On one hand, Illinois is an economic powerhouse: Its 2010 total gross state product was fifth in the nation. The 2010 per capita income was $41,411.
On the other hand, the state is in dire financial condition despite its size. For too many years, the Land of Lincoln has spent far beyond its means which has caused even greater problems for its residents as the national economy has slowed.
The state has attempted to solve its budget deficit by raising corporate taxes, which has caused companies to leave the state, making the unemployment situation even worse.
Luckily, the Lifeline phone service program is here to help the unemployed and other financially disadvantaged people to get a free cell phone from the government. When you have a free cell phone and free minutes, it makes it a lot easier to contact prospective employers and land the job you need.
And you have two main choices from which to get your Lifeline phone. We’re still waiting for the third major company in this space, Assurance Wireless, to enter the market; they will eventually. And you’ll also see that their is a smaller companies that offers the cell phones as well.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Illinois:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Illinois. 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.
Access Wireless
American Assistance
Life Wireless
Safelink Wireless
Yourtel Wireless
Lifeline Discount Companies in Illinois
If you qualify for Lifeline Assistance, but since California is such a big state, you may find that none of the companies offer free government cell phones where you live. But no need to despair, since 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 Illinois:
U.S. Cellular
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Illinois:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Illinois:
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 in Illinois if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.