The state government’s website proudly proclaims, “Maryland’s economy continues to outperform the country as a whole. Information technology, telecommunications, and aerospace and defense are leading forces behind Maryland’s economic growth. In the biotechnology area, Maryland is a noted leader and is at the center in the mapping of the human genome and commercial applications that result from its research.”
But those boasts don’t put meals on the table for the unfortunate and unemployed in the Old Line State.
The good news in Maryland has a vast number of both major and minor Lifeline cell phone companies that do business in the state, giving you a plethora of options for getting free government cell phones and minutes.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Maryland:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Maryland. 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
Assist Wireless
Assurance Wireless
Budget Mobile
Cintex Wireless
Conexion Wireless * may be out of buisness
EnTouch Wireless
Life Wireless
Q Link Wireless
Safelink Wireless
StandUp Wireless
Tag Mobile
Tempo Communications
Terracom Wireless
True Wireless
US Connect
Lifeline Discount Companies in Maryland
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 Maryland:
T-Mobile
Total Call Mobile
U.S. Connect
Eligibility Guidelines for Maryland Lifeline Service
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Maryland:
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)
Plus, you may be eligible under these state programs, until the new federal laws make them ineligible win 2017:
Maryland Energy Assistance Program
Medical Assistance
Public Assistance to Adults
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
Supplemental Security Income
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
Temporary Cash Assistance
Temporary Disability Assistance Program
You may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.