Free Cell Phone Assistance as of January 2021
Posted on: January 7, 2021
The information provided on this post does not, and is not intended to, represent legal advice. All information available on this site is for general informational purposes only. If you need legal help, you should contact a lawyer. You may be eligible for our free legal services and can apply by calling our Covid Legal Hotline at 1-844-244-7871 or applying online here.
The government offers free or discounted cell phone service to for some people. Due to Covid-19, you may no longer be able to apply for this program in-person and will need to apply either online, by phone, or by mail.
In general, you qualify for the program if:
You or someone in your household receives:
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP/food stamps)
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but not if you just receive regular Social Security
- Federal Public Housing Assistance
- Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit
- Tribal Programs (and live on federally-recognized Tribal lands)
* You will need to provide a card, letter, or official document as proof when you apply.
* Until June 30, 2021, you may also qualify if you are receiving or have applied for Unemployment Benefits. You will need to provide a copy of your benefits statement or proof of your application.
OR
Your household income is equal to or less than these amounts:
| Number of People in Your Household | Annual Household Income | Monthly Average |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $17,226 | $1,435.50 |
| 2 | $23,274 | $1,939.50 |
| 3 | $29,322 | $2,443.50 |
| 4 | $35,370 | $2,947.50 |
| 5 | $41,418 | $3,451.50 |
| 6 | $47,466 | $3,955.50 |
| 7 | $53,514 | $4,459.50 |
| 8 | $59,562 | $4,963.50 |
| For each additional person, add | $6,048 | $504.00 |
Note: There is a limit of one phone or service discount per household.
How can I apply?
To get a free phone, you can apply directly with a specific service provider.
There are a number service providers for Louisiana you can apply with. You will need to provide:
- Your Name
- Your Social Security Number
- A Working Email Address
- A Mailing Address (cannot be a P.O. Box)
- Income or Benefits documentation as listed above. If you are not receiving a government assistance listed above, you should send a copy if your tax return from last year or or proof of three months in a row of your income; other proofs may be accepted if you do not have year-long income documents.
Each program has different features, such as the amount of minutes you’ll receive for phone calls and texts, the amount of “data” you’ll get (to access the Internet from your phone), and whether the program will provide you with a free phone. There are also some differences in the coverage areas (where you can get cell service). You can check what the exact benefits for your area are by providing your zip code on the provider’s website.
| Program | Program Features | How to Apply |
|---|---|---|
| NewPhone Wireless | • Free Smartphone • Unlimited Phone Calls and Text • 4.5 GB of Data | • Apply online at https://www.newphone.com/signup |
| Assurance Wireless | • Free Smartphone • Unlimited Text • 1,000 Minutes for Phone Calls • 3 GB of Data Coverage Map | • Apply online at https://www.assurancewireless.com/? OR • Apply over the phone by calling 1-888-898-4888. |
| EnTouch Wireless | • Some applicants may be Eligible for a Free Phone • Unlimited Text • 1,000 Minutes for Phone Calls • 100 MB of Data Coverage Map | • Apply online at https://www.entouchwireless.com/lifeline/apply-now OR • Apply by completing and mailing a paper application to: enTouch Wireless PO Box 37 Hiawatha, IA 52233 The paper application can be found at https://www.entouchwireless.com/pdf/enTouchCertProcess_LA.pdf |
| Q Link Wireless | • Unlimited Phone Calls and Text • 3 GB of Data Coverage Map | • Apply online at https://qlinkwireless.com/signup/g-6-717/ |
| SafeLink | • Unlimited Text • 350 Minutes for Phone Calls • 4.5 GB of Data | • Apply online at https://www.safelinkwireless.com/ OR • Apply over the phone by calling 1-800-723-3546. |
| TAG Mobile | • Unlimited Text • 1,000 Minutes for Phone Calls • 250 MB of Data Coverage Map | • Apply online at https://www.tagmobile.com/StatePages/Louisiana-Free-Lifeline-Phones |
| TruConnect | • Unlimited Text • 1,000 Minutes for Phone Calls • 250 MB of Data Coverage Map | • Apply online at https://www.truconnect.com/ |
| Access Wireless | • Unlimited Text • 1,000 Minutes for Phone Calls • 4.5 GB of Data Coverage Map | *Enrolling for this program can take weeks, since you have to submit two different applications. • In order to apply for this provider, you must first complete and mail in a paper application to: USAC, Lifeline Support Center P.O. Box 7081, London, KY 40742 The paper application can be found here: https://www.usac.org/wp-content/uploads/lifeline/documents/forms/LI_Application_NVstates.pdf It can take up to 45 days for your application to be processed. • After your USAC Lifeline application is approved, you can enroll with Access Wireless online at: https://www.accesswireless.com/lifeline/enroll |
| Standup Wireless | • Unlimited Text • 1,000 Minutes for Phone Calls • 4.5 GB of Data (but changing for everyone on February 28, 2021 to only 100 MB of Data. Those already on can keep the higher amount for $10/month) Coverage Map | Apply online at https://standupwireless.com/apply-now/ |