Free Government Cell Phones

Free Government Phones. The government’s Lifeline Assistance Program gives free cell phones and monthly service to those living in the U.S. and needs financial help. There are dozens of regional and national free government phone companies in each state who provide free and affordable cell phone service and minutes, and smartphones, to low-income consumers.  The free phone program offers phones from providers like Safelink Wireless, Qlink Wireless, and Assurance Wireless.  Have you ever had a neighbor knock on your door to use your phone, or to use your number as a contact for a job?  Poverty is a sad reality for many people living all around us.   

Free Government Phones & Providers

Today the Lifeline program provides affordable phone service nationwide and includes cell phones and discount Internet services. Unbelievable as it may seem, many families still do not have computers or the Internet. You can find free government cell phones and providers in every state and US  Territory.  Qualification varies slightly from state to state, but financial eligibility is pretty standard throughout the U.S.  You must receive assistance from federal programs such as WIC,  (Food Stamps) Medicaid, Section 8 or SSI.  You also qualify if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines

You can find  providers in  Alabama,  Arizona, Arkansas, Connecticut, DC,  Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin.  

The Lifeline Assistance Program

The Lifeline is a federal government-mandate program that helps low-income consumers with free phone service.  Lifeline sponsored companies in the U.S.  help low-income families stay connected.  See how easy it is to apply and qualify for a cell phone, and even Smartphone and data depending on the provider.  Lifeline is the FCC’s program that helps low-income individuals and families with affordable landline and cell phone service.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is funded by taxes charged on all telephone bills (Universal Service Fund).  The program began as a way to assist the impoverished and rural communities with affordable phone service.  Forty-eight percent of Americans make under $25,000 a year and don’t have the Internet.  There is no getting around it access to broadband is a necessary resource for everyone.

How to Apply for the Lifeline Free Government Phone and Service Program

Today many families participate in Lifeline program and receive cellular phone service courtesy of the U.S. government.   If you receive government benefits,   you may qualify for a free cell phone plan. Are you are working?  Check US Poverty Guideline to see if you are eligible. These benefits are available to anyone who qualifies financially.

Rules and Regulations for Lifeline Assistance

• Must provide proof of financial eligibility.
• Only one household at a time can participate in the program.
• Participants must live in areas where government companies operate
• Enrollees must recertify eligibility every year or lose your service
• You must also inform you provider within 30 days of any change in income or address

How to Get a Free Government Cell Phone and Free Service

There are free providers in every state, but every provider is not in every state.  Check out our providers listing to find a  cell phone provider near you.  Find a phone company in your city, that offers free cell phone plans.  You can register online, or download an application and fax or email it to the company, with proof you are eligible.

Policy rules vary, depending on the phone provider, and your state.  But all will provide you with a cell phone, free minutes or more, text messaging, call waiting, voice mail, long distance, and a charger.  Some free government cell phones are a newer model  (provider list here)  Every provider gives a free phone.  Many companies now provide free Smartphone with unlimited talk and text and free Data.

You qualify if you receive,

• Medicaid
• Food Stamps (SNAP)
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families  (TANF)
• Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• The National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program.

You qualify if you receive help from,

• Head Start
• Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
• Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
• Food Distribution Program located on Indian Reservations

Documents you Neet to Present to Qualify

• Must provide proof of financial eligibility
• Only one household at a time can participate in the program.
• Participants must live in areas where government companies operate
• Enrollees must recertify eligibility every year or lose your service
• You must also inform you provider within 30 days of any change in income or address

Qualification varies slightly from state to state, but financial eligibility is pretty standard throughout the U.S.  You must receive assistance from federal programs such as WIC,  (Food Stamps) Medicaid, Section 8 or SSI.  You also qualify if your income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Find out if you are eligible here.

UPDATE:  Because of issues of fraud, you are now required to provide proof of income or enrollment in an assistance program. To prove eligibility, present one  of the following documents when applying:

• Recent Federal Tax Return (W-2 Forms)
• A letter from Unemployment
• Workman’s Compensation letter
• Payroll statements or current check stubs from your job
• Documents from the following: Department of Social Services or SNAPS, Veteran’s Administration, Social
• Security Benefits.

Find out what cellular phone service and other programs, are available to help you during this difficult financial season.