There seems to be an ongoing controversy as to whether or not the “phones for the poor” programs by Safelink Wireless, ReachOut Wireless and Assurance Wireless are paid for by U.S. taxpayer dollars. We are going to set the record straight.
Yes and no.
How’s that for clarity? The confusion arises because it depends upon whether or not you think a mandated fee tacked on to the phone bills of virtually almost every American is a tax or not. Some say it is, and some say it isn’t.
Federal Law requires telecom companies to contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which in turn pays for the free cell phones program, in addition to funding telecommunications services (including high-speed Internet access) for eligible schools, libraries and rural health care providers.
A law of economics is that any tax on a corporation always results in the tax being paid by the consumer — taxes are always passed on. And this is the case with the telecom companies “contribution” to the USF. These companies collect the money from everyone that pays for phone service by tacking on a few cents to every phone bill. It’s listed on those bills as the Universal Service Fund.
To put it simply, the U.S. Federal government has mandated that every phone bill include this charge. And the charge, in part, pays companies who provide free cell phones for the poor — like Safelink, Assurance, and ReachOut — for each customer they sign up — some money for the phone and then an amount for each month of service.
Some consider a federally government mandated fee that funds government programs a tax, and some consider it a fee. We think the answer depends upon which side of the politically-charge government phone giveaway you are on.
What do we think? To be honest, to us a tax and a federally mandated fee are one and the same — so call it whichever you which. But that doesn’t mean we don’t think this is a valuable program for those in need. It is.
Paula Bhones says
They don’t do it we have to pay
Henry says
As I have said over and over again, the service is free, not the device. SOME companies might offer a free device, but that is not part of the program. It does not work like the Food Stamp program and SNAP program where you can obtain food from the Government (department of Agriculture) for free.
R. Jennings says
It would be wonderful if someone magically appeared at the end of the month and paid my bills and or gave me free merchandise, food, education etc.. Unfortunately that doesn’t happen. Instead I work and have my money taxed so that I can help support poor people and hopefully have enough after that to pay my bills. If I’m lucky there will be a little bit left to support MY OWN family and provide for them. You gotta love the way the government forces hard working people to care for the poor and or lazy folks as if they’re our responsibility … oh and let’s not forget about those illegals we put up in hotels and provide shelter and food for…..
Robin says
I have heard if you have a free phone that the government bills you at the end of the year. Is this true?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Nope. Free is free, Robin. Free phone, free service, nothing to pay ever.
Randolph Honeycutt says
How do I get a free phone? Why do illegals breaking law of our country get any benefit other than adios! why do they get transportation free to wherever ? Remember the Alamo we must stop this bullshit!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We agree 100%, Randolph. There are plenty of needy Americans whose needs should be taken are of long before illegal aliens.
Gary says
F**king bullshit! Not one penny!
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are chastened by your eloquence, Gary.
Michelle says
Not one? Wow… hope your family is all well off and never needs anything. I hope your family never has a domestic violence victim seeking help.
Rhonda says
Any monies the Federal government collects, spends, or gives away, in some way, shape, or form comes from the taxpayers. And that is still not enough, they are constantly figuring out new charges for more and more, to add more fees, charges, or taxes, what ever the label may be, they will not be satisfied until they get our whole paycheck.
Pamela says
I want to know who holds these companies responsible and who checks their billing and account services? I had one of the phones through safelink and told them to discontinue my account over two years ago, main reason was because the phone they gave me was junk and I couldn’t hear anyone on the other end and when I asked them about it I was told I had to go purchase a phone at the store to replace it. Now in the last couple years, after having told them numerous times to cancel my account, I continue to receive postcards in the mail (I’ve even moved twice but they know where I am) that I need to use my phone to prevent suspension. They threaten to suspend a line that I told them numerous times to cancel. My question is why have they been allowed to continue to collect money for a line that was supposed to be canceled years ago, which they obviously have not done. Someone needs to investigate this program for falsifying billing, keeping lines open that should be closed and for lack of quality of service they provide to the people they are supposed to be serving. I am furious about this knowing that they have a line open in my name that was supposed to be closed years ago. Giving “free” subsidized phone service that isn’t usable, no customer service and continuing to bill the program for unused lines. This is a scam at best under the cover of a government program.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are right to be outraged, Pamela. The program is governed by the USAC and the FCC. Here’s an article that will tell you exactly how to file complaints and who to file them with:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Geoff Wilson says
I am a Safelink wireless service user. The service is provided via my participation in the federal SNAP program.
Information on the internet about to cost of the plan I have and also who pays for the same is sadly lacking. How can I find out what my Safelink wireless plan costs per month and who is charged for the same? I would also like to know the price of all of Safelink’s various plans.
Free Government Cell Phones says
What the hell is going on today? Numerous people have asked “How much does it cost?” It’s free. That’s why it’s called the free government cell phone program.
Deborah Earley says
My mother is 88, has cancer and lives alone. We have tried for a year come this November to get her cheap flip phone replaced by Safe Link. We are still trying to date.
I have done research on Safe Link to the point that numerous complaints have been posted for this company. This company is getting paid to provide a service to less fortunate individuals by federal law. I would interpret this to mean a service these people can effectively use.
If there is not an oversight committee to make sure these less fortunate people receive a service that the rest of we Americans pay for there certainly needs to be one.
I cannot fathom having a business where I can collect money without offering some sort of decent service. I am amazed. Jason Larsen of Safe Link needs to be made to use one of these phones and call his customer service to try and get help.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Your problem, Deborah, is that the Lifeline companies are required to provide “a” free government cell phone, not multiple free government cell phones. Some companies are now offering a replacement phone as often as annually, but not all of them make that offer. If your mom’s company doesn’t, you always have the option of switching to a different service provider. That new provider will consider her a new customer and is required to provide her with a smart phone. Here’s where you can find a list of all the companies and plans available in your state. Check them out and switch to the plan that fits her needs best:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Pamela says
I had the same issue. I canceled my service, or should I say tried to cancel it for this same issue only to find out that they have the line open in my name years later without it being used at all. I too received a flip phone from them that did not work. I couldn’t hear anyone when they called me. This was the original phone given to me and not a replacement. It was like this from the start. People seem to think that they give you a working phone and then you want a replacement which is incorrect, they need to supply a working phone with the original service. They give a junk non working phone but continue to collect the fees for the line even though it doesn’t work. They continue to collect the money even after being told to cancel the service. This program has definite issues and is a complete scam that uses fees collected by others when they pay their bills with their carriers. Something needs to be done to hold these people accountable and they need to be charged for falsifying records to collect money for lines not being used.
Diane N. says
I go through safelink I bought a cell phone through another company and safelink turn it on for me. You don’t have to use the free phone unless you want to you can buy your own. I am on a low income and it helps me out alot. Thank You.
Michael. Simas says
I have one of the government phones ,that I haven’t used in 3 or 4 Years ,I found it buried in my junk drawer, for the hell of it I charged it ,and it still works , they been billing for it all this time they say if you don’t make at least one phone call s month they will shut it off,well I didn’t make ANY phone calls on it for 36 months and it’s still on ,!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Did it receive any calls while it was in the junk drawer? Any incoming texts or phone calls or emails would also keep the account active.
Kurt says
Beware, Q-Link wireless is a fraud. I choose to purchase and pay for a reputable cell phone service. Q-Link Wireless states after 30 days of non-use service will stop. I haven’t used the phone or service for 6+ months and they are still loading monthly service and charging the government. The phone is gone..broken, I know they are loading and charging because of an e-mail I received today that they have. Piss poor out sourced Fraudulent company, Fact.
learn this here now says
When I originally commented I clicked the «Notify me when new comments are added» checkbox and now each time a comment is added I get three emails with the same comment. Is there any way you can remove me from that service? Many thanks!
Free Government Cell Phones says
This isn’t quite what you say, but we assume that what you are probably getting is the notifications of new posts. Just click the “unsubscribe” link in any of the notifications you receive.
George says
Why would assurance wireless try to charge for a cell that is supposed to be free!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Are you trying to get a replacement phone?
Lisa blankenship says
Well a few cents to help people that have nothing is not going to hurt not one person. I think it’s a blessing to have someone who cares enough to to help. Some older people that are homebound and have no way to communicate is benefiting from this. I think that’s wonderful. Otherwise they might be in need of assistance in case of an emergency and they wouldn’t have no way to call for help. In some cases, it could be a matter of life and death. Anyone who would complain about a few cents coming out of their own pocket to help others who don’t have the tools they need to survive, is just plain greed.
Pamela says
The point is that they are collecting the money for lines that have been canceled, lines that do not work and they are giving (original phone issued with the line not a replacement phone) phones that do not work properly. A phone that you cannot hear the conversation on serves no purpose to the recipient of that phone. As a former user of this program I know first hand that they are taking advantage of the program that was set up to help people in need. I canceled, numerous times with them, my line of service only to find out today, two years later, that my line is still open, still active, still being billed to the program. Now keep in mind that they constantly threaten people that you must use the phone once a month to keep the line active, more than two years without being used and they are still collecting for my line as I just received a postcard from them saying I need to use my phone to prevent suspension. I wish I could post a picture of this postcard. I haven’t used the phone line nor have I ever had a working phone from this company. Their customer service is horrible and frustrating to try to get a hold of and when you do get them on the phone they are of no help. Whoever oversees this program is not doing their jobs and is taking advantage of the program. It is a scam that uses seniors and poor people as pawns to receive funding. They are not providing the services to these people that they claim to provide. That is the problem. Yes the program has a purpose, yes it is needed, but it needs oversight because it’s not being run properly and the people they claim to be servicing deserve better than they are getting
rit says
This is a sugar coated articular, obviously biased. What is the cost? Simply question. Who get paid and how much do they get paid. One phone one month, what is the cost?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Take a Valium, Rit. We would imagine that if you were to search “$9.25” you would find dozens and dozens of articles that say the federal subsidy is $9.25 per month. It’s no secret.
Sarah says
Why are you an ass to people? You act like you’re some high and mighty ruler of what people should think and ask. Get over yourself.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Wait! What? Are you implying that we are not some high and mighty ruler of what people should think and ask?
Rittner says
This article appears to be biased and probably produced by one of the organizations that promote the alleged free phones. Your “Yes and no” is not funny. Get serious. How much exactly is received by these provides for a single phone for one month?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We answered this same question for you elsewhere, Rittner. But you seem to think we’re hiding that information when it’s available in dozens of places on this website. Have you always been such a demanding ass or is this a recent development?
Lisa blankenship says
LMBO!!! I guess he told you. Lol!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Some comments just send us over the edge. That was one of them.
Charles E Woods II says
It’d be nice if mainstream media would stop encouraging able bodied Americans to hate disabled people as disabled are poor because disability payments are often well below poverty and, the tax dollars from the working and able bodied DOESN’T REALLY GO TO THOSE RECEIVING BENEFITS NOW as is the current lie at which the able bodied tax paying often lord over us. Anyone can become disabled a number of ways, and it doesn’t matter whether the disability is mental or physical, disabled is disabled, PERIOD!
rit says
Well said.
Joseph says
HOARSESHIT, be by consumer tax, fee, tariff
Service fee, theTAX PAYER, “TAX” pays for it.
Why can NO-ONE stand up and explain the
cost; (stop sugar coating it)
Carol says
Its a tax. The government doesnt want it under a federal program because the public as a whole could say no to it
Chicken shit legislaturers.
Linda says
It was Ronald Reagan that did it complain to him.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not sure what you mean, Carol, because this program started LONG after Reagan was out of office.
Bobby says
When did the government free cell phone start charging for shipping and handling of replacement phones
Free Government Cell Phones says
Far as we know this is nothing new.
Robert says
What government/federal agency do I call to file complaints
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you EXACTLY how to file a formal complaint:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Tom says
Complain about what? That you have to share a little bit with others to help the country and world? Boohoo. You were taught in kindergarten to share with others. You probably also call yourself a Christian. Have you ever read the New Testament of the Bible? One of Jesus Christ main teachings was about sharing and caring and charity and love and compassion and helping the poor. But somehow Republicans and right Wingers always leave out that major teaching coming from God and Jesus Christ wall hypocritically calling themselves Christians.
D says
U should NEVER “group” people like that!! As a Christian and Republican, I find your comments thoroughly disrespectful, DISGUSTING and stupid. Typical Dem behavior. The Bible also says to respect our leaders and VOTE THEM OUT if you don’t like what they do! Maybe YOU should open your bible. I have sooooo much more to say, but this is not the place to do it. Dems will pull in their rude comments about Republicans any place they can. Like snot nosed, bullying brats who REFUSE to even listen to anyone not in Dem party. Do you find a way to pull your ridiculous political views in all your blogs? Grow up! Now I must stop. This blog is SUPPOSED to be about phones.
Rit says
I am looking at the fraud statute when service is not provided, but they receive funds, 18 U.S.C. 1341. The United States Attorney would take a complaint perhaps. Local congress person had not responded to my complaint which was hand delivered.
Lucius says
We should all get free TVs and xbox’s Too. How about free government playstations?
Been There Done That says
How does a phone that helps somebody get called back from a business that is hiring remotely compare to a TV or Xbox?
Debi says
It doesn’t compare! Lucius just doesn’t have anything intelligent to add.
Tom says
Lol good one
Kenny says
How about a phone that will work when we need it
Charles E Woods II says
If your ignorance were a disabling condition, you’d get TWO checks a month and STILL qualify for damned phone!
Myles says
I just got my free SafeLink phone it’s been upgraded to a smartphone. I get 500 free minutes unlimited texting. I’m working but I’m the working poor. I work F T but make enough to get by
Jasper says
Some conservative is going to read your comment and scream bloody murder about what I’m sure is a typing omission at the end. Because I’m Very Well aware of the Real economic conditions of the U.S., I know that your comment meant to say “I work F-T but DO NOT make enough to get by.” For example, 40% of the homeless in New York City ARE working. It’s just that the cost of living here is so high that so many people are struggling and end up homeless. Most don’t have any savings, or enough to get them through a crisis. Just last week a man on the subway was asking for help and for job referrals. He and his family were left homeless because their apartment building burned. The fire was caused by a candle in a home. That person couldn’t pay their utility bill, Con Ed or National Grid turned off their electricity, so the poor person resorted to candles. Now all of the residents of that building are homeless because Con Ed or National Grid are too greedy and our politicians support that corporate greed.
referring to the article above, the Government should NOT ALLOW phone companies to pass on the cost of the phones. It should have to directly come out of their profits. The friggin’ corporations most often do not pay taxes. We individuals have to pay on every cent we make, yet corporations rake in BILLIONS of $$$$$ and don’t pay taxes. A few years ago Verizon pay NO tax, in fact they got a Tax Credit!!! Corporations like Google and Apple store money in other countries so they don’t pay taxes on it.
We should DEMAND that a federal law be passed that ANY CORPORATION doing business in ANY MANNER in the U.S. MUST pay taxes, and MUST pay tax on ANY money earned in the U.S. That should close the loop hole. Incuded in that should be that ANY and ALL products made by a U.S. corporation in another country pays tax on their products as they are brought into the U.S., and any corporation moving their production to another country is FINED and DENIED the bring those products into the US for 10 years (and they are taxed when they import them after 10 years). Like in France and maybe other parts of Europe, corporations should have to pay 80% of the employees’ salary when they lay off people (That’s why French companies lay off Americans in NYC – and probably other US cities – and move French citizens to take the job in NYC, because that is far cheaper for them than to pay the costs of laying off the French citizen in France. The companies pay all costs for the move, including their rent in NYC. One such family moved next door to a friend of mine – the rent of a 2 bed, 2 bath apartment was $14,000/ MONTH, and the French Corp was paying it. And US laws allow this manner of foreign corporations giving away jobs on American soil. Yet France I don’t think, reciprocates.
Proud conservative says
I’m a conservative.
I’m not mad.
But now you will be…
Trump2020
Keep America Great!!!
Free Government Cell Phones says
OK, we allowed Proud to respond to Jasper, but that’s it. One on each side. No more political comments will be posted.
Tom says
Lmao Trump? LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL LOL. Fools vote for fools ! Though I do agree that in some ways he is better than Hillary ! It’s time to get rid of repukes and dems and put way better people in the government!
Sherrill Jacob says
While this service may be a valuable program there are some large problems with how it is administered. It does not seem that the taxes while mandated by the Fed gov is distributed equally state by state or should we say location. Those who receive this service do not understand where it comes from only that it is free. I was charged a fee for a telephone from Assurance and the smart phone has glitches. This means who do I call for correcting a bad phone. Even how do I finally figure out that I have this inconvenience when I am 75 years old and tech challenged? I think the free providers try to squeeze more money from me by limiting the number of call minutes I have. Who in our government is checking on the companies who get to distribute the tax money. Like all government programs big business finds loop holes and steal the free money intended for the poor. Please do not solicit me on the email I have provided.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t solicit anyone, Sherrill. This is an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone company.
Jay Lee says
safe link federally tax pay. very very bad service. Am notice gov please messages to me. 1/5/2018 Jay Lee /s/jayhlee
Enrollment ID #514**** Phone# 1 304 308 ****
01/03/2018 from phone call give to me phone # From1-800-378-1684 Ticket#1177533****
Last SSA # 2449
Jay H Lee 304-000-0000
p.s.Thank you very much for your email. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate your application. To help us locate your application we need your Enrollment Number. Please send your email one more time and this time make sure to write down your Enrollment Number in the email’s subject. If you need help locating your Enrollment Number or creating the email please review the image attached included in this e-mail.
P.s.Thank you very much for your email. you are unable to locate my application?
01/03/2018 I talk to Safelink agent 1-800-378-1684 safelink agent notice Proof !!!
Please Only phone I have just like it live line Help me to turn back phone make work?
Thank you 1/5/018 Jay Lee /s/jayhlee
Free Government Cell Phones says
We are an independent informational website, Jay, NOT Safelink. You must contact the company’s customer service team directly to resolve your issue.
Craig T. says
I need to write a letter to the government agency that actually pays safelink,The service is unreliable therefor it is unsafe,if something very bad happened to me I may not have the time to restart my phone to get a signal to call 911
Free Government Cell Phones says
We have an article you need to read, Craig. It tells you exactly how to file a formal complaint with all the organizations that matter. Here’s a link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Lisa says
Safelink is a rip off and should not be allowed on this program. They sent me a phone with a sim card that did not work. well 1 and half weeks later and 2 more sim card and i was told that it did not work and there was no warranty on the phone and i proceeded to tell them that i have never even used it and never even had a phone number. But yet there still getting paid for the service i quilfiy for. NOW TELL ME WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS PICTURED. BULL CRAP.
Tom says
LOL. It’s amazing how a lot of people think that just because they personally hit a glitch or something didn’t work right for them, that that’s how it is for everyone all the time or even for more than a rare few! And then they completely damn the company or service to hell as the most evil demons who ever existed! LOL LOL LOL. Overgrown little kids with SUCH childish Minds!
Jose says
How much per activation does LifeLine pays Safelink?
Free Government Cell Phones says
$9.25 per customer per month, Jose.
MaryAnn Socquet says
Where do I lodge a complaint about the SafeLink (TracFone)? I have been trying for two months to get a SafeLink Phone for an elder. I faxed in all the application papers on August12, 2016 waited a month and the recording told me he was approved and would receive his phone in 5 business days. Twice I called and got the same message. Today I finally got to speak to a real person and was told they never got his application, even though he was assigned an enrollment number which I put on the application the second and third time I faxed it to them. This elder really needs this phone. HELP, please.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here you go, MaryAnn. Here’s an article that tells you how to make a complaint and who to make it to:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-lifeline-service-complaint
eric says
worst idea I ever heard free phones, people out there giving these phones are just approving everyone with others people’s info and selling these phones for $100 dollars a year, I see a whole lot of kids and teenagers having and misusing these services , a guy told me he could get all my kids a phone for a one time fee …it is a joke how government money is really being used instead of funding educational programs …. The Gov is a joke
Free Government Cell Phones says
We’re against the fraud, waste and abuse in the program as much as you are, Eric. When you see fraud, we urge you to report the people responsible for it. Please read this article to find out how to do it:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste
Luca says
Well I’m a safelink distributive and there’s nothing better than seeing people smile because they got a free phone. I look for low income people to give them a free phone and it’s lovely how I feel and how grateful they are. Not all people are lucky as you to be able to pay a phone bill.
Dale says
So I pay an illegal tax with money I worked hard to earn so you can “feel” good? Does it matter at all to you how I and other hard working taxpayers feel about having to pay for a cell phone for those who won’t work and instead, live off the efforts of hard working Americans? Liberalism is a mental illness.
Tom says
You Republicans and right-wingers should just admit that you are selfish and stingy and don’t care about anyone but yourselves. Most of you have the gall to call yourselves Christians but couldn’t care less about Jesus Christ’s command to share and care and give to the poor. Anyway the vast majority of money that goes into Social Services comes from Big corporations and Banks who have vastly more money then they should be allowed to hoard and that vast amount of hoarded wealth needs to be redistributed anyway! If that vast amount of wealth that is hoarded were distributed fairly, all poverty and starvation around the world would be eliminated within a single decade! So stop your whining and bitching and moaning and grow up and grow a heart and start caring about others who are not as fortunate as you! By the way your time could come at any time! You could become seriously ill injured or disabled and so could one or more of your friends or relatives, and therefore need help!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why, Tom, we do believe you are a Communist.
Tom says
Thank you! Well-put!
Nancy Nauer says
First of all…. the government is not paying for the free phones. They are financed by a small fee charged on all phone bills. Secondly… Do you ever feel badly about assuming all low-income people are cheating or lazy? Fraud is going to occur every day … everywhere…. even in the White House. But everyone in society is not a crook. Application is not easy. Who is going to give their financial and social security or food assistance info to some kid on the block to cheat with? You have to send them a copy of your documents. Only one phone per home is permitted… so they would have to have a broad sweeping net of gullible people to make any money to speak of. It could just be a scam on these people or an urban legend. Remember how dependent we have become on the phone and on the Internet for job and housing searches, to contact emergency services and physicians, fill out requested forms, etc. It costs you very little to keep a lot of people safe. What if the person needing a phone was your mom? It would cost you more to get her one and pay for it. Just saying… think things through before you bitch.
Tom says
It’s stupid to condemn the many for the few. If we shut down everything that had any degree of fraud or abuse we would pretty much have nothing! We would all have to live in caves and swing in trees with the monkeys! And some people would even find a way to abuse that! So then we would have to Outlaw trees and caves! Stop condemning things that are helping people just because a few people abuse it!
Nancy McGillen says
I think this is a horrible program. I resent veing forced to pay for it because I have a cell phone. It’s like someone (the government) putting a gun to my head and telling me pay up. I truly believe if youneed it formexical emergency then provide them with a medical alert call button. This prigram is so being scamed. I want it to go away and see my own phonebill comet down. If a phone is a mwdical necessity then give them a land line..
Ms. C says
You can not pay the fee. The Universal fee is something the government attached to communication companies. That company in turns passes that tax (and so many others) on to the consumers. Those with lifeline landlines pay this fee. When those with lifeline cell phones purchase additional minutes, they have to also pay that fee. Getting rid of your phone will allow you to get rid of the fee. For now, there’s no Universal fee attached to emails.
Randall says
I was in Walmart in Florida in April of 2015 when a young lady asked if I would like a free phone. She asked if I was on Medicare not Medicaid but medicare. Explained that if I was on medicare I could receive a free safelink phone. She signed up hundreds of people and there were several such people throughout the store signing up hundreds of people. I now understand you need to be on Medicaid to receive a free phone but every person that signed up safelink received money from the government whether the people were eligible or not. This was a scam that we taxpayers paid for. It seems to me that there needs to be a little more policing of this program
Tom says
Even if what youre saying is true which I highly doubt it doesn’t matter because as soon as the applications reached the company’s headquarters they would be rejected if the people didn’t qualify! So stop calling a program that has helped so many people a scam! It’s a stupid thing to say! Its a program that helps people who cannot afford a phone! It’s a way of uplifting the people of our country and making a better country like all the other programs that have helped people and made this country better and stronger and healthier! So stop your whining and boo-hooing and think of something better to do with your time and energy!
wanda says
Someone really needs to investigate Assurance wireless Their extremely rude, Unprofessional and customer service is horrible. I’ve called multiple times to have my $10.00 top up converted into minutes and was told I could only use $5.00 at a time. So why not make the top up card with a starting increments of $5.00. The lowest top up card you can purchase starts at $10.00. Then to make matters worse, once your money is converted to minutes, they start charging you .10 cents a minute which eats up your money. I then request a phone number for Corporate..i found myself being challenged by the phone reps and being transferred multiple times..3 times it was the same male person, providing me a different name but the voice was still the same. I never got the telephone number for corporate. And was on hold for 1 hour. I feel like I need to contact the news to handle these issues. Does anyone have the Corporate telephone number.
Laurie says
Seems to me the more that is given the more that is needed.
Many so called poor do their best to stay that way.
Many would take a job if it was offered on a platter.
I’m tired of paying for all these programs.
Get people to work instead so they can pay for their own phone.
Be nice says
You are totally out of touch with the real world. So very often poverty is not a choice. Please work on developing some compassion.
Fancy says
We’re not talking about the deserving ones. There’s a difference. Chill out.
Nancy McGillen says
Worn out of compassion. Have some for my long hours at work missing my childres events vecause of work. So you xan have a free cell phone. If you really need a phone I have no problem with givinv you a landland line
Bryan R. says
It’d be more expensive to give people who need these phones landlines as the service is now more expensive than many basic plans: there are cell phone plans for as little as $10/month and basic landline service can be anywhere from $20 to $70/month depending on a variety of things, and they buy those cheap minutes wholesale, so it’s even cheaper – that’s why it’s so little a charge.
Tom says
Thank you for saying that! As usual these selfish calloused heartless stingy Republicans and right Wingers don’t know what they’re talkin about they just flap their jaws before finding out what’s really going on! She probably even has the gall to call herself a Christian like most of those stingy right-wingers and Republicans do. But they always ignore Christ’s command to share and care and give to the poor and help them! Also the vast vast vast majority of money that goes to Social Services of all kinds comes from extremely wealthy corporations and Banks not from people like her! But like all these whining and boo-hooing selfish and stingy right-wingers and Republicans she leaves out the facts and spits on those who have less than her and those who are sick, disabled, or went through some tragedy and need help! Another hypocrite! Of course if tragedy hit her or her kids or they had major medical issues chronic illnesses disabilities etcetera then they would have to get government assistance unless they have wealthy relatives which most people do not and those wealthy relatives would have to care and be generous and compassionate instead of heartless and stingy like her! I’ve seen some Republicans who lost their incomes or became disabled and had to go on government assistance! Lol that’ll teach them a lesson! The same thing could happen to this heartless stingy probably Republican fake Christian that you just responded to!
Tom says
Not only so often is it not a choice but it is virtually NEVER a choice! But thanks for saying that!
Jimbo says
I work 6 days a week from 7 am to 11pm at night 5 of those days. i love when I go grocery shopping and can only afford a few items I like and then here comes Laqueesha with an overflowing cart of food. Amazing. These people do absolutely nothing to help anybody including themselves. They sit on their fat lazy worthless asses all day and on top of it, they are demanding. I have a deep hatred for these people. They seem to have money to rent movies, games, etc. the welfare system has to change because us hard working Americans are paying for it. You leeche’s could die a painful slow death and I would stand right next to you and piss on your face as you are dying. Try working 80 hours a week and see how you feel. Karma will give you yours.
Tom says
Lmao you have the gall to talk about Karma as if you’re a spiritual person and therefore compassionate and humane?! Talk about Karma! The vile, malicious hatred you just spewed, saying you would piss on the face of people who are dying a slow painful death just because they receive government assistance the vast majority of whom got it because they really needed it is definitely going to bring you some evil and painful Karma! You idiot Republicans and right-wingers always put everyone who gets government assistance into the box a lazy people who just sit on their ass, doing nothing when in reality the vast majority of them are people who are sick and disabled which doesn’t mean that it’s visible and you will see them in a wheelchair missing limbs! There are many ways to be sick and disabled and you are not a doctor or in a position to be diagnosing people in fact it’s illegal for you to do so since you are not licensed to do so! Also you act like people on government assistance are somehow living in the lap of luxury! What a fool you are! Be careful your time could come any time! You could become disabled, chronically ill or hit by serious tragedy at any point and need government assistance! So could any of your so-called friends or relatives! I’ve seen some Republicans hit by tragedy or disabled who had to go on government assistance! Lol. All of you selfish stingy callous heartless Republicans and right-wingers should have to go on government assistance to survive and live to learn your lesson! Then you would stop spitting on the sick and disabled and those who have gone through tragedies U know nothing about while you stand around passing judgment on those people! It would be Poetic Justice! And if you call yourself a Christian you are a disgrace to Christianity! Grow a heart and live by the commands of Jesus Christ if you call yourself a Christian such as giving to the poor and being loving kind and compassionate and humane! And if you’re not a Christian still grow a heart and be compassionate and humane! There’s so many fake Christians you don’t really care about others!
Michael S Simas says
Jimbo ,if it makes you feel any better ,I have 2 government phones ,maybe you could work some more overtime so I can get upgraded to the new I phone your just angry because you work hard and pay for your phone services and my FREE phone is better than your $90 a month phone so get more overtime please so I can upgrade .. you sucker now get back to work so I can get a better phone ,!!
Pat says
Just received my Verizon bill for phone/internet/TV and there is $11.38 in federal taxes on it, but I don’t see a Universal Service Fund listed. There is 23 cents federal tax; $1.00 Access Recovery Charge; $6.50 for Federal Subscriber Line Charge; $1.25 Federal Use and $2.40 FTR Long Distance Charge. So which of these pay for those free cell phones for everyone who applies for one (or two or three?) When you add the state and local taxes, it adds $26.87 a month to the bill….
ronald says
the fund is from the universal fund communication fund which is nearly 7.8 billion dollars per year or set of years depending. Each phone in america- business or private- and from other countries are tax a % that goes into this fund including the interest it accrues. This fund is then used to fund everything from libraries, schools, public, (includes everything telecommunication related) and of course these free phones programs … the FCC and then each state controls the rest.
This program was started back 50-60 years ago for all telecommunications, and started to help states get the poor phone access under Clinton, and then Bush in 2008 push allowed cell phone part. It is not clear how much money is spent per phone but it is estimated at nearly 1-2$ per phone and 1$ per month per service which is still in the millions.
But companies like Safelink are the ones pushing the most and paying the most because they make a nice profit out of it. Servicing the very needed and poor – they know this group most likely does not have land-lines or access to other forms of communications- they give so many mins per month initially and then scale it back to around 120mins which also includes 1/3 of minute per text. They will not release the numbers but some estimate that nearly 60% or more then go and buy 10-20$ more minutes every few months because most can go through 120mins pretty fast. They also have access to the names – and information of the poorest of each state which is then shared by third parties -which can also be quite profitable for companies.
Democrats, Republicans, States and more love the program as it costs them very little – but allows increased access to their citizens for whatever reason and 911 calls or programs. Phone makers, phone services then give a kick back to all forms of government for this access in ways I hate to imagine.
How do I feel about the program ? that is a tough one, per citizen the actual phone safelink program costs almost nothing but the companies that run these programs prey on the poor, ignorant, bad luck, mentally challenged, and helps to keep them that way. IT does add to overall safety, and security but almost all of these phones are tracked by the government way more then private plans – say through Verizon – which have pushed back against rogue wire tapping. Well thats as much as I know, and my thoughts.
Sandman619 says
It does not show on your bill as a tax, because the telcos cannot tax customers. A service provider can use any term they choose, because they are accepting the funds for themselves. There is no law to break, no audit to ensure fairness, telcos can charge any amount they want to, it’s called capitalism & free market enterprise. The FCC taxes the telcos, who then charge their customers. By spreading it among their growing customer base, the fee that they recoup is less than a quarter, ie 25¢
For fun, here is what AT&T says about their government fees & taxes billing:
Administrative Fee
Defrays expenses AT&T incurs
Interconnection
Cell site rents
Equipment maintenance
Property Tax
**These fees are not taxes or government-required charges**
These charges are not included in the monthly rate they quote you when signing up for service with them. All wireless providers & telcos charge similarly. While I have no position over charging taxes to customers directly some of these are routine operating expenses that they are adding onto the customer’s monthly bill & making it look like a government tax, which is wrong. Maintenance & cell tower rents should not be disguised as a tax.
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LOL says
we all pay it. it’s on my home phone. the bible says we should help the poor. it should be our choice though, not forced on us by government.
Just got my FREE safelink phone. I do qualify since Im unemployed and on medicaid. I feel guilty for activating (have not done so yet its still charging)… but since “fees” or “taxes” from my home phone that I pay because it’s forced on me, then I guess I sort of pay for my FREE phone don’t I? All the taxes I pay in my state in the last 40+ yrs, I certainly have paid for my FREE phone.
Jacque says
I am so tired of hearing ” put ur self in our shoes don’t judge” heck ya I’m going to judge my husband and I ( and everyone else who work) are tired of paying
For ur choices we work 7 days a week make sacrifices for our kids and for our way of life . No one has gave us anything and why should we have to pay for your phone if u want one go get a job ( yes there is jobs maybe not the one u want) your food housing … U have no right to except someone else to pay for u and your family yes I am for helping when needed short term most will live till they die off of goverment and breed kids to do the same so when I hear they r crappy old phones tough crap they r free all u do is set on ur a
Sandman619 says
Current facts on public assistance:
9/10 of the recipients of public aid are composed of the elderly, physically disabled & working poor.
The most represented group is white Americans
Average recipient is on public support for less than 3 months
Government funds are restricted & not available to undocumented aliens, however, federal funds are given to the states to administer. While they cannot legally distribute federal funds to undocumented aliens, states do provide their own funding which can be distributed to whomever the state authorizes.
Been There Done That says
My husband was laid off from his job after 17 years of working 6-7 days a week in the summer of 2008 (before Obama, FYI). We became homeless within 2½ months after utilizing our savings & yes, we got a BUSH phone. I used the shelter’s WiFi in their business room sending out his resume and application to everybody, first local, then state and finally to other states. He went out with copies of his resume and went from business to business looking for ANY WORK. I was barely getting 15 hours of work each week and physically couldn’t handle much more, so I spent 20+ hours a week looking for any job opportunities online.
That phone? It was for businesses to contact my husband, he went to several interviews only to later hear he was overqualified or that there was a hiring freeze. It didn’t ring with an actual job offer until Jan of 2009 and yes, he took that job @ $11/hr.
We had 3 children, I ended up in the hospital 3x during that time span and diagnosed with cancer & he ended up in the ER because his blood sugar wouldn’t come down (Type I Diabetes), it took 17 hours for his blood sugar to get low enough just for the machines to REGISTER his blood sugar level.
Anyway, 17 years of working with the same company and crap hit the fan. There were no jobs. As a matter of fact things were so bad that there was a newspaper story about how 100+ people showed up for a job listing digging ditches outside, in the sun, for up to 12 hours a day @ $9/hr. Normally they got a dozen applicants – yet men in suits were getting on their knees BEGGING for the job. 2008, look it up in the archives of Tampa Tribune.
Now? My husband is making just under 6 figures a year. We have savings. We have 2 children in college and the youngest is almost finished with high school, earning his associate’s degree while in high school. You know what got us back on our taxpaying feet? That phone you want to complain about. Go volunteer at a shelter with families. Things might not be AS BAD, but I think you’re a bit confused. I now volunteer at that shelter and you seem to not understand how any assistance programs work. You’re angry over what you’ve “heard”. No. Go to the actual government websites and learn the facts.
Tom says
Thank you for that story!
Tom says
Lady you are so full a bulshit. You have received and are receiving so many things that are covered by taxes and so are your kids if you have any, such as the public schools that you and your husband and kids went to or go to, all the public works, police protection, military protection, social programs that are available if you people ever become seriously ill long-term or disabled or some tragedy hits you, Parks and Recreation public libraries Etc so you have been given and are being given a lot that has been paid for and is being paid for by taxpayers such as myself! So shut up and stop your right wing whining and boo-hooing and heartless calloused stingy selfishness and grow up and start caring about others besides your narcissistic self ! And I hope you don’t dare call yourself a Christian like most of you right-wingers and Republicans do with the selfish stingy heartless mentality that you have! If you do and then you’re a disgrace to Christianity! And if you do then start living by the teachings of Jesus Christ such as sharing and caring helping the poor and being humane! Most of the world is so sick and tired of you right wing hypocrites and your extreme selfishness and narcissism and arrogance and conceit! I’ve seen Republicans and right Wingers who were against Social Services for others have to go on government assistance when they became sick or disabled or tragedy hit them! You better pray, good Christian, that it doesn’t happen to you! And by the way you ignoramus fool, the vast vast majority of Social Services is paid for buy extremely wealthy corporations and Banks who have way more than enough wealth to eliminate all poverty and starvation all over this planet within one single decade if they chose to be generous and compassionate and humane and uplift humanity and eliminate poverty and starvation! So stop pretending that you’re not happy because a few pennies of your income might actually go towards helping people that you’re supposed to help according to your God and Jesus Christ if indeed you do call yourself a Christian! And finally start remembering how much you have received and are receiving thanks to other taxpayers besides your narcissistic little self!
Leonard says
I don’t think anyone on here is saying everyone on public aid is just lazy or doesn’t want to work but we have all seen or know of abuse. The free cell phone is probably good for a portion of the poor public but are they using it for the intended reason. The thing that I see is the person with the link card talking on their smart phone in the grocery line buying all top name grocery items. I make a good living but I buy the house brand and choose not to spend the extra money for a smart phone. So how does a person qualify for food stamps afford to make the choice to have smart phone.
Last gripe. My son does travel baseball and we sacrifice other things to make this happen. We traveled to Cooperstown NY for a tournament with hit our finances hard that year. However while in Cooperstown a baseball mom from Utah was using her link card to pay for her filet. Where is the need. By the way I was buying brats with cash.
I believing supporting the needy with the basic needs to support life and health while they get themselves back on their feet. Being an unwed mother is not a disability and doesn’t keep you out of the work world for 18 years.
When is the last time you saw a senior citizen use a link card? I never have
Tom says
Be quiet you nauseating Republicans and fake Christians! Passing judgment on people you know nothing about! Jumping to snap judgements without even knowing anything about people’s lives or medical conditions or what they have gone through or are going through! You are so sickening you whining and boo-hooing right-wingers and Republicans! You are so incredibly selfish and stingy! Who are you to say what they should use their cell phones for you arrogant insane lunatic right-winger! Why don’t you mind your own business first of all and keep your nose out of other people’s business?! Who the hell are you to tell people what to do with their cell phones or who to call or receive calls from?! Another typical insane right-wing Republican arrogant judgemental hypocrite! Mind your own business! You people are a disgrace and should be ashamed of yourselves! Thank God you right Wingers and Republicans are dying off! When you are finally gone we will have a way better world! Until then just keep your mouths shut and stop spitting on people that you know little or nothing about and stop being the judgemental hypocrites and fake Christians that you are!
Debbie says
Kryss knows her stuff. She is totally 100 % correct in every sentence. People who don’t know all the rules and have imagined the possibilities of how this works and decide to be negative and hateful….well all I can say is…I cant wait for when it is their turn or a loved ones turn to be at the bottom due to illness or hardship and have to deal with haters that want to hate disabled , ill, elderly or weak people. What comes around goes around. There are crooked people everywhere, not just in the poor and disabled community. . Shame on you people who talk without truly having full knowledge and Shame on you for turning your backs on the disabled and elderly and poor—–you are inhumane and undeserving of any recognition of being an intellectual , problem -solving humanitarian. I would feel like a horrid person to not help or deny that there is a need and try to hel. It is out humane responsibility including our moral responsibility to do what is right and help those that cant help themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Good post Kyrss !
Tom says
Thank you for this post! You have a good heart and you are compassionate and humane! A very kind person! The right-wingers and Republicans on here passing judgement as usual and shiting on people who need help are just spewing the same old right wing and Republican hatred and hypocrisy and selfishness and narcissism that they always spew! They care about nobody but their selfish little selves and most of them have the gall to call themselves Christians while completely ignoring the command of Jesus Christ and God to help and give to the sick and disabled and poor and elderly and so on! They should be ashamed of themselves for being the Hypocrites that they are! And they are so stupid! The vast vast majority of money that goes towards Social Services comes from extremely wealthy corporations and Banks who have more than enough wealth to eliminate all poverty and starvation on this planet within a single decade! What we need instead of the hatred and selfishness and stinginess and judgmental hypocrisy and arrogance and conceit of these right-wing scum and Republican idiots and fake Christians, is a redistribution of the wealth on this planet to eliminate all poverty and starvation within a decade and pay everybody fairly and raise the standard of living for all people on this planet to a minimum of middle-income! Same sickening selfishness and vile hatred and hypocrisy as usual the from these fake Christian right-wing Republican scum and idiots!
Free Government Cell Phones says
Time to chill out, Tom. People are entitled to their opinions even if they don’t agree with you. That doesn’t make them hypocrites nor selfish nor stupid.
Kryss says
The phone have 250 minutes, texts cost .10 of a minute… and the phones are for people who dont have one and need a phone for doctors, and such, you know, like for a potential employer to call? or how about calls to different social services/social security, utility companies etc… how often have you had to sit on HOLD for 30-40 minutes, hell even an hour or more… 250 minutes is NOTHING…
There are strict rules for getting one as well. there can be no LAND line in the household, and there is a limit to ONE per address. So it isn’t like ‘welfare’ mom and all her 12 kiddies get one.
A cell phone is only a luxury if you have other options, these phones are for people who DONT. not everyone has someone they can use as a “message phone” or even if they do, that can be relied on.
It really pisses me off that people who are “better” than those who need these things think everyone who DOES are lazy, do nothing, “takers”… If you haven’t noticed, the economy sucks, and jobs are very difficult to find. People with COLLEGE degrees are working at McD’s… Get off your high horse, and actually pay attention instead of judging other people… NO ONE has a right to make judgements about others. You don’t know the details of anyone else’s life but your own, and I’ll bet $100 you dont know half as much as you think you do about relatives or neighbors…
Tom says
Thank you k r y s s! Thank you for defending the sick and disabled and those who have gone through tragedies from the heartless calloused selfish and stingy right-wingers and Republicans who love shiting on people and scapegoating people who they are supposed to be expressing compassion towards and being Humane towards! Most of those people call themselves Christians but couldn’t care less about Jesus Christ’s command to be compassionate generous and humane towards the sick and disabled and poor and elderly Etc! They’re nothing but fake Christians and hypocrites, extremely narcissistic heartless stingy selfish and cruel! As Christ put it, they will reap what they sow and they will have their reward! I have seen some Republicans who were against Social Services that help people who need it go through a tragedy or become disabled and have to go on social services, the Hypocrites they were! Lol. What selfish stingy despicable Hypocrites and fake Christians that Republicans and right Wingers are! Also they are so stupid that they never look into the facts! The tremendously vast vast majority of money that goes into Social Services comes from extremely wealthy corporations and Banks who have more than enough wealth to eliminate all the poverty and starvation on this planet Within a single decade! What we need is a redistribution of the wealth to eliminate poverty and starvation and pay people fairly and raise the standard of living for all people on the planet to at least middle-income, instead of right-wing and Republican idiots scapegoating and shiting on people that they know little or nothing about and don’t know what they have been through or are going through or what their medical situation is or what tragedies may have happened to them, while those Republican and right-wing hypocrites stand around passing judgment and most of them pretending to be Christians!
Mail Man says
Isn’t having a cell phone a luxury? … as a city letter carrier working in an unprivgleged part of the city I would have to say for the most part the poor got it good, and it seems like its only getting better now, every day since March ive been delivering these phones like hot cakes, I see new public housing with central ac/heating, pathed driveways for there own parking? , I mean wow? Talk about a slap in the face, in the summer these ac units on constant overdrive, guess whos paying that bill too? U guessed it the guy outside dying from heat stroke working so I can pay my on bill!,… its a discrace to all people who try making a honest living and cant qualify for any type of help simply because the goverment says ” u make too much money”? I might just throw in the work towel too “the working man is the sucker” seems true anyways with this goverment!
Tom says
Shut up you insane lunatic! The poor have it good?! Stop pretending to be a human being and go back to the Sewer that you crawled out of! In fact stop pretending that you even have an IQ higher than 25!
nucklebuster says
just thought i would give my over view of safelink trac phone?
i was a loyal customer for several years 5+ had problems a few times not getting minutes. seems when you call them it cost minutes i never gave that much thought? well when you reach a dead end 3-4 times with out speaking to any 1 but listening to automated messages this pisses 1 off. then when you do talk to some 1 its not english that can be understood?
i never really used the phone much any how only when i would travel incase of a emergency . i had a landline in my home any how.the minutes keep rolling over for several months i had 1200+ minutes at 1 time to use up.it got to the point where i think they safelink was not loading them each mth?
about 8 mths. ago i had a big blob on the screen when i would turn it on and use it(keep in mind the screen being small hard to see) i call their customer service i had 1 hell of a hard time getting them to give me a new phone. phones dont last for ever! plus not 1 person spoke english so i had a hard time understanding them. so they shipped a new phone to me then the nightmare started the minutes i had 1200+ they gave me a hard time about transfer then . the phone would not activate for some reason? customer service said we will send a new phone. this was on a friday as i recall so i get nothing till monday . monday comes fed-ex comes with a flat package its a new sim card so i put this in the phone it works with all those minutes. great. 4 days later a new phone came i did not need a new phone the 1 i had worked fine. i told customer service that before the sent it. NO NEW PHONE!so i sent it back in the postal bag provided.i been real sick got medical bills i cant pay in my life time even withh blue cross. i got rid of my landline phone to save some cash ported the home phone number to safelink trac phone heck i thought i had 1200+ minutes . 1st of the mth. comes no minutes i try by phone to redeem no luck . so time goes on my minutes run right down from the second i dialed the phone till i hung up.even if no 1 answers. i got down to 28 minutes 1 day so i went to my local walmart to buy minutes i find out the phone is locked. so i call safelink trac phone use up my last 28 minutes talking to them with no help.SO NO MINUTES OR PHONE SERVICE! i emailed them no help or quick response.
at that point i went to a at&t fusion#2 go phone its modern and you can see the screen.i ported that trac phone number to the go phone..
3 days later i get a call and text and email my friend answered the phone when safelink called they wanted to make things right as their email read.plus this was a english speaking lady my friend said she wanted to record the conversation.once she found out that i was not home she turned off the recorder.
after costing me my last minutes and all the b-s.they want to keep me as a customer?
what do you think?
JOHN says
I AM STILL WAITING FOR MY OBAMA BUCKS
JOHN says
WELL PUT CAROL, ITS GONE TO FAR
Brenda says
Isn’t laying back and enjoying life what you all have been doing?
CARROLL says
WELL FOLKS NO MATTER WHAT SIDE OF THE POLITICAL SPECTRUM YOUR ON , GET USED TO IT. ALL YOU HARD WORKING , BILL PAYING CITIZENS ARE FINALLY GOING TO GET YOUR JUST DESERTS . YOU HAVE BEEN KEEPING US POOR PEOPLE DOWN LONG ENOUGH AND IT IS ABOUT TIME THAT YOU PAY FOR YOUR CRIMES. WE FINALLY HAVE AN ADMINISTRATION IN POWER WHO IS GOING TO EVEN THE SCORE . SO WORK HARD ( GET A SECOND JOB ), WE NEED YOUR TAXES TO GIVE US ALL THE BENEFITS WE DESERVE . IT IS TIME FOR US TO LAY BACK AND ENJOY LIFE FOR A WHILE.
Cheeky aka dmk says
Are you being facetious?
Elisabeth O says
The jobs created by “free phones” are overseas. I am disabled and low income (voted Republican,) but heck if I will use an “Obamaphone.” I got one, waited five months to activate (out of shame) when the phone proved to be cheap, battery doesn’t hold a charge, doesn’t activate but I get a message saying “out of air time. Pay for more.” I have spoken to customer service in India, Columbia and Central America. I have not asked for customer service after confirming their location. I have hung up or made my anger clear about their job and my crap phone and then hung up. It’s not the “fees/tax” we need to worry about. It the jobs sent overseas by our “fees and taxes”. If my parents who can afford to put me on their family plan decided to “unfamily” me, I will get a Metro phone (cheap as they are) for $40.00 month and support jobs in my neighborhood and city. Charity begins at home and only counts if it stays at home.
Cheeky aka dmk says
At age 58, I’m am on my parents family plan, but only because they feel guilty. I’m tired of their abuse but at least I have a phone….for now. I was looking at going this route but I can’t afford mentally and physically to be with a phone that doesn’t work.
The other thing I’ve see posted all over here today, is people wondering how us “poor” folks sucking off the system can afford internet? The cheapest I can find is 20.00 a month plus tax for 2mb/s DSL (the slowest available and still allowing basic websites to run…sometimes w/o flash enabled). I don’t have a landline phone as I can’t afford the $16.00 + a month for Lifeline with AT&T….besides that, Lifeline plus $15.00+ for dial-up is more than I pay now.
I have no TV. I get my news and almost all my daily life’s interactions on the PC. I have a radio that gets poor reception so I listen to streaming radio. I don’t use Netflix, etc., I find full movies on Youtube and deal with the buffering.
I have nothing else and can’t get to the library all the time. It’s been a long cold, snowy, icy, winter….yet people have looked at me for years and say crap like, “You don’t look like anything is wrong with you.” or “You don’t look sick”. Pain is INVISIBLE and I do my best to take care of myself because I hate going through life looking as bad as I feel.
Unless you’ve walked in these shoes, don’t assume you even have a clue. I seriously wish people would grow some compassion.
nucklebuster says
also i think the safelink trac phone is owned by a company in mexico i read that here on the web not long ago?the owner himself is a mexi. why not american 100% put jobs out there for us citizens.
i had 1 of their phones they are remanufactured old phones this is why they have so many problems.
also it boils down to profit for them giving a new up to date phone would cost too much its that profit. having service in other countrys costs less that why when you get service no good english spoken.
this program is 100% abused by those who use period! these phones were made for emeregencys the commercials on tv show the lady broke down on the side of the road.their pitch to the poor to take advantage of tax dollars. lets actually find out who does own the safelink lets find out how much of it is based in the usa? then we ppl need action lets put them out of business in the usa!
Donna says
To JC – you need to make sure you facts are true: Lifeline was started under REAGAN
The Lifeline program originated in 1984, during the administration of Ronald Reagan; it was expanded in 1996, during the administration of Bill Clinton; and its first cellular provider service (SafeLink Wireless) was launched by TracFone in 2008, during the administration of George W. Bush. All of these milestones were passed prior to the advent of the Obama administration. The Lifeline program is not directly subsidized by taxpayer monies. It is paid for out of the federal Universal Service Fund (USF) through a fee assessed against telecommunications service providers, who may or may not pass those costs along to their customers:
http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp
Brian says
However i has been expanded under Obama even further. Now they can pay a small amount (like $30) and have unlimited talk, text and web.
The Lifeline program is for a home phone and the service was not free. It was a local calling plan in the days where you may have toll charges for calling accross town. It was a lower cost alternative for those who were elderly, disabled, etc.
The problem with this and most governemnt programs is that they expand to the point of absurdity, not matter which party has control.
However to be fair, in 2008 while bush was president, congress was fully controlled by the Dems. Since Bush didn’t sign it in as an executive order it was congress who passed the bill, Bush just didn’t veto it. Just a little chunk of the way a bill becomes a law, since they dont seem to teach that anymore.
Ashley says
Hate to bursts your bubble Brian..but what you posted is not true! These BUSH phones can not access the web…there is NO “pay a small amount to get this extra” The BUSH phones are cheap LITTLE candy bar phones that can’t take a picture or access the web. You can make/take a call, and yes, Text. That is all. I believe what you are referring to is Straight Talk…its 45.00 a month for unlimited everything…but that is for ANYBODY. It’s just another cell phone company. Has NOTHING to do with the low income phones.
Diane says
You’re right about the BUSH phones. BUT I dont know of any of them that have the text thing on it. Most of them dont.
Dan S says
Sorry, Diane, as of this year-2013-Assurance started giving 250-FREE TEXT-in addition with the 250 talk minutes. I know, I receive this package monthly. I am not a texter but they are nice to have for emergency if minutes run low.
Any more stupid, misinformed statements anyone? I didn’t think so.
J says
Haha I just got to see a commercial from assurance wireless and one of the lady on the commercial was at the gym lol
J says
I agree with some people in here. We hard workers have to pay $39 0r 50$ for a 250minutes.
I wonder what other considerations the government though about before implementing this tax fees. I do believe that maybe olderlie people should have a phone for emergencies. But I have seen young people using this phones, people who stay home, drive BMW & Mercedez, live in nice houses, food stamp, section 8 and more. To me no fare! One of the reasons our country is on debt. I wonder why they didn’t give a code so that they could used a public phone and find out I their benefits. 911 is free on public phone as well.
Kim Taylor says
“But I have seen young people using this phones, people who stay home, drive BMW & Mercedez, live in nice houses, food stamp, section 8 and more.”
You must have an amazing ability to tell what phone provider a person has just by looking at them when they drive by in a car or when they are in their homes. Perhaps you should get a little government assistance so you can go back to school and learn how to use proper grammar and spell correctly.
Donald says
Where were all of you when President Regan signed this??????? 1984……it’s been around for a long time now…….oh, yeh, let’s blame Obama…..yeh, he’s the target…..just throw more bs about him…….yeh, let’s win an election on lies…….
jc says
It was Clinton, not Reagan. I got the information straight from my phone company when this law went into effect. Reagan would have never signed a bill for free phones for ALL! Do your homework Donald.
Jason says
In addition to what jc stated, it was for the lifeline program. The program did not give free services, just helped offset the cost and the primary recipients were the elderly and thise with major medical problems. This allowed them to have a home phone line in case of emergencies. Why couldn’t they just receive old used phones without minutes or a plan…they can still call out to 911 (emergencies, remember). It seemed to be good enough for domestic violence victims who did not have the means. Spew your lies elsewhere.
OJay says
Actually, it WAS Regan in 1984 for landline phones. And GWB broadened the scope to include cell phones.
Are you still angry?
sj says
you are dead wrong jc it was implemented by Ronald Reagan in 1984
Mary Jane says
I am very tired of paying for other peoples cell phone and house phone. I just looked at my cell phone bill and I paid $5.32 and my home phone I paid $2.63 for Universal Communication Service tax. I just saw a commercial that even said that there is texting on the free phone. I do not even have texting because I can not afford it.
Diane says
I have to pay the same things on my home phone. We ALL have to. Deal with is what we do cause there is nothing we can do about it short of turning off our home phones. As for the texting on the free phones, that is a lie. There is none on mine. I am one of those that need a free phone. For doctors appts. and alot of other important things. Not all of us are taking advantage. Lots of us need this phone. I wont ever apologize for needing something and asking for help. Hope you never have to go through what others like me have to go through.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are incorrect, Diane. Your plan may not have texting, but several of the plans offer 250 texts along with 250 voice minutes per month.
Grace Morris says
Diane, if you have a home phone…you don’t need a cell phone to make doctor appointments, etc., you can use your landline…I call it taking advantage & won’t apoligize for the fact!!!!!
big man from maine says
I consider myself a liberal, and this free cellphone business pisses me off. They get 250 minutes a month for ’emergencies’? If you are having this amount of trouble in your life that you are really making 250 minutes of emergency phone calls a month, you do not need a free cell phone, you need a new life. Being liberal does not mean giveaways to people who do not need it. This kind of nonsense is giving a bad name to legitimate services that people in need actually have to have.
La says
My Dad is 75 years old,is on social security AND drives a school bus to make ends meet. He probably would be eligible for one of these but prefers to pay for his own cell phone. I on the other hand strongly RESENT paying for this and plan to look into this further. The entire welfare system is a JOKE and needs to be reformed. I would guess that only about 11% of people that get benefits actually are in need of them. I realize that there are people with “special needs” that will require help for life. However, It pisses me off to see the capable but lazy people who continue to make welfare a way of life. Then they have the nerve to breed more welfare recipients. It is supposed to be a temporary crutch to help you through a rough patch. NOT AN INDEFINATE SOURCE OF INCOME!! Get a god damn job and get you hands out of my pockets !!!!!!
joe patriot says
when did it become a “right,” that people receive free phone service? and people wonder why this country is bankrupt…
tripmom92 says
Having a cell phone is not a right…. it’s a luxury item. The looney left says that you have a right to a cell phone and it’s the taxpayers responsibility to pay for it. If on disability,that’s different, those who are not able to provide yourself but a large number of these entitlement leeches/sponges that are capable of working, and should be paying for the own phones. I am tired of supporting everyone else. It’s take away from my family.
You the constitution says “to promote the general welfare” this is where the looney left gets their reasoning, but the problem is that it doesn’t say to “provide for the general welfare, it just says to promote. Promote means to move forward, so it doesn’t mean to provide for the general welfare. promote means to encourage the general welfare. provide means to give.
mike barber says
I could support a program that allowed only a call to 911, but I resent paying for conversations that are strictly social. Let these freeloaders work for a living and pay like the rest of us saps.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Mike, there are calls that fall between 911 and “strictly social.” They include calls to doctors, calls to find work, calls to school, etc. It’s not that black and white.
Sher says
I’ve seen the ads on TV for these phones. They PROMOTE calling family and friends for social purposes, not emergencies. They talk and the taxpayers pay. All of these federal give-aways are to buy votes, especially in this election year. This can’t go on forever and it won’t.
Nelson says
You do realize that “social calls” as you put them, ie. calling parents, relatives, is a form of therapy for lonely seniors and disabled people. Like someone said before in this forum ” … and you call yourselves christian, catholic, etc”. I’m horrified at the inhumanity and disregard most of you are displaying. To quote the great Philip J. Fry : “I don’t want to live in this planet anymore”
Are there people who abuse the system, you bet, but, does this mean that every person that uses the system does? No! Please don’t throw out the baby with the bathwater.
I’m 35 years old, I’ve been disabled for 5 years. I worked since I was 12 years old. I have severe pain most of the time, to the point that I cant even eat by myself. I take care of my 77 year old mother and my 98 year old blind grandmother who has Alzheimer. We have a Safelink phone, its our only phone. We use it to call our doctor, and to call transportation services to pick us up when we are ready to head home (believe it or not, most doctors offices don’t allow you to use their phones to make pick-up calls). To be honest without that phone it would be almost impossible for us to take care of ourselves (we have no other family nearby).
I came from a communist country, and for those who say these services are turning this country communist, then I invite you to spend a month where I came from (Cuba) and I’m sure you’ll be unpleasantly surprised at how wrong you were.
Also, please excuse my English, its not my first language.
Robert says
Just another example of taking something from those who work and giving it to those who do not. I think Thomas Jefferson voiced an opinion on this very same issue. Ridiculous.
Jules says
If the schools and libraries have this service for the children then why are american children attending school has the lowest grade and iq. It’s because they use this service just to chat and surf the web and do absolutely nothing to educate themselves. Do you ever wonder what the hell to they learn in school? Why are they still dumb? Spending too much time chatting on cell phones and surfing the web.
Nobama says
I think everyone in protest should pay their phone bill each month ALL BUT THE FEDERAL TAX TO SUPPLY THESE PHONES TO FREELOADERS. If enough people did this then it would make a statement
sue goodrich says
my daughter is disabled and we don’t have a cell phone. she has seizures daily and is on a boat load of meds. i could probably get a free government phone, but we have a land line and pay for it ourselves. my husband works fulltime 1st shift and i work fulltime second shift so that someone is always home with our 25 year old daughter. when i see people who are not working, or on disability with arthritis in a knee, welcome to old age or fibromyalgia, say hello to old fashioned rheumatism, it infuriates me. who doesn’t have aches and pains as they get older? who doesn’t have arthritis? my husband is 63yrs. old and i’m 56 yrs. old with 2 fake knees, arhtritis and fibromyalgia. i take motrin and work 40 hrs. on my feet every night. so free cell phones? how appalling!
Kassie says
If you want to be angry at someone; don’t get angry at the poor and disabled. Get angry at the former (and now dead) President Ronald Reagan who started the LifeLine program back in the 1980’s. Learn to do some research instead of just blaming Obama for everything. Also this USF fee helps to go to put internet in schools, libraries and other places….But I guess those services shouldn’t be offered either right? Probably because its the poor who use the library for the internet and they don’t deserve access in your opinions…..
I am disabled and very ill and don’t get enough money from my Social Security to be able to afford a landline phone, let alone a cell phone. However, my ReachOut Wireless phone helps me to be able to keep in contact with my family, allows me to be able to contact my doctors for appointments, call to get transportation to those appointments, call my pharmacies for my medicines, check on my elderly parents, be able to be contacted by my son’s school if necessary; and have the security of knowing that if something happens to me or my son; that we can call for help.
There was even an instance where one of my medicines was causing my liver to have problems and if left untreated could have caused me to get very very sick, and go into liver and kidney failure, and without my ROW phone, my doctor wouldn’t have been able to call me and inform me and change my medicines…..But I suppose to some of you that shouldn’t matter right? Let me die and orphan my son….Just one less “Free loader” you have to pay a quarter a month for.
Some of you who have commented make me physically sick. You should hear yourselves, sounding all high and mighty, I bet some of you claim to be such good Christians too then you sit there and judge others……and I won’t even go into the one person up there who wishes to disenfranchise a whole bunch of voters because they feel that the “Freeloaders” do not deserve the right to vote, totally disregarding the Constitution where it says everyone has the right to vote, even the poorest of the poor. Its extremely shameful and embarrassing to me to read some of these comments, I worked as a Nurse and EMT and cared for the men and women of my country, saving lives and healing the sick, and now that I am one of the sick, the people who now live in my country would rather spit me out to the side of the road like an old, flavorless piece of chewing gum than pay a few cents so that I can have a phone. Its not the “Entitlement attitude” that is destroying America, it is the attitude of “I got mine, I don’t give a eff about you” that is.
So those “haters” out there should stop judging others without knowing anything about a person’s situation. When I was able to work and afford a phone, I too paid the USF tax and never complained, and now I am grateful and thankful that there are programs out there like ROW to help people like me.
Philip Grady says
you can do all those things from a land line with vonage for less than $10 dollars a month. No matter how you couch it a cell phone is a luxury not a nessesity. I all ready contribute to your welfare through social security disability. I do not feel obligated to provide you a cell phone.
Heather says
Miss Kassie, you are mistaken. The lifeline phone program was started by Bill Clinton (D) in 1996. I took this right off the ww.FreeGovernmentCellPhones.com website: “So, the subsidization of phones began under President Clinton, and has continued under Presidents Bush and Obama.”
I’m sorry you’re ill and I’m sorry for the disabled. My daughter is disabled and has been since birth. Her father walked out when she was 2 because he couldn’t handle it. I never got child support because he worked under the table in construction. What I did do though, was work 2 jobs to support us and take care of her and I never got subsidized housing, food stamps, unemployment benefits, etc. and I always paid for my own phone bill. Now, she’s 25 years old. She has a cell phone of her own now. How?? Because I pay for it!! So I pay for yours, mine, hers, everyone’s cell phone too! Hey Mr. Obama!! Is this what you call fair?
Donald says
Are you seriously blaming Obama for this one? 1984 and 1987 – Under the most famous and respected President of the United States of America…Ronald Regan!! The one who gave amnesty to 3.5 million illegals!!! Hurray for Regan!! http://www.snopes.com/politics/taxes/cellphone.asp
Nelson says
From snopes.com :
“The LifeLine and Link-Up programs were established by the FCC in 1984 and 1987, respectively, during the administration of Ronald Reagan.
The SafeLink Wireless service was launched by TracFone in Tennessee August 2008 and in Florida September 2008 months before the election that put Barack Obama in the White House.”
So as you can see, President Obama had nothing to do with the free cellphone program.
Ira says
Just saw an add on TV, became curious, then I found this site.
I resent the corrupt & morally void pseudo elites in DC stealing money from those who work in order to buy votes from the parasites. If they would do their intended constitutionally restricted jobs (that would reduce the government’s bloat, the budget and congressional terms) by 70%) & leave us to do ours we will take care of our own (while they try to find honest jobs like we are).
There are those who truly do need help with the basics but free wireless is not on that short list. It is “life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”; not “Let me bleed you so that I can have the life to which I would like to become accustomed.” Need to go or I may start going into detail about the way I deeply feel about this whole subject………
Jody Connoy says
Don’t care how you look at it. This is NOT any entitlements you get as an American citizens and should not have any funding for such a cell phone program, even if there is the poor has a need. A cell phone is not required to live and neither is a TV. Why is it all poor people have more TV’s, luxury items and eat better than people who work? Why is it people who work and shop are frugal with their money and the people on food stamps eat well. In fact, many of the wellfare people I see with their kids on WIC and collect food stamps are extremely overweight, which tells me they are eating quite well.
Bottomline is the poor might find a cell phone useful. Then someone can create a non-profit and those who want to donate for the cause can do so with a tax deduction. But hard working families should not be asked to pay for others services, especially when its not the basic food, water and shelter. Give me a break!!!!!
Charles Yahn says
Another government give away program that is completly out of control and being paid for by the taxpayer. Put in place by the corrupt politicians for acguiring votes from the free loaders. TIME TO TAKE OUR COUNTRY BACK, FOLKS.
Shean McManus says
For the generations before us who have paid their dues to Social-Security and literally built this country up after WWII, this is not meant for you! You deserve the support you have so painstakingly earned during your WORKING years!
What has happened to our country?
Do we remember the words “Ask not what your country can do for you, rather, what you can do for your country” ?
See how far we have fallen in to socialism and entitlements. Today, people expect to be taken care of and an entire generation is now being raised on welfare money with unwed mothers who do not marry to keep the monthly checks flowing in and continue to reproduce off spring in order to get a “raise” in their “paycheck”. Rent Money, Food Stamps, Cell Phones, and Socialist health care on the way… Why should someone work for minimum wage (at an entry level job) and give up all these expensive perks!
It’s one thing to need some help to get through a tough times, it’s an entirely difference thing to expect others to provide you what others work hard to achieve for themselves.
It’s an Obamanation!
Alicia Carvalho says
Im a little confused….not to long ago no one had cell phones..why do people that cant afford them need them??? My friend just told me about this so all this time i have been payin for FREE LOADERS to get cell phones..im sorry but thats BS!!!! And what am i paying for it with my house phone as well??? I dont get this its really messed up but hey the government just keeps puttin it in deeper and deeper in our as*es!!!!!!! Everyone bendover!!!!
Heather says
Check your phone bills – cell and landline phone bills – for something that says: Federal Universal Service Fund Fee. Don’t you love it??? They call it a fee!! Lol!! It’s a tax on those that can pay it to give something for free for someone that wants it but can’t pay for it. You know what I used to do when I wanted something but couldn’t pay for it?? I did without! That’s what! In my parent’s day, if they couldn’t afford a home phone, they went in on a phone line with neighbors and they all shared the phone line. Each one had a phone but they shared the line and it saved them all money on their bill. It was called a ‘party’ line. Where does this crap end?? Gotta have cell phones, gotta get free breakfast, lunch, and now dinner in public schools, gotta get free computers, big rebates if you buy a house or a new car, free birth control, free health care…. WHY?? Home come I had to pay for all these things when I was young and struggling and now that I’m older and can afford a little more I have to pay for everyone to get the things I had to work hard to pay for? And notice if you will, it doesn’t say anywhere on the requirements for a free phone that you have to be an American citizen! THIS MAKES ME SICK!! Remember this when you vote in November 2012. And if you don’t vote, don’t complain about shoveling all your hard earned money over to the government to hand out goodies to people so they’ll continue to vote for them and keep them in office!!
tripmom92 says
well said Heather. Our welfare entitlement need some serious reform.
I too am tired of supporting everyone else. Today’s generation is a generation of spoiled brats and they don’t want to work of anything. The generation of me…. generation you owe me….. etc….
kentuckywoman2 says
I guess neither you nor anyone else in your family has/is/will collected/collecting/collect Social Security or Medicare, right? Because if you/they have/do/will, you’ll be guilty of taking something that someone else paid for. So please keep your greedy, selfish, nasty opinions to yourself until you actually know what you’re talking about.
rmerrill23310 says
Comparing Social Security/Medicare which are programs that predominantly help people who are unable to work or who are elligible for retierment, to a program which provides a luxury (not a necessity) to millions of a Americans who CAN work, is obsurd. I believe in helping others but our Government assistance prgrams in the country are way out of hand. We are a point where more people do not pay taxes/get a refund than the people that do pay. We need to have mandatory drug testing for prgrams such as these because all we are doing is enabling and condoneing the problem.
wall says
I am. A. Us citizen, caucasion, tax payer,retired.
I donot qualify for food stamps, to any to the perks, except senour discounts at resturants. All the other freebies i do not qualify.
I would like t have a free phone service but i do not want to to to jail for perjury to get one. Why do we. Legetimet tax paying us citizens not get some free helps?????!!!!
william benson says
I really don’t get it, how can tax payers pay for free phones for the “so called” poor.
Making availbale services to the poor is a good thing, but this free phone thing has crossed the line I believe. Some of those who are getting phones do have an income and can afford a phone. I don’t believe these “poor people” are being checked out properly. What are the requirements for income to be eligilbe? Who decied this program? I don’t recall it being on a voting ballot.
Doris says
I think this program, Safelink, started in the Reagan administration for land lines.
Heather says
William Jefferson Clinton (D) was president from 1993-2001. This program was initiated in 1996 when Clinton was president.
H.HARRIS says
WHY SHOULD TAX PAYERS PAY FOR ASSURANCE WIRELESS? I GUESS THERE ANSWERING THE PHONE FOR A JOB RIGHT?I PAY FOR MY CELL PHONE BUT GOVERNMENT FEELS I SHOULD PAY FOR THERE’S TOO.I AM SO SICK OF PAYING FOR EVERYTHING THE GOVERNMENT FEELS THEY WANT TO GIVE AWAY.NO WONDER WE ARE BROKE.WHERE CAN I GO TO READ WHAT BRANCH OF GOVERNMENT DECIDED ON THIS GIVE AWAY & WHO VOTED ON IT.I WANT TO READ NAMES.IF WE AS AMERICANS DO NOTHING ABOUT GIVE AWAYS WE DESERVE WHAT HAPPENS TO US.ANYWAY SOMEONE CAN POST A GIVE AWAY THEN NAMES & BRANCH OF WHO VOTED FOR IT.A WEBSITE I AM NOT GOOD WITH COMPUTERS DON’T KNOW HOW TO DO IT.EVEN POST ON FACEBOOK WE MUST DO SOMETHING.
lanaym says
It is no wonder so many people are on public assistance. Why work when they are given so much for sitting on the couch. The elderly have to choose between food, heat, healthcare or medicine and others that have never worked a day in their lives are given all these freebies
antag says
At the very least this program should be curtailed — eliminate the long distance, international long distance (safelink says to 100+destinations) and text messaging and voicemail. Good Grief!
tony says
Cellphone companies are making millions off this thing. Why doesn’t the government supply the phone itself. Nooooo, because it is a scam by the Feds and telecommunication companies to make money!!! I am tired of paying taxes and have it go to lazy, jerks that sit around and get fed off my money! Write Congress and get this stopped!!
Mary Romero says
I feel as though these “free” cell phones are stealing from people that actually work for a living. Why should tax payers supply phones for people. If it was for the “poor” or elderly I would not have a problem, but it isn’t. I have seen with my own eyes, people that have been arrested for drugs, etc that have these phones. Give them a land line with basic service!!! Enough is enough. I am tired of having to pay for these free loaders!!!!
Yvonne says
I am sick and tired of paying for cell phones,rent,food,medicine,and everything else drug users and low lifes get,I am all for drug testing for these benefits,Not for the elderly but for the ones that are able to work just not willing..WHERE will it stop??????? VERY SORE SUBJECT FOR ME!!!
Anita Bias says
I am disabled, live alone in a Federally Subsidized housing, I want a safe link phone, how do I get one. Thank You,
Administrator says
Please look at the links on the left side of the page and you will learn how to get the phone.