Minnesota Free Government Cell Phone Service Guide
Minnesota is a midwestern state that neighbors Canada and Lake Superior, the largest Great Lakes in the United States. Minnesota is known for its natural beauty, and is home to waterways, hiking trails, wilderness, and historic sites.
Some of the major industries in Minnesota include: manufacturing, mining, agriculture, and fishing. However, about 10% of people living in Minnesota are low income, and struggle with paying their monthly bills.
The government benefit program called Lifeline can help Minnesota residents with their cell phone bill. More specifically, Lifeline provides qualified Americans with free government cell phone service. This program also helps qualified Minnesota residents stay connected.
What is Lifeline Minnesota Free Government Cell Phone Service?
Lifeline a government benefit program that provides eligible Americans free government cell phone service.
The program started in the 1980s by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the federal government to provide low income Americans with telecommunications services. Lifeline originally only provided discounted or free landline services. In the 2000s, Lifeline was updated by the federal government to include cell phone services.
In order to receive free government cell phone service, Minnesota residents must apply with an approved Lifeline service provider. If their application is approved, Minnesota residents will receive free government cell phone service from their chosen provider.
Why Minnesota Residents Should Get Free Cell Phone Service
Lifeline is a successful government assistance program that is available for all qualified Americans. Millions of Americans already enjoy free cell phone service. Lifeline helps low income people to stay connected to their family, friends, work, and medical services.
Having cell phone service also allows Minnesotans to look for employment opportunities on their own cell phone, and to access essential 911 emergency services. Being able to stay connected is very important to all Minnesota residents, regardless of their income.
Lifeline Cell Phone Service Eligibility Requirements in Minnesota
If you live in Minnesota and already participate in a government program, or you currently have low income, then you should be eligible for free government cell phone service.
You may be qualified for free cell phone service if you currently participate in a government assistance program including Medicaid and Food Stamps (see below for other programs). Government assistant programs may vary by state, but below are the most popular government programs that will automatically qualify you for Lifeline 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 be eligible for free government cell phone service in Minnesota if you have low household income. If your household income is at or below Minnesota’s Federal Poverty Guidelines, then you may qualify for the Lifeline program. See Minnesota’s Federal Poverty Guidelines here.
How to Apply for Free Government Cell Phone Service in Minnesota
The first thing you should do before applying for free government phone service in Minnesota, is choose your Lifeline provider. We recommend you research some of the Lifeline providers in your area before signing up for service.
Again, take the time to choose the right Lifeline service provider for you. Lifeline providers offer different cell phone plans, so take the time to research providers before applying.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Minnesota
Below are three popular Lifeline free government cell phone service providers in Minnesota. While all providers below offer distinct plans with minutes and data, all of these providers are reliable.
- Q Link Wireless
- Safelink Wireless
- Assurance Wireless
Once you have decided your Lifeline provider, you can sign up immediately. The fastest way to apply for Lifeline is online through your chosen provider’s website.
The online application is different for every Lifeline service provider, however, the process usually involves the five steps below:
- Enter personal information, such as your name and address.
- Enter information that proves your identity (usually your SSN).
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Sign Up for Free Government Cell Phone Service!
Do you qualify for free cell phone service? You can claim your free government cell phone service in just minutes. Simply click below to apply online for Lifeline!