You probably know that having a cell phone is not cheap. Costs can run anywhere from 50 to more than 100 per month depending on your plan. These high costs prohibit many less financially inclined people from owing a cell phone.

Even though cell phones are expensive, most people own one. This is because cell phones make life more convenient. Not only can it make life more convenient, but it comes in real handy when there is an emergency. Due to its usefulness during an emergency, the government feels that people living in poverty should have a free cell phone.

Free phones are for people that are considered to be living in poverty and therefore your household income is used to determine whether you get a phone or not. You can determine your eligibility by whether or not you are receiving other government assistance. If so, then you get a free phone.

Along with a free phone, you also get free minutes. But you do not get much free minutes. Usually it comes out to an hour per month depending on where you live.

There is no limit as to the length of time you can participate in the free phone program. But in order to continue participating in the program every year, you have to show proof of your household income. If it is not below 125% of the poverty line, then you are out of the program

Get in contact with a service provider in your state. Some states might not have the program yet. You can check to see if your state the program by going to the service providers website and entering your zip code.

Get the applications that you will need to fill out and apply for the cell phone. When you send your application, the service provider will need to see your supporting documentation showing your household income.

When using the phone, make sure you do not use up all your minutes before the end of the month. If you have no minutes and the time comes when you really need it for emergency, you will regret using up all your minutes.

Jimmy Chu has helped numerous people find free government cell phone. For more information on this program, please go to his website.