According to a “Report On Poverty” produced by the good people at Oregon Housing and Community Services, the Emerald State’s poverty rate is 14%. While that may be slightly better than the official national average, it should still alarm one and all.
The report also notes that 22% of all children under the age of 18 and 11% of Oregonians over 65 live in poverty.
And, finally, according to the Portland Business Journal, the state’s unemployment rate is stuck at 8.4% (December, 20123). That’s better than the 9.0% rate a year earlier, but still nothing to celebrate.
The bottom line for us is that a huge percentage of Beaver State residents desperately need the kind of help they can get from the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone program.
We’re not sure why it took so long for a phone company to offer the program in Oregon nor why it took so long for the state to approve it, but what’s past is past. The program is now up and running and if you can meet the simple requirements, you can qualify for your own free phone.
Free Cell Phone Providers in Oregon:
Here’s where you can get one in Oregon. Just two companies, but there are two of the biggest, Make sure to check both out and compare their similar, yet different plans:
Assurance Wireless
Safelink Wireless
Lifeline Discount Companies in Oregon
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 Oregon:
AT&T Mobility
T-Mobile
U.S. Cellular
Lifeline Cell Phone Eligibility in Oregon:
You are eligible if you receive benefits from any of these programs in Oregon:
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 Oregon, you may also qualify if your Total Household Income is at or under 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.