According to a 2010 “Report On Poverty” produced by the good people at Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Emerald State’s poverty rate is 14%. While that may be slightly better than the official national average, it should still alarm one and all.
The report also notes that 22% of all children under the age of 18 and 11% of Oregonians over 65 live in poverty.
And, finally, according to the Portland Business Journal, the state’s unemployment rate is stuck at 8.4% (December, 20123). That’s better than the 9.0% rate a year earlier, but still nothing to celebrate.
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.
We’re not sure why it took so long for a phone company to offer the program in Oregon nor why it took so long for the state to approve it, but what’s past is past. The program is now up and running and if you can meet the simple requirements, you can qualify for your own free phone.
Free Cell Phone 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:
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility 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 | $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 Oregon:
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
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.
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.
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?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Who’s telling you that, Candi? Because it’s not true.
KATELIN IRA KIMBALL says
I AM IN NEED OF A FREE CELL PHONE. PLEASE HELP ME GET ONE.
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.
Damon Oplinger says
Thank you for tis vary valuable offer.
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.
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
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 governmentoffice..
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.
Kandyce K Byars says
I can’t find a place to sign up.
Thanks.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Kimberlynn Kattil says
I try to apply for a free phone and it won’t let me , please help
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.
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.
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.
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?
Ann says
Get a job and pay your own way. I am tired of all my taxes going to all you bums
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
William Hunt says
I think i was approved and sent a phone but have not received it
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.
Kelley wolf says
Why does the state get a bonus for increasing food stamp users ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We do not know what you are referring to, Kelley.
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??
Free Government Cell Phones says
The simple answer is that California pays the free government cell phone companies an additional monthly subsidy for customer. In fact, the California subsidy is far higher than the national subsidy. Crazy, huh?
If you’re interested in more details of the California giveaway, you can read this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/why-california-oklahoma-lifeline-assistance-plans-offer-so-much-more
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
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?!
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!!
roxanne rego says
trying to get phone and have given all information and havent received
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.
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
melissia says
They did the same thing to me.
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 ?
Kristopher Roloff says
It’s some crooked monitoring program I think
lysa Lyman says
Can I keep my same trac phone #
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
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.
amber lord says
how do I get a cell phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Read this page.
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.
Betty Rockwell says
I am using my brother in law pH.
I am on FS.
I sure can use a pH.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
If you are on FS you can get a pH.
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.
U. Nuttz says
Dawn, They listen in to all your calls too. I am selling tinfoil hats and phone cases to keep you safe. Go to http://www.batshitcrazee.com
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.
William Robert Dawson says
Thanx
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.
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
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
How to Report Lifeline Assistance Fraud, Abuse and Waste
DONNA says
REPORT TO THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OR THE FBI. USING A GOVERNMENT ISSUED PHONE IS A FELONY. ALSO TELL YOUR LOCAL POLICE STATION AND GIVE HIS PHONE NUMBER. HIS PHONE SHOULD BE CANCELED.
Free Government Cell Phones says
None of those answers will work, Donna. Governors have no authority over the free government cell phone program. Ditto with the FBI. And ditto with the local police.
The only correct way to report fraud or abuse is through the USAC, the organization that governs the Lifeline Assistance program. You can find complete information on how to report fraud in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Dawn says
Who the hell are YOU too dictate how and who someone can talk to, government phone or not?
That said , think about. THEY ALREADY KNOW !
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
Greg Anson says
My brother-in-law more than qualifies for this. When and where would he get the free phone?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Please read the article we published above, on this page.
DONNA says
APPLY ON LINE TO EITHER SAFELINK https://www.safelinkwireless.com/
http://www.assurancewireless.com/public/howtoqualify.aspx
THEN THE AP WILL APPROVED OR NOT, THEN YOUR PHONE WILL BE SHIPPED OUT.
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.
DONNA says
GO ON SAFE LINK OR ASSURANCE TO PUT AP IN
Malcolm Steck says
Is the Income Based Eligibility in the state of Oregon, based on taxible income or non taxible income?
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.
kennedy says
because the phones are limited to one per household. it MUST have an address attached.
Kris says
My son qualifies for reduced lunch can we qualify for a free cell phone?
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.
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?
Free Government Cell Phones says
I don’t think they will let you out of their contract. But you should call and ask.
kennedy says
nope.