Connecticut is in the New England region of the United States and is the 29th most populous state in the nation. Connecticut is also one of the smallest state, with only two other states smaller in terms of area. The state was one of the original 13 colonies of America.

Some of the major industries in Connecticut includes: finance, insurance, real estate, healthcare, and engineering. Even though Connecticut has diverse industries, over 10% of its residents live with low income.

Connecticut residents who have low income may have to choose which bills they can pay every month. However, the Lifeline government program can help Connecticut residents with their cell phone bills.

The Lifeline program provides qualified Americans with free government cell phone service. Lifeline also helps qualified Connecticut residents stay wirelessly connected.

What is Lifeline Connecticut Free Government Cell Phone Service?

Lifeline is a government benefit program that provides eligible people living in America with free government cell phone service. It is a monthly benefit available to all qualified Connecticut residents.

The program began in the 1980s by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the federal government to help low income Americans stay connected. Lifeline originally only offered discounted or free landline communications services, but it was updated by the FCC in the 2000s to include wireless cell phone services.

Free cell phone service for Connecticut residents is distributed only by approved providers of Lifeline. In order to receive free government cell phone service, Connecticut residents must apply with an approved Lifeline provider. If their application is approved, they will receive free cell phone service via their chosen provider.

Why Connecticut Residents Should Get Free Cell Phone Service

Lifeline is a popular and successful government program that is available for all eligible people who apply for service. Millions of Americans already enjoy free government cell phone service. Lifeline allows low income people to stay connected to their family, friends, work, and medical services.

Having cell phone service allows Connecticut residents to look for employment opportunities on their own cell phone, and to use in case of 911 emergencies. Being able to stay connected is very important to all Connecticut residents.

Lifeline Cell Phone Service Eligibility Requirements in Connecticut

If you live in Connecticut and currently participate in a government assistance program, or you have low income, then you may be eligible for free cell phone service.

You may qualify for free cell phone service if you currently participate in a government program such as Medicaid and Food Stamps (see below for other programs). Specific government programs may vary by state, but these are the most popular government programs that will also qualify you for Lifeline free government cell phone service:

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, or food stamps)
• Supplemental Security income (SSI)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8 voucher)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
• National School Lunch Program (Free Lunch Program only)
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
• Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
• Most other government assistance programs (varies by state)

You may also qualify for free cell phone service in Connecticut if you have low income. Typically, if your total yearly household income is at or below your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines (varies by state), then you may qualify for Lifeline. See Connecticut’s Federal Poverty Guidelines here.

How to Apply for Free Government Cell Phone Service in Connecticut

The first thing you should before applying for free cell phone service in Connecticut, is to choose your Lifeline provider. We highly recommend you do research before deciding which Lifeline provider you want to sign up with.

Take the time to select the right Lifeline service provider for you and your household’s lifestyle. Lifeline service providers usually offer different service plans, so take the time to research your available providers before applying. 

Free Cell Phone Providers in Connecticut

Below are the three most popular Lifeline free cell phone service providers. While each provider below offers their own plans with minutes and data, all of these providers are reliable.

• Q Link Wireless
• Safelink Wireless
• Assurance Wireless

Once you have chosen your Lifeline service provider, you can sign up right away. The fastest and easiest way to apply is online through your provider’s website. You can also apply by filling out a paper application.

The online application is different for every Lifeline free service provider, but the application usually involves the steps below:

1. Enter personal information, such as your name and address.
2. Enter information that proves your identity (usually your SSN).
3. Select the government assistant program you currently participate in. If you do not currently participate in a government program, the application will then let you apply with low income.
4. Select the Lifeline service plan you want from the provider. Most providers offer more than one type of Lifeline service plan for you to choose from. If there is only one option, this step may not show up in the online application.
5. Submit proof document(s) that show you either participate in a government assistance program, or you have low income. Your Lifeline provider will help with providing the proof documentation. If you need help submitting documents, you should contact your Lifeline provider.

Once your application is approved, your Lifeline provider will set up your free government cell phone service!