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Free and Low Cost Phones and Internet in Oregon: Oregon Lifeline and Libraries

How to get a phone or internet discount with Oregon Lifeline, apply for free wireless service, use free Wi Fi at libraries, and find help near you with 211.

Need help tonight?

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Start here

Hi friend. A working phone helps you reach shelters, jobs and doctors. Oregon has programs that lower the cost of phone and internet for people with low incomes.

Oregon Lifeline Access Wireless Dial 211

Quick answers

What is Oregon Lifeline?

Oregon Lifeline lowers the monthly cost of phone or high speed internet for low income households. The state lists discounts of up to $20.25 a month for phone and up to $24.25 a month for internet. You get one benefit per household, phone or internet, not both.

Official page: oregon.gov/puc/pages/oregon-lifeline.aspx

Who qualifies?

You must be at least 18 and either get SNAP or Medicaid, which needs no extra documents, or get another listed benefit such as SSI, or have household income at or below 135 percent of the federal poverty level. For a household of 1, that is $21,546 a year.

Official page: oregon.gov/puc/pages/oregon-lifeline.aspx

Can I get a free phone service?

Access Wireless offers free wireless service in Oregon. It gives 1,000 voice minutes, unlimited text and 4.5 GB of data, with a free SIM card. It no longer provides free phones, so you need an unlocked, compatible smartphone. Apply at accesswireless.com or call 888 900 5899. Expect three to four weeks after you apply.

Official page: oregon.gov/puc/pages/free-service.aspx

Who do I call about Oregon Lifeline?

Call the Oregon Public Utility Commission at 800 848 4442, Monday to Friday, 9 am to 4 pm. For the national Lifeline program, call 800 234 9473.

Official page: oregon.gov/puc/pages/oregon-lifeline.aspx

Where can I use free Wi Fi?

Multnomah County Library has free Wi Fi at all locations, on the network Library_WiFi, with no password. People 13 and older with a valid library card can check out Chromebooks to use inside. The State Library of Oregon has a map to find libraries in other places.

Official page: multcolib.org/wi-fi

Your next steps

Tick each one as you go. Your ticks stay on this phone only.

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Check if you get SNAP or Medicaid. That is the easiest way to qualify.
Choose the free wireless application or the discount application at the Oregon PUC site.
Bring an unlocked phone if you pick free wireless.
Use library Wi Fi while you wait.

All done. You are ready, friend.

Bunkly tip: if someone else at your address already gets Lifeline and you don't share income and expenses, include a Household Worksheet with your application.