The Buckeye State’s unemployment rate is even higher than the national average. When a recent Ohio newspaper poll asked the question “Are you worried about losing your job,” a remarkable 41% answered that they were already retired or unemployed.
Obviously, the state’s unemployment rate isn’t that high, but it does indicate how widespread the problem is in the Buckeye State. And it shows that there are a lot of Ohioans who can benefit from the Lifeline phone service program.
Luckily, Lifeline is available to provide free cell phones and free minutes to the state’s residents.
In May 2011, Ohio accepted Assurance Wireless into the state, and soon Safelink Wireless followed. Now, Ohio residents have a number of Lifeline providers to choose from. Call several of them and see what types of phones they offer, and ask about texting charges and rollover minutes — the plans may differ slightly.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Ohio:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Ohio. 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
Assurance Wireless
Budget Mobile
EnTouch Wireless
FeelSafe Wireless
i-Wireless
Life Wireless
Q Link Wireless
Reachout Wireless
Safelink Wireless
Standup Wireless
Tempo Communications
Lifeline Discount Companies in Kentucky
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 Kentucky:
ATT Mobility
T-Mobile
U.S. Cellular
Ohio Lifeline Eligibility
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Ohio:
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 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.