New York, which had the nation’s largest, most powerful economy just a few decades ago, recently fell into third place behind Texas. Manufacturing has declined, taxes have increased and businesses are leaving the state as fast as they can build headquarters elsewhere.
They leave behind more unemployed and more underemployed Empire Staters. In other words, more people eligible for the Lifeline free cell phone and free minutes program.
Free Cell Phone Providers in New York:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in New York. 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
Safelink Wireless
Lifeline Discount Companies in New York
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 New York:
T-Mobile
Verizon Wireless
Free or Discounted Lifeline Mobile Phone Eligibility in New York:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in New York:
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 New York, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.