It’s not free, but it’s only $1, and you get 1,000 minutes or texts.
There’s a famous black and white Depression era photograph that symbolizes Oklahoma in a lot of people’s minds – a poverty-stricken family with all their worldly possessions packed atop their car as they leave the Sooner State behind and head for better times in California.
Oklahoma has come a long way in the last 80 years, but that photograph still hits far too close to home for too many of the state’s residents.
An article in the Tulsa World said, “In fact, if anything, the consequences of poverty are growing worse in Oklahoma. Consider this shocking statistic: Currently about a third of Oklahoma’s population is receiving government assistance for food or health care. And that figure is expected to grow in the coming year.”
A large percentage of Sooner state families and individuals are facing terrible hardships in today’s shaky economy. Sadly, the number of Oklahoma residents who have turned to public assistance is at historic highs.
There have been several rounds of state budget cuts and now the specter of federal budget cuts looms large. Financial security is now a distant memory for many families.
The Department of Human Services, the U.S. Census Bureau, the Oklahoma Institute for Child Advocacy and the Oklahoma Policy Institute all warn that poverty is at a crisis level in the state.
Consider this: Oklahoma’s poverty rate of 15.7% compared to the national average of 13.2%. And we’re sad to report that the official poverty rate for children in the state is a shocking 22%.
The Tulsa World says, “More than 30 percent of Oklahoma African-Americans are poor by the 2009 federal standard; nearly 22 percent of Indians, and nearly 29 percent of Hispanics.“ Unfortunately, a third of Oklahomans are now on food stamps or Medicaid. The number of Oklahomans on food stamps has grown more than 62% since 2002. Medicaid enrollment has grown by 43% since 2002.
There is a ray of sunlight, however. The Lifeline free cell phones from the government program has now come to Oklahoma and those citizens who need it most can now benefit from this fine program.
Unlike most other states, Oklahoma chose not to allow the Lifeline free cell phone program to be absolutely free, but requires some payment, we suppose so that the phone recipient has “skin in the game.” But here’s the good news: for only $1 you get a very generous 1,000 minutes or 1,000 texts! We’ll take that over 250 free minutes anytime.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Oklahoma:
Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phones in Oklahoma. 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.
Assist Wireless
Blue Jay Wireless
Budget Mobile
Easy Wireless
enTouch Wireless
Feel Safe Wireless
Infiniti Mobile
Life Wireless
Q Link Wireless
Reachout Wireless
Sprocket Wireless
Tag Mobile
Terracom Wireless
True Wireless
Yourtel Wireless
Lifeline Discount Companies in Oklahoma
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 Oklahoma:
Epic Touch/EpicPCS
U.S. Cellular
How to Qualify for a Lifeline Phone in Oklahoma
You may be eligible if you receive benefits from any of the following 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 Guidelines