The employment situation is not improving much, and there are far too many unemployed, underemployed and unfortunate in the Bay State.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, unemployment peaked in January 2010 at 306,457. That number has eased in the last couple of years and now sits at a still unacceptable 265,588 (as of May, 2011).
For those of you who find yourself out of work and out of options, Lifeline phone service comes to the rescue. Now you can get a free cell phone and free minutes every month at no charge, thanks to the government’s Lifeline program.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Massachusetts:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Massachusetts. 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.
Assurance Wireless
Safelink Wireless
Standup Wireless
Budget Mobile
Lifeline Discount Companies in Massachusetts
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 Massachusetts:
T-Mobile
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Massachusetts:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Massachusetts:
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.