Continue reading if you are a low-income resident of South Dakota. You may qualify for a free government cell phone and free Internet.
If you ask most people what they know about South Dakota, they might say, “Is’t that where Mount Rushmore is located?” But they wouldn’t be able to tell you much more about the state.
We’re happy to report that we know one other important thing about the Mount Rushmore state — financially-strapped citizens of the state can now get free government cell phones, unlimited talk, unlimited text, and unlimited internet through the Lifeline Assistance program and the new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
The population of the state now stands under 1,000,000 and there can be no doubt that some of them are in great need of the kind of financial assistance that led to the creation of the free government cell phone program.
Clearly, the economy is stronger in South Dakota than in the rest of the country, but that is of little importance to those who are unemployed and underemployed.
The faces of famous American presidents George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Theodore Roosevelt, and Abraham Lincoln are carved into Mount Rushmore. We think of of these great leaders would approve of Lifeline Assistance’s efforts to help needy South Dakotans communicate with potential employers, stay in touch with their families, and talk to medical professionals.
Whether you live in thriving metropolises like Sioux Falls and Yankton or farms and Native American lands across the state, the Lifeline free government cell phone program and Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) free internet program are now here to help you.
Lifeline and ACP free government cell phone service providers in South Dakota
Unfortunately, there is only one choice for free Lifeline cell phones in South Dakota. But it’s a major brand.
Lifeline Discount Companies in South Dakota
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 South Dakota:
How to qualify for Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in South Dakota
You may be eligible if you receive benefits from any of the following programs:
- 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 South Dakota, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. We’ve done the math for you; please see chart below:
Income Based Eligibility for South Dakota | ||
---|---|---|
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 South Dakota
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.
Not only is it all free, it’s simple. Just choose your favorite service provider and favorite plan and then enroll. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a free smartphone, free unlimited talk, free unlimited texts, and more data than you know what to do with. If you qualify, we cannot think of a reason not to enroll today.
Latest Lifeline and ACP News for South Dakota:
See more cell phone news.
If you have any other questions, please refer to the links in the sidebar.
Randy R Markee says
I have cell phone. Can I get free service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Probably. South Dakota is one of those states that only has one service provider (enTouch Wireless). They offer a plan that allows you to use your current phone in its BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. But you’ll need to speak to enTouch customer service to make sure your current phone is compatible with its network.
Kimberly Stafford says
I would really enjoy a free cell phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you should definitely apply for one.
kathy phillips says
Ok, So I have applied for disability for the 2nd time. I can only work 15 hrs a week. My monthly gross income is maybe a little over $500.00. I receive SNAP, and housing assistance. I’ve been accepted by Voc. Rehab and I get medicaid for workers with disability. I could so use a free cell phone and/or service. If someone could get back to me and give me step by step instructions on what I need to do, I’d so appreciate it.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Everything you need to know is right here on this website, Kathy.
Christine Zephier says
Can I get a south dakota rapid city government phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
If you qualify for the program, all you need to do is contact enTouch Wireless, Christine.
Laura Corrigan says
I am interested in the program. Am 56 and on as SSI/SSDI receive snap and energy asst. So I believe I would qualify. So please contact me for further information. Thank you Laura corrigan
Robert says
I would like to know how a person can help an person that has Obama phone acquire more minutes
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have a couple choices, Robert. Check your friend’s service provider’s website to see if they offer a “Top Up” option that allows you to purchase additional minutes. You can also check the following article to see how to purchase additional minutes from a separate company:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/buy-airtime-for-lifeline-phones-through-ready-wireless-new-airfair
Donald McClintick says
https://www.entouchwireless.com/pages/lifeline_program
OFFERS LIFELINE SERVICE TO SOUTH DAKOTA
Free Government Cell Phones says
That is correct, Donald. Budget went out of business and enTouch has acquired its customers in a number of states.
Dawn says
Leave it to the idiots in Washington to take away the one thing that people do need phones. Thanks a lot you’re doing such a great job. NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT NOT.
But then again no one is surprised. All they care about is the rich, why care about the people who actually make up more then half the US the poor.
Ashley clyde says
I like to get one of your free cell phone now
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you need to apply now with one of the service providers listed on this page, Ashley.
Angie says
How many cell phones per household are we allowed?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
One.
Laura Enez says
How do I find my cell phone# ?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
carol stock says
Thank you carol stock 605-461-****.
Candee Martin says
I am a single disabled mother of one. Why cant we both get phones so we can reach each other. Doesnt do much good if I cant call my kid to find out where she is or if she needs a ride,
donlowin says
Was woundering if I qualify for these programs?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We would not really have any way of knowing since we don’t know your situation. But contact Budget Mobile, the only provider we see in your state of South Dakota right now. Click the Budget Mobile link above to be taken to their page where you’ll find all their contact info.