The University of North Carolina student newspaper recently said, “Right now, Republicans and Democrats can both agree that economic problems in North Carolina are gushing. The worst recession since the Great Depression has caused North Carolina to make drastic spending cuts, but the budget is still far from balanced.”
The Tar Heel State’s unemployment rate dropped to a stunning 9.5%, but has since recovered. But still, a large number of people still need help as they are underemployed or even unemployed.
If you live in the state of North Carolina, you have some choices for getting a free government cell phone and service.
Free Cell Phone Providers in North Carolina:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in North 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
Safelink Wireless
Lifeline Discount Companies in North Carolina
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 North Carolina:
T-Mobile
U.S. Cellular
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in North Carolina:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in North Carolina:
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 North Carolina, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.