Free cell phones unlimited talk & text. If you are looking for free cell phones, you will be happy to know you can get a free cell phone for no money down and no credit check! There are now dozens of Government phone providers that partner with the government to offer free and affordable services to low-income consumers.
If you need a little help, we will show you how to apply and qualify for this government benefit. Providers like Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless are some of the leading providers of free cell phone plans in the United States.
Contents
Free Cell Phones Unlimited Talk & Text
If you receive Lifeline phone services, contact your provider about this upgrade. We agree a free phone won’t stop financial difficulties but help deserving families who struggle. Lifeline government phones help low-income, elderly and disabled consumers with free cell phones & unlimited talk and text.
Cellular providers like Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless, and Reachout Wireless are leading providers of free cell phone plans. Lifeline provides communications service for hardworking, low-income families and those receiving government assistance. However, there are too many people, out of work or under-employed.
Lifeline Assistance
The government and several government providers have offered low-income families free cell phones and discount phone service. For years, Lifeline has helped needy households with discounts on service through Lifeline. Today, most people use cell phones rather than landlines, and the program has expanded to include cellphone service.
Lifeline has subsidized communication services for low-income Americans since 1985—lifeline along with the FCC financially disadvantaged consumers with free phones and service. Funding for the program comes from the Universal Service Fund fee, charged on all landline and portable services.
Low-Income Phone Cell Phones
In this economy, it is good to know someone provides reliable phone service to low-income families and those receiving government assistance. We are now seeing improvements in the economy, and companies are hiring again. We will show you how to qualify for a government cell phone, even if you work. Find out which free phone companies are in your state? Are you looking for no-cost cell phones?
There are now dozens of Lifeline phone providers offering free and affordable services to low-income consumers. In today’s economy, more are living at or below the federal level. It is not because they are lazy and not because they don’t want to work. More than 75% of low-income families have at least one family member working full-time. Unfortunately, many employers are not paying a living wage, and others are working in low-wage jobs.
Do I Qualify for a Free Cell Phone with Unlimited Talk & Text
Financial difficulties can happen to anyone. No one is exempt from financial problems. If you need help, we will tell you how to qualify for the Lifeline Assistance program. You may qualify for a free cell phone, even if you work. The program helps the elderly, unemployed, veterans, and disabled. Free government cell phone programs and phones are available in every state.
Funding for the program comes from the Universal Service Fund fee charged on your phone bill. If you receive government assistance or participating in a government poverty program, you may qualify for a government phone. You qualify for a government-subsidized phone if you receive,
- Food Stamps
- Medicaid
- Disability
- SSI
- Section 8 Housing
- WIC
- National Free Lunch Program
Find Free Cell Phones
Find a provider in your state that offers Lifeline assistance. You can register online, download an application, fax, or mail it to the company. Policy rules vary, depending on the provider and state.
UPDATE: Because of fraud issues, you are now required to provide proof of income or enrollment in an assistance program. To prove eligibility, provide one of the following documents when applying:
- A current Federal Tax Return (W-2 Forms)
- A letter from Unemployment/Workman’s Compensation
- A payroll statement or current check stubs from your job
- A Statement from the following: Department of Social Services or SNAPS, Veteran’s Administration, Social Security Benefits.
Find out what free cell phones and other programs are available to help you during this difficult financial season. Please, leave a comment or question about the free cell phones. We are a resource and glad you help you. Free government cell phones are available in all U.S. states.
You May Also Want to Read
How to Get Free Talk Text & Wifi
Free Talk Text Wifi. Free cell phones help millions in America every day. Have you ever wondered how do I get a free cell phone from the government?” Today the Lifeline phone program offers not only free cell phones but free talk, text & wifi. But now, you can get much more, depending on the cellular provider you choose.
You have access to phone upgrades to smartphones and even wi-fi access to choose from. Assurance Wireless, QLink Wireless, and SafeLink Wireless were the first phone companies working with the Lifeline program. Today countless cellular companies are hawking free government phones.
Contents
Which Companies Offer Free Cell Phones & Talk Text WiFi?
Let’s face it, free cell phones are big business for the phone companies, and to keep up with the demand and technology, companies are offering more. Guess what? You benefit from this competition! Find out here which of these companies offers Androids and Smartphones. All the phones are similar in appearance and features. Look for the providers operating in your state and compare companies. Basically, the decision is yours.
You may conveniently purchase more time, online, by phone, or by many convenient locations. All the phones are similar in appearance and features. Look for the providers operating in your state and compare companies. Basically, the decision is yours. You may conveniently purchase more time, online, by phone, or by many convenient locations.
These Phone Companies Offer WiFi Data Plans
- American Assistance
- Assurance Wireless (Android Smartphones)
- Tag Wireless
- TerrreCom Wireless
How to get a Free Talk Text Wifi
Different phone providers cover different states. Find out which phone companies cover your state. New providers are popping up everywhere. You can look at our cell phone providers list or go to the FCC website for more information. Check to see which providers are in your state. Once you locate a provider in your state, Google the company to see the reviews about the company.
Type in the name of the company followed by the word reviews. If you read many complaints, don’t get discouraged; go to the next provider on the list in your area. When you find a company you like, check out the different plans they offer, how many minutes, how to update, etc. Some companies have promotions and offer extra benefits to new applicants.
When you have decided, go to their website to find out the different ways to apply. You can usually apply online or by regular mail. When you apply for a free cell phone, it is required that you submit documents to prove you are eligible to receive a free cell phone.
After your application is approved or disapproved, you will receive an automatic phone call or an email followed by a letter. Receiving your phone should take from seven to ten days. Some have reported a longer waiting period. Your gross family income determines this or if you are presently receiving assistance from a government program.
You May Qualify for a Free Cell Phones with Free Talk, Text, Wifi
- You fall within or below federal poverty guidelines, you qualify.
- No one else in your home is receiving Lifeline phone service.
- You live in a state where the program is offered.
You may also qualify if you receive assistance from a government poverty program like:
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
- Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
- Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
- The National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
Having a job does not disqualify you from receiving Lifeline Assistance. Many hard-working people are eligible for a subsidy when the gross household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Government Poverty Standards. You may also qualify if you receive help from most federal agencies. (Do you qualify?) If you meet these standards, you should apply. The poverty standard varies from state to state. Find out about Smartphone upgrades below.
Free Cell Phones – How to Apply
Find the website of the provider you are interested in, and fill out an application, also submit proof of identity and financial status. Acceptable documentation includes payroll stubs, a letter of unemployment benefits, a letter from government programs you receive help from, Disability benefits, and W-2 forms from the previous year.
Online enrollment is quick and easy. You can also call to request an application be sent to you. If you receive help from a government poverty agency, you will most likely qualify. Once you submit your application, it will be reviewed, and if approved, you will receive an email response or phone call.
It will take up to 10 business days to receive a new phone with accessories. Some providers now offer older model smartphones. Locate a free cell phone company in your area. Do your research to make sure the company you choose offers all three, free talk text and wifi.
These Companies Offer Free Smartphones from the Government
Government Smartphones. help millions of people in the U.S. stay connected to family, friends, and more. Free cell phone companies offer smartphones to their new customers. Government Lifeline assistance helps low-income families with free government cell phones and affordable phone services. Cellular providers don’t need to offer smartphones. But it is a very nice feature to bring in new customers. Some even give iPhones.
This provision is up to the cell phone companies themselves. And, it is a wise move to keep up with the technology. Therefore, most free cell phone companies now offer smartphones. Some providers provide inexpensive older-model phones when you apply for service. Most Lifeline providers now offer Androids and Smartphones or BYOP programs.
Contents
13 Companies that Offer Free Government Smartphones
AirTalk Wireless
Offers free Smartphones and covers Lifeline and ACP plans.
Access Wireless
Free Smartphone, Unlimited talk, text, data particatates with ACP & Lifeline Program.
American Assistance
Approved customers receive a free smartphone, unlimited talk, text, and Data data monthly with
Budget Mobile
Free Smartphones, unlimited talk & text and 25 GB Date free monthly.
Assurance Wireless
Free smartphone, unlimited talk, text and data and 10 GB hotspot connectivity
Cintex Wireless
Yes, they offer free Smartphones and iPhones to Lifeline-qualified customers. Apply today and receive 500 free minutes, unlimited text messages, and a smartphone.
EnTouch
EnTouch does have a “Bring Your Own Phone” program for Lifeline customers. You can bring your iPhone or Android to use this phone service.
Life Wireless
Life Wireless offers Android smartphones when you apply and qualify for the Lifeline program.
Safelink Wireless
Safelink gives smartphones when you upgrade. You can purchase a new phone on their website. They have a BYOP (bring your phone program). Phone prices begin at $29.
QLink Wireless
QLink offers free smartphones to qualified customers, free monthly talk, and unlimited text and picture messaging.
Tag Mobile
Tag Mobile offers Smartphones to its Lifeline customers. They provide unlimited talk, texting, and data and a BYOP program. California customers receive 500 MG of LTE speeds and worldwide calling.
Terracom Wireless
This company offers unlimited talk, texting, the Internet, and a free cell Smartphone. Terracom Wireless.
ReachOut Wireless
While this company was once one of the most popular providers, they no longer work with the Lifeline free government phone program.
True Wireless
Yes, True Wireless offers a variety of Smartphone models, including older model iPhones. “True Wireless offers customer service seven days a week and access to the VOOZ app, which provides unlimited talk and text.”
Wireless for Hope (Easy Wireless)
With this company, you can receive a free Android or iPhone. Remember that the company sends out what phones are available at the time, so everyone might not get the same phone. If you want to upgrade, choose from the Wireless for Hope website’s phones.
Free Smartphones are Common Now
Today most companies now offer smartphones initially. However, if your provider doesn’t offer smartphones, you can get one for a reasonable fee when upgrading your plan. What is the Difference Between a Standard and a Smartphone? While a standard phone is fine if you only want to make and receive calls. But if you want to get a phone with all the bells and whistles, you want a smartphone.
Smartphones have an operating system, and smartphones are small computers. Therefore they are excellent for students and businesses as well. It has a better operating system, like Android phones, Blackberry, or Windows phones. These phones allow you to make calls, text messages, play games, download apps, watch videos, schedule appointments, and much more.
How Lifeline Phones Are Getting Better
Do you remember how small it was when you received your first free government cell phone? We have had complaints about some providers that send out tiny cell phones. If you are elderly or have vision problems, you will probably have difficulty using the phone.
Years ago, the Lifeline program started you out with 56 minutes, no internet or cameras. Today you can receive up to 1000 free minutes, 4G, unlimited talk and texting, Internet access, and a great camera. Another great improvement with the free cell phone program is, that you can receive the latest model cell phones and even iPhones!
You May Also Want to Read
Obama Phone – Trump Phone Program
Will President Trump Cut Obama Phone Program? – President Trump may cut Obama Phone Program. With Trump winning the 2016 election, we are now at the beginning of a new administration, and with new presidents, there are often new changes.
The President is making cuts to 15 government agencies as a promise to cut waste and fraud. There are major government programs that will be significantly cut. There is a chance the President may also end the free phone program or previously know as the Obamaphone. I hope that is not the case.
Contents
Opponents of the Obama Phone Program
For years politicians have complained about the cost of the program spinning out of control. The program started as a benefit offered by Reagan to help the rural poor with emergency programs. Like many incentives, it started to help one group and then grew to include many other groups.
The cost has gone from 143 million dollars to billions of dollars today. Senator David Vitter is one of the lawmakers speaking out against the program. Hard-working Americans are furious that people who don’t work get to have free phones and service.
They feel why someone who doesn’t work gets a free phone when they have to work hard every day. Many people have signed up and received more than one phone. This is illegal and punishable by a fine and being barred from the program.
This is illegal and punishable by a fine and being barred from the program. This fraud finally caused the government program to require proof of income, such as photo ID, payroll stubs, a letter from government agencies, W-2 returns, etc.
Fraud and the Free Phone Program
Much of the attention has been placed on dishonest people, but there have been problems with cellular phone providers that have been trying to cheat the government. Lifeline fraud has been a real problem in the past years. The biggest problem is the phone providers who manipulate the number to increase the amount of money received from the FCC.
Total Call Mobile was fined 51 million dollars, which is the most substantial fine to date for signing up gaining millions of dollars by fraudulently signing up non-existent phone prescribers. TerraCom Wireless was also reported for customers receiving more than the allotted one phone per family; and unqualified people receiving phones.
President Trump May End Obama Phone Program
President Donald Trumps (read more) New Budget Cuts
President Trump often spoke about the waste of fraud in every government area from the Federal and state-run programs. If you ever listened to one of his rallies, you would know that one of his promises was that he would cut all government waste and fraud if he were elected president. It’s a possibility that Trump may end the free government phone incentive.
All the push-back he gets from people in the government makes me believe he is keeping his promise. Many departments duplicate that is not necessary at all that are targeted. He is set to cut the budget for:
- Depart of Housing and Urban Development – Cut 13%
- Department of Transportation – Cut 12.7%
- Department of Health and Human Services – Cut 16.2%
- Department of Education Cut – 13.5%
- Environmental Protection Agency – Cut 31.4%
-
Environmental Protection Agency: $2.6 billion, or 31.4%
-
State Department: $11 billion, or 28.7%
-
Labor Department: $2.5 billion, or 20.7%
-
Agriculture Department: $5 billion, or 20.7%
-
US Army Corps of Engineers: $1 billion, a 16.3% cut
-
National Institutes of Health spending of $5.8 billion, a nearly 20% cut.
As you can see, President Trump is serious about cutting the Federal budget. If the President is taking a knife to these most critical agencies, there is a good chance that the free government cell phone program will soon be on the list.
If Trump Ends the Free Phone Program
Like everyone else, those with an Obama phone will have to make the adjustment to find affordable pre-paid phone services and other options for phone service. Many companies offer phone services for as little as $20 a month.
If cuts are being made to the National Institute of Health and the Department of Education, the free cell phone program may not be far behind. However, I would not panic quite yet if I have not officially heard any rumors of cutting the free government phone program. Keep your fingers crossed!
How to Get A Free Government Phone?
Find out how to qualify for a free government phone – We will show you how to locate and apply with cell phone providers in your states. No contracts, credit checks, and no money down. We will show you who qualifies for a free government cell phone, how to replace a lost phone, and more.
Some call them Obamaphones, but that is a misnomer. The program started during the administration of George W. Bush. Nevertheless, the program is still going strong, and you can get a phone if you qualify financially.
You may be surprised that you may qualify for a free cell phone, even if you work. The program helps the elderly, unemployed, veterans, and disabled with low-cost or free phone service.
Find out how to get free government phone service for life. The Lifeline Assistance Program has companies in every U.S. state. The Lifeline program works with the government, and wireless companies, to provide free cell phones and services to low-income families.
Contents
What Benefits Do I Receive with a Free Government Phone?
Each person that qualifies receives a free cell phone, a free Smartphone, free talk, text, Data, Wifi, and free minutes. Benefits vary from state to state. So, look for a phone provider with the best benefits and a record of good customer service.
The funding for the program comes from the Universal Service Fund fee charged on cell phones. You may qualify if you are receiving government assistance or participating in any government poverty program.
This is How to Get A Free Government Phone
- Locate a government phone provider in your state
- Fill out an application online or by mail.
- Provide proof of identity.
- Submit proof of income, or
- Provide a letter from a government agency, or
- Payroll stubs
- Wait to be approved
- Receive your free cell phone
If you qualify financially, you will find it pretty easy to apply. You must prove you are eligible when applying for a free phone. Each application must be submitted with proof you are financially eligible.
You must submit payroll stubs, W-2 forms, or a letter from the government agency helping you. There may be slight variations depending on which state you live in.
These rules have been put in place to help stop fraud and abuse that has been associated with the program. Your income must be 135% or less of the federal poverty guidelines requirements to get a free phone. The size of your household and state also measures eligibility.
The program also required that you show proof of income or identity documentation indicating you receive help from a government assistance agency.
You qualify financially when 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.
Who Are the Best Free Cell Phone Providers?
Click on the list of free cell phone providers below. There you will find many great phone companies with great service. Major companies like
There are also dozens of regional and national providers across the U.S., Indian Lands, and Territories. Find a cell phone provider in your state here. Go to the website to fill out an application.
Steps to Getting A Free Cell Phone
- Check if you qualify. You may qualify for a free phone if your income qualifies; even if you work, you may qualify.
- Find a Provider There are providers all across the US and US Territories. Find one that has the best benefits to meet your needs.
- Please fill out an application. Once you find a provider go to their site and apply online.
- Submit documentation
- You will be notified when you are approved.
- Wait for your phone
What If I Don’t Qualify for a Government Phone?
If you don’t qualify for a free cell phone, there are many prepaid phone providers. Also, Lifeline cell phone providers offer affordable, low-cost phone plans. With prepaid phone plans,
- You will only pay for the minutes you use.
- No hidden fees or unexpected overages
- There are dozens of prepaid companies from which to choose.
- Airtime cards are available at department stores, drug stores, and grocery store.
What are some of the Prepaid Cell Phone Companies?
- Consumer Cellular– Plans start at $10 a month.
- Straight Talk – 1,000 Talk and text $30 a month, the internet
- TMobile – Pay as you go, in advance, and by the day plans
- Tracfone – Cards from $10.00 and up and bonus minutes available
- Virgin Mobile – Unlimited talk and text $35
You or someone you know may qualify for a government phone. Ask us how to apply and qualify today!
You May Also Want to Read
How to Switch Your Lifeline Phone Provider
How to Change Lifeline Wireless Providers. For whatever reason, you may decide you want to switch your lifeline wireless provider. There are different reasons for wanting to switch your Lifeline free government phone.
Maybe you receive poor customer service, want to upgrade to a smartphone, or more talk and text time, you may want to switch providers. As a Lifeline client, one of the most important issues is good customer service. Is it virtually impossible to reach the company?
Does the phone prompt keep you running in circles? The good news is, you are not locked into a yearly contract. You can complain to the FCC or change Lifeline cell phone provider altogether. Some think you have to first cancel with your current provider before enrolling with a new provider, but this is not true.
The Universal Service Administrative Company (usac.org) administers the Lifeline program, has particular rules that instruct phone vendors on how they must handle what they call a “Benefit Transfer” (a phone company switch) to another provider.
Contents
Change Lifeline Wireless Providers
You have the right to change your service provider when you have had service for at least 60 days. The main thing is to make sure you have canceled your previous company. You don’t want to get caught having several free government phones as you can lose your Lifeline Wireless benefits. Often we get letters from readers, complaining they have a problem with their phone and when they try to call their providers they can never reach them.
We know how frustrating this can be. When you call customer service, I want ‘service,’ and I want it right away! Often we get letters from readers, complaining they have a problem with their phone and when they try to call their providers they can never reach them. We know how frustrating this can be. When you call customer service, I want ‘service,’ and I want it right away!
How to Change Lifeline Wireless Providers
If you are not satisfied with your service, or provider you can switch to a new Lifeline provider. You can change your free cell phone provider every three months.
- Contact the company and ask your previous service for the transfer of service. Fill out a new application with proof of eligibility, with the application sent a request for change form.
- Wait for a response. The provider will let you know they have received your application.
- You will be disconnected from your current provider and transferred to a new provider of your choice.
- Next, log into the National Lifeline Accountability Database (NLAD) and click on “Transfer NLAD Benefit” enter your information and “transfer benefit.”
- Confirm you want to transfer phone services to another provider. Once the transfer is complete, services from the old provider will stop. Remember, you can not legally more than one Lifeline provider at a time and must agree you do not have service with two or more providers.
The new company will need documents to process to change Lifeline Wireless providers. Anyone can change their Lifeline phone provider if they are not happy. Hopefully, you can switch over without losing any time or service interruption on your phone.
- Provide your name
- Provide your date of birth
- Give physical address
- Give phone number
- Give verbal or written consent to change providers.
- Provide the last four digits of your social security number
- Confirm your household has only one lifeline plan
We can not guarantee you will not be a break in your phone services during the switch. Make sure you provide all the needed information accurately, such as TPIV or Third-Party Identity Verification. Also, have available proof you are financially eligible to receive Lifeline service.
Before you choose a new provider, research the phone provider. Find a new Lifeline provider e on the Lifeline website. Locate providers in your state HERE. Go to the provider website and compare benefits, like minutes, phones, special offers, smartphones with upgrades, etc.
You’ve got the Power.
The great thing about the program is that you can change your provider if you do not like your provider or are not satisfied with the customer service. That’s right! You can also file a complaint with the FCC to report these issues. The provider needs you as much as you need phone service! Each month each phone provider participating in the program is paid $9.95 to serve you.
How to Re-Enroll for Discount
You can lose your Lifeline discount by not re-enrolling by the program deadline, or someone in your household also has a Lifeline phone, or you have not used your phone for a long period of time can reapply and start over again. You have to start as a new subscriber, sign up, and prove that you are eligible for the program. You must also swear no one else in your home is receiving discount phone services.