Oregon is a northwestern state that is bordered by California, Washington, Idaho, and Nevada. The state is well-known for its popular beaches, forests, and mountains. Some of the major industries in Oregon include: tourism, business services, technology, food and beverages, and forest and wood products.

More than 4 million people live in Oregon. Unfortunately more than 7% of Oregon’s residents have with low income and may struggle to pay their bills. The Lifeline benefit program may help by providing qualified Oregon residents with free government cell phone service.

What is Lifeline Oregon Free Government Cell Phone Service?

The Lifeline program is a government benefit assistance program that provides eligible people in America with free cell phone service. It is a monthly benefit also available to all eligible Oregon residents.

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

Free cell phone service for Oregon residents is distributed by approved providers of Lifeline. In order to receive free government cell phone service, Oregon residents must sign up with a Lifeline service provider.

Why Oregon Residents Should Get Free Cell Phone Service

Lifeline is a successful government program that is available for all eligible people who apply. Millions of Americans already have free cell phone service. Lifeline helps low income people with staying connected to family, friends, work, and medical services.

Having cell phone service allows Oregon residents to look for employment opportunities on their own cell phone, or access emergency services. Being able to stay connected is important to all Oregon residents, regardless of their income.

Lifeline Cell Phone Service Eligibility Requirements in Oregon

If you’re an Oregon resident and currently participate in a government program, or you have low income, then you may be eligible for free government cell phone service.

First, you may be eligible for free cell phone service if you currently participate in a government program such as Medicaid or Food Stamps (see below for most other programs). Qualifying government programs vary by state, but below are the most common government assistance programs that will qualify you for Lifeline 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)

If you don’t participate in a government program, then you may qualify for Lifeline in Oregon if you have low income. If your total yearly household income is at or below Oregon’s Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you may be eligible for Lifeline. See Oregon’s Federal Poverty Guidelines here.

How to Apply for Free Government Cell Phone Service in Oregon

Before applying for free government cell phone service in Oregon, is must choose your Lifeline provider. You should do some research before deciding which Lifeline provider you want to apply with.

You should take the time to select the right Lifeline provider for you. Lifeline providers typically offer different cell phone service plans, so take the time to research providers before applying. 

Free Cell Phone Providers in Oregon

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

• Q Link Wireless
• Safelink Wireless
• Assurance Wireless

Once you have chosen your Lifeline provider, you can sign up immediate. The best way to apply is online through your chosen provider’s website.

The online application is different for all Lifeline service providers, but the process usually involves the five 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 signup is approved, your Lifeline service provider will set up your free government cell phone service!