West Virginia is an eastern state in the Appalachian Mountains. It is known for its beautiful mountains, wilderness areas, and rivers, and is a great state for outdoor adventures.

Some of West Virginia’s industries include: biotech, energy, chemicals, aerospace, and automotive. However, 16% of West Virginia’s residents struggle with having low income.

West Virginia residents who have low income may have to pick and choose which bills they can pay every month. However, the Lifeline government benefit program can help West Virginia residents with their cell phone bill.

The Lifeline benefit program provides qualified Americans free government cell phone service. This program helps qualified West Virginia residents stay connected to their world.

What is Lifeline West Virginia Free Government Cell Phone Service?

The Lifeline program is a government benefit program that provides eligible Americans free government cell phone service. It is a monthly service benefit available to all eligible West Virginia residents.

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

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

Why West Virginia Residents Should Get Free Cell Phone Service

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

Having cell phone service allows West Virginia 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 West Virginia residents, regardless of income.

Lifeline Cell Phone Service Eligibility Requirements in West Virginia

If you live in West Virginia and already participate in a government assistance program, or you have low income, then you should be eligible for free cell phone service.

You may be eligible for free government cell phone service if you already participate in a government program such as Medicaid and Food Stamps (see below for other programs). Specific government assistant programs vary by state, but these are the most common government assistance programs that will also qualify you for Lifeline free 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 qualify for free cell phone service in West Virginia if you have low income. Typically, if your total household income is at or below your state’s Federal Poverty Guidelines (varies by state), then you may qualify for Lifeline. See West Virginia’s Federal Poverty Guidelines here.

How to Apply for Free Government Cell Phone Service in West Virginia

The first step you should do when applying for free cell phone service in West Virginia, is to choose your Lifeline service provider. We recommend you do some research before deciding which Lifeline provider you want to use.

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

Free Cell Phone Providers in West Virginia

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

• • Q Link Wireless

• • Safelink Wireless

• • Assurance Wireless

Once you have decided 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 government service provider, but the process usually involves the steps below:

1. 1. Enter personal information, such as your name and address.

1. 1. Enter information that proves your identity (usually your SSN).

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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.

1. 1. 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 help with setting up your free government cell phone service!