Idaho was the 43rd state when it was admitted to the Union way back in 1890. And now, coincidentally, it’s the 43rd state to participate in the free government cell phone program (the District of Columbia and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico also participate).
It’s about time, because this program offers tremendous benefits for low-income Americans and Idaho’s poverty rate is higher than the national average.
According to estimates compiled in 2010 (based on a combination of data from the American Community Survey, federal tax information, records on food assistance participation, Census statistics and annual population estimates), 15.8 percent of Idahoans live in poverty compared to 15.3 percent nationally.
One of the leading free government cell phone providers estimates that 50,000 Idaho residents are currently unemployed and that 200,000 live below the official federal government poverty guideline.
Crunch those numbers as often as you want and in any way you want, because the result is the same: Far too many Gem State residents are hurting financially and can really use help from the free government cell phone program.
With a free government cell phone, you can reach out to and stay in touch with potential employers. You can contact medical professionals to keep your family healthy. You can communicate with your kids and parents and keep them safe. And you can call 911 in case of emergency.
From Bonners Ferry in the north to Preston in the south, from Montpelier in the east to Fruitland in the west, a lot of people are going to be happy that the free government cell phone program has come to Idaho.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Idaho:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Idaho. They all offer different plans with different numbers of minutes, different refill options, and serve different geographic areas. So click through them all and find the plan that’s best for you.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit.
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Lifeline Discount Companies in Idaho
If you qualify for Lifeline Assistance, but you find that none of the companies offer free government cell phones where you live, you have another option. The companies below, while not offering free cell phone plans, do offer substantial Lifeline discounts off their regular mobile phone plans in Idaho:
ATT Mobility
T-Mobile
Lifeline Mobile Phone Eligibility in Idaho:
You are eligible if you receive Lifeline Assistance benefits from any of these programs in Idaho:
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
Medicaid
Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
Veterans Pension and Survivor’s Benefit.
Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
You may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.