda Webster says

    I am already enrolled in the Lifeline Cell phone program. Safelink will no longer provide free Lifeline Service in the state of Oregon. I need to keep my service on. I would like to have a smartphone with a touch screen. I don’t need anything super fancy. Do I need to completely reapply? What can I do if they don’t have any service areas where I live? I am close to California, but I live in Oregon. Can I get on the California plan? Any assistance would be wonderful.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      Oregon has two providers, Melinda. Safelink AND Assurance (now part of Access Wireless). Check out the programs offered by Assurance. That’s your only option because, no, you cannot apply for a California plan if you have an Oregon address.

      • AnDrea says

        What Melinda ia saying is that safelink has informed customers that Oregon has opted out of the program with safelink. will there still be other service to work with us or is oregon not helping to support the lifeline many have become dependant on?

      • bradlee says

        you know what not all of us can get a job due to personal issues that keep us from getting a job. i wish i could get a job like everyone else but i can’t and i really don’t like the fact i have to have snap but i have to eat. and it’s kinda inconsiderate to say “Get a job and pay your own way. I am tired of all my taxes going to all you bums” you know taxes also go towards ssi and retirement programs for working people too. so maybe people are sick of their taxes going to people like you as well. so if you still feel the same i feel bad for the tax payers that give their money to people like you when you retire

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      You do not say who your service provider is, but your first step is to visit its website and see if you can find something that says “Check Your Status” or something similar. If you can’t find your status that way, try contacting the company’s customer service team to get your question answered.

  28. Theresa says

    Why is it that California residents who receive the lifeline program get 1100 minutes talk/text and the rest of the states ONLY get 250 mins!? What makes California residents more NEEDY than the rest of us? You would be shocked on how fast your time is up..like in a matter of days! So how does one get the phone to last all month??

  29. Kristopher Roloff says

    I’m homeless and have been denied twice although I receive snap. First I was denied because I’m homeless and someone already has that address!? Second time I had DHS look over application
    and mail it themselves only to get denied because not all required fields were filled out!? DHS looked at it and mailed it!!!??? And then when I try to find out anything about it I get the run around only to hear the government gets the app then shreds it so there isn’t any proof of any wrong doing on their part… Such bullshit

  30. Erik Olaf says

    Everything I click on, like “how do I get a cell phone?” just keeps sending me around in circles. I’m ready to get one! I qualify! What do I do next?!

  31. Joanie Lingle says

    I am inquiring for someone else (I already have one) who doesn’t have Internet. He is in a Foster home and saw mine.
    Please let me know what he can do to get one.
    Thank you and Happy New Year!!

  33. Kaleb Graham says

    Hello, My girfriend and I really need phones for work and emergency contact. We would much appreciate it if we were accepted for free phones. We use food stamps as well.

  34. sandra pratt says

    I already have a safe link phone but for some reason I cannot get new minutes and when I talked to someone they said I hadn’t made a phone call in July which was not true

  35. denise mathis says

    I have been trying for two years to get the free phone that I qualified for thru welfare. So far all
    I have gotten is the run around from you people. Why?! Eventually my caseworker even tried.
    She called me and told me that everything was straightened out and told me to respond by phone no less, and that all I had to do was give them an answer to one question. I called the number
    and wound up talking to some guy in New Delhi , India. He would not do anything or answer any questions until I gave him my social security # and credit card info. WHAT KIND OF SCAM ARE YOU RUNNING ?

  37. Dianne says

    My husband and I live on $ 872.00 a month SSI We would be able to receive these free cell phones. Would we each get a phone? Or just one?? WE have no land line, so we would have to have one for each of us ,in case one needed to call for some reason.We have cell phones now but pay way to much $145.00 a month.would, like to to keep the same numbers we have, If we can.Need different phones these are old ones,and husbands only works half the time. Thank you Dianne

  38. Kali says

    Hi I’m under 18, I’m actually only 13 (well turning 13 in 6 months), am I able to get a free phone at this age my parents said its ok as long as I am eligible.

    • Jesse says

      Your parents should get you a phone instead of a kid with a home and parents who probably both work asking to take a phone away from homeless and peniless people. How sad.

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      No, Jesse, you are not eligible. You must be 18 to qualify for a free government cell phone.

  40. violeta zhiryada says

    I have the dumbest phone ever and every one makes fun of me can I please get a free phone. My parents won’t buy me one . but it will be amazing if you give me one for free. I always wished for a phone but it never came true. Thanks very much.

  42. Theresa Ashley says

    Try to help my mom witch is on ssi disability get a free phone so I can keep in touch with her how can she get one

    • Dawn says

      You do not know what shes referring to? Serious? Didn’t YOU read the article? Lol Under latest news for Oregon ..”

      “Lifeline hasn’t yet been approved in Oregon despite the fact that the state recently won a $5,000,000 bonus for increasing the number of residents on food stamps more than any other state.”

      Its pathetic really. Let’s give a huge bonus to whichever state can get thgthge most people on foodstamps so when NWO kicks in , and the only way for us to eat is to voluntarily check in to Holocaust hotel , I mean FEMA, where we will get fed poison.

  43. Tonya Cheri' Green says

    I’m looking to replace my phone with another in order to look for employment. My fiancée is 42%disabled would like to get one also. We both are getting SNAP.

  44. phylis simpson says

    I’m actually sending this for a elder client I work with. She has a fixed income of 600.00 and wants a phone for just making phone calls. No texting or Internet. What steps would she need to take to get a phone and who would she need to speak with.

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      Contact any of the vendors in Oregon, listed in the article above.

      • DONNA says

        they may be a vender in oregon but when you call you are not talking to a person in the usa. always ask who you are talking to and what country, then do not give info that is not needed for them to know.

  45. Diana Dunham says

    What do we do when a family member has given free gov. phone to their 37 yr old son who uses it for drug deals? This is known and ignored. What do we do?This is not what the program was set up for. HELP

  46. monetha luangrath says

    I have one free phone already but my will be ran out of service in 10 more day, I just want to know how I can extention my service

  47. Greg Anson says

    My brother-in-law more than qualifies for this. When and where would he get the free phone?

  48. Ronald Mathews says

    I would like to get more information on the free phones i have food stamps and no income

    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      Well you’re in luck as you’ve come to the right website. In fact, if you are in Oregon, you’ve come to the exact right page! Just read it and you will know all you need to know to get a phone.

  49. Malcolm Steck says

    Is the Income Based Eligibility in the state of Oregon, based on taxible income or non taxible income?

  50. jenny sharp says

    I had assurance wireless, but did not provide my physical address in time. Why can’t get assurance to re-apply me without proving a physical address. I live in the middle of grassland with no neighbors around for miles.

  52. Tawny says

    I am 17 years old (female) and would like a phone for safety purposes. My family gets cash aid, food stamps etc. is there a program for minors to get a Obama care cellphone in OR?

    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      There is not a plan specifically for minors. But your household is allowed one Lifeline phone.

  53. Mary Lynn Osborn says

    I am under contract with Verizon. well I asked to pay the fee of leasing contract before its up?
    I am on food stamps, SSDI, and organ health plan.
    they would want $275.00 early termination fee. Is there a way out of this since I am indigent?