The Employers Association of South Carolina has good news and bad news:
“South Carolina’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate increased from 9.8 percent in April to 10. 0 percent in May, similar to the national rate increase from 9.0 percent in April to 9.1 percent in May.
They also say that a slight increase in unemployment is common at this time of year, but seasonal fluctuations don’t make unemployment any easier on the unemployed.
But here’s something that might ease the strain they face: free cell phones and free monthly minutes.
Free Cell Phone Providers in South Carolina:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in South Carolina. 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
Blue Jay Wireless
Budget Mobile
ClearTalk Wireless
enTouch Wireless
Feel Safe Wireless
Life Wireless
Q Link Wireless
Safelink Wireless
StandUp Wireless
Tag Mobile
Tempo Communications
How to Qualify in South Carolina for a free Lifeline cell phone
You qualify for a free government cell phone, through the Lifeline Assistance program, if you participate in any of the following government assistance programs:
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 Guideline for South Carolina