A recent Gallup survey measured the Economic Confidence Index in every state and showed that the state of Iowa felt better about the future than the citizens of any other state.
The survey asked about both national economic conditions as well as local economic conditions – including things like hiring activity in their workplace.
Despite the fact that Iowans are relatively upbeat about the future, there are tens of thousands of people in the state who are having financial trouble right now. The state’s unemployment rate is good compared to the rest of the country, but still hovers around the 6% level.
But there’s good news for needy Iowans. You may qualify for a free cell phone and free monthly minutes. There are three providers of these phones in Iowa, but one it’s the fastest growing company, backed by Sprint/Nextel’s Virgin Mobile and Budget Mobile is expanding rapidly.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Iowa:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Iowa. 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
Assurance Wireless
Budget Mobile
EnTouch Wireless
Life Wireless
Q Link Wireless
Safelink Wireless
Standup Wireless
Tag Mobile
Terracom Wireless
Tempo Communications
Total Call Mobile
Lifeline Discount Companies in Iowa
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 Iowa:
iWireless (Iowa Wireless Services)
U.S. Cellular
Verizon Wireless
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Iowa:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Iowa:
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)
In Iowa, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.