Despite having a luxurious nickname called Natural State, you will be surprised to know that Arkansas, even with its diverse regions, is in fact, one of the poorest states in America. Shocking, isn’t it?
A baffling 19% of Arkansans live in poverty, meaning approximately 540,000 or more of them qualify and consider government aid programs such as the Lifeline assistance program.
What might that be?
The Lifeline assistance program is a support program from the government that provides free phones in Arkansas to those in desperate need. Yes, that’s right, free phones.
Poverty, as unfortunate as it sounds, is almost rampant in Arkansas. With meagre annual income and a terrible excuse for living, these people don’t live good lives. Along with other steps taken and being taken for their support, one of the most glaring is Lifeline, the Federal Communications Commission’ Program that lowers the monthly cost of phone and internet along with free phone providers as mentioned above. Many companies work as Lifeline assistance programs in each state, including Arkansas, just to let you live an easier life. Freephone providers are all over the place!
Too good to be true?
It’s only natural that you are now very encouraged to apply for that Government free phones in Arkansas you’ve been dreaming about, but, this program is not for everyone. Everyone requires a source of personal communication in this modern-day world. No one can imagine a life without a cell phone in hand but, unfortunately, not everyone can afford what they need.
So who qualifies for this program, and what formalities do they require undergoing? How can one apply for this ridiculously kind aid from the government? To that in a minute. First, shouldn’t we be wondering about this eligibility that’s inevitable to face? That’s right. The free cell phone service is not viable for everyone and is strictly bordered within criteria given by the government itself. First up, let’s take a look at the income-based eligibility chart just for your convenience!
Income-based Eligibility | |
Household size (number of family members) | Annual Income |
1 | $17,226 |
2 | $23, 274 |
3 | $29,322 |
4 | $35,370 |
5 | $41,418 |
6 | $47,466 |
7 | $53,514 |
8 | $59,562 |
For each additional person, add $6,048 |
Furthermore, you’re also eligible for this free phone support if you are a participant for any of the following government-paid programs:
- Medicaid
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section-8)
- Veteran’s Pension and Survivor’s Benefit
- Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
- Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
- Food Distribution Program of Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
Now that that’s clear, taking you are eligible for this absolutely fabulous free service program, you are probably scheming to contact a Lifeline assistance program, apply for your free phone and simply wait for the delivery. Simple enough, right? Yes, but we are dropping out one major factor in here, peeps! How do you prove your eligibility?
No matter if you’re contacting companies like Assist Wireless or Assurance Wireless or any other Lifeline free phone providers and applying for a cell phone or landline (yes, you can also get landlines), you must submit evidence of your qualification. How do we do that again?
If you are claiming income-based eligibility, you must self-certify your total household income and total household members, under penalty of perjury. Customers must present valid documentation of income which can be any one of the ones listed below:
- An unemployment/work man’s compensation statement of benefits
- A paycheck stub or your current income statement from an employer
- Last year’s state, federal or tribal tax return
- A social security statement of benefits
- Federal or tribal notice letter of participation in General Assistance
- Veteran’s administration of benefits
- A divorce decree, child support, or other official documents
- Retirement/pension statement of benefits
If you are claiming state or federal program based eligibility or housing assistance (as listed before), in this case, similarly, you will need to self-certify, under penalty of perjury, your participation in one of the programs listed for your specific state (in this case Arkansas). You might also need to submit documentation of your participation in the program. This depends on your state and what company you are vouching for.
Clear enough? Let’s go through the application procedure, shall we?
Say you want to pick up a cell phone/smartphone/landline. The first step is to, if you are eligible, find the companies in Arkansas that provide the free phone service. When you search, you’ll find that there are numerous of those companies providing what you are asking for, each having their own proposals and offers as per their respective rules. Doubtlessly, you want to find the company that matches your needs exactly as you require. For this, put a little effort for your own good.
You must check the various offers each company provides, collect a fair idea about the customer service and be sure to peek a little on the reviews of that specific company of your choice.
This is only to make your life easier because who would want to regret having what they dreamed of having once upon a time?
Moving on, say you’ve found the company of your choice. But did you think about this: are you eligible according to the company’s rules? Check the specific eligibility requirements for your state (Arkansas, here) and that company to make sure you obtain what you are asking for.
Now that that’s taken care of, all you need to do is visit the company’s website, click on the ‘Apply’ button that will take you to the application form, and follow accordingly. Normally, this procedure doesn’t take more than 2-3 or 5 minutes at best. The application will require you to enter a few personal pieces of information, reasonably, which will comprise your name, your address, why you qualify and the last number of your social security number.
Coming up, submit your application and wait for the company to verify documentation and notify you when it’s done. When approved, you should receive your phone in about ten business days.
In respect to all of this, however, you mustn’t overlook the one vital rule: each household only receives one free phone. If they find out you’re neglecting this rule, they will remove you from the program and ban you for further applications.
Keep that in mind, buddy!
Now that we are ready with asking for your desired free phone, let’s look for a suitable company.
Government Free Phones Companies in Arkansas
In Arkansas, you’ll find a plethora of free phone service provider companies everywhere. They have taken the Lifeline assistance program seriously just for your convenience! So let’s take a look at some of those companies listed below:
Access Wireless in Arkansas
Providing service in various states (including Arkansas), Access Wireless is one of the rising stars in the Lifeline program. You can get up to 1000 free minutes, unlimited texts and 50 MB data, free caller ID, free call forwarding and what not! Although plans vary from state to state, the mentioned plans are for every state. With every offer, Access Wireless is one of the best Government free phones provider companies in Arkansas.
Assurance Wireless in Arkansas
Likewise, Assurance Wireless also provides you with that free smartphone and free talk, texts and 2GB data. Fair offer, isn’t it? Some of the phones you’ll probably get delivered are listed below:
- Kyocera
- LG
- Samsung
- Alcatel
- Assurance Wireless Virgin
Safelink in Arkansas
If you are a low-income resident, you can also receive a free phone service from this company with ease. With 250-1000 minutes a month and unlimited texting, a reasonable amount of data (according to your state), Safelink is one of the best Lifeline program Government free phones providers in Arkansas. Some of the phones they provide are:
- LG221c
- Samsung S425G
- Samsung S390G
- LG840G
- Samsung T330G
Assist Wireless in Arkansas
Likewise, the other Lifeline assistance programs, Assist Wireless is a quite reliable provider in the state of Arkansas and others. With a free cell phone, no cost minutes, 250 no cost messages per month, what more could you ask for! You can also buy cheap data packages and enjoy the whole round! Some of their phones are:
- Samsung
- LG
- HTC
- Unihertz
- L8Star Mini Small Mobile Cell Phone
Cintex Wireless in Arkansas
Small but strong, Cintex Wireless is the definition of that well-known phrase. Working in a few states (including Arkansas), it offers a tempting plan of over 1000 free minutes, unlimited texts and one free gig of data. Too good to be true! But totally authentic!
Heere are some of their phones:
- HTC
- Motorola
- LG
- Blackberry
- Nokia
Conexion Wireless in Arkansas
This company too, works as Lifeline assistance at only some states including Arkansas. They probably also provide a free cellphone, 250 free minutes, and more. Probably, because they don’t have much information on their websites so you might need to dig a little if you’re choosing them.
EnTouch Wireless in Arkansas
This, too, is one of the rising stars in the Lifeline program and you will enjoy everything the other companies offer. You can get 1000 minutes, unlimited texts and a sweet amount of data too! This is definitely one of the toppest recommend in this list! Below are given some of their phones:
- Motorola
- Samsung
- LG
- Kyocera
- ZTE
Life Wireless in Arkansas
Another one of the Lifeline assistance program phone providers is Life Wireless (state service included in Arkansas too). Although the plans depend on each state, you get to enjoy at least 500 voice minutes, unlimited texting, unlimited premium WiFi powered by Pass, etc. There are no roaming charges or hidden charges and you also get to go a bundle on 3-way free calling, call forwarding, and what not! Let’s take a look at some of their phones:
- Alcatel
- Blu advance
- LG
- Logic
- Nokia
Q-Link Wireless in Arkansas
This company is a major player in the Lifeline Assistance program. Their monthly offers include 1000 minutes of free talk, unlimited texting and 1 GB of free internet. Worth looking for? Oh, yes. No credit checks, no activation fees, definitely worth looking for!
Some of their phones are listed below:
- Alcatel
- Kyocera
- LG
- Blackberry
- HTC
StandUp Wireless in Arkansas
Perhaps not as well-known and flashy but their service is very much appreciated in their respective states. They assure proper service to low-income consumers and provide a reliable experience. Offers include 300+ free minutes, unlimited texts and 3GB of internet!
Some of the phones they provide are:
- Samsung
- Blu Advance
- Motorola
- Xiomi
- LTE
Terracom Wireless in Arkansas
Terracom Wireless is a nine-state Lifeline assistance program that also provides service in Arkansas. Plans and offers depend on your state, including reasonable free monthly minutes, not to mention the free phone, text messages, data plans, etc. They prefer you to have an online chat and talk about your state offers and what you need to receive full amenities. Some of their provided phones are:
- Kyocera
- Nokia
- Audiovox
- Samsung
- Motorola
True Wireless in Arkansas
With 1000 minutes, 1000+ texts and 2GB of data per month, what could you possibly ask for more? It’s fabulous how these companies are being so warm and generous towards their customers! Doubtlessly, low-income people will love these offers and it’s only natural to immediately go and apply! Phones provided by them aren’t given on the site, but you should probably expect Samsung, Motorola, Nokia, Blueberry, HTC, like the others.
U.S. Connect in Arkansas
Like the other companies, U.S. connect offers fairly good offers with 250+ minutes and 500+ texts but you might need to pay a few dollars for extra offers and data if you want it. But they also give you free caller ID, call forwarding, free 911, and customer services, reasonably.
Viaero Wireless in Arkansas
While not exactly free, they provide some pretty generous discounts and you can use them to your conveniences accordingly.
Moving on, if you want to apply for a phone (keeping in mind your eligibility), you can visit the website of your chosen company and fill up a form to receive your Government free phones in Arkansas as mentioned before. Customer care numbers are given in the websites so are the emails and phone details if you want to know. Contacting them online is the most efficient and less time-consuming way, but if you want to physically be there, you probably need to find the office of your chosen company and ask for instructions.
Overall, the Lifeline assistance program is a brilliant move and a very kind service from the American government. Needy ones are hugely benefited from the different offers provided by the different phone provider companies, and the plans are designed solely for the consumers’ convenience. Are you in need of a free phone and you’ve already discovered your eligibility? Then this program is just for you.