How to Qualify for Assurance Wireless Free Cell Phone Program

1. Determine if you live in an area covered by the Assurance Wireless program. As of July, 2010, Assurance Wireless is available in Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. If you live in one of these states, visit the Assurance Wireless website to make sure that coverage is available in your zip code.
2. Compare your income to the federal poverty guidelines provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. To qualify your income must be at or below 135 percent or 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. The percentage varies by state. For example, if you live in Louisiana, New York, North Carolina, Tennessee or Virginia your income must be at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Florida, Michigan and Texas residents, however, must have an income that is at or below 150 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Maryland residents do not have a federal poverty guideline income requirement.
3. Participate in one of the government assistance programs. If you participate in government assistance programs such as Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance, Section 8 or any of the other available government programs, you may automatically qualify to participate in the Assurance Wireless cell phone program.
4. Provide a valid mailing address. This is the address to which Assurance Wireless will mail the cell phone.
5. Opt out of any other Lifeline program. You may not participate in more than one Lifeline program. If you get your land line through another Lifeline program, you cannot participate in the Assurance Wireless program. Similarly, programs such as SafeLink (another wireless program for low income individuals) will also prevent you from joining the program.