You may be eligible for Lifeline Assistance, the free government cell phones program, and not even know it.
More than 12,500,000 needy Americans already have the free phones and also receive up to 250 free minutes every month.
But considering the remarkable number of ways one can qualify for the program, FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net estimates that as many as 50,000,000 American might be eligible.
Check the following list, because you probably qualify for a free phone and free service if you already participate in any one of the programs below, and your state is one of the 38 that participate. If it looks like you might, then check our “free phones by state” page to confirm your eligibility; in fact, check anyway as some states may have further eligibility opportunities beyond those listed here.
- Medicaid
- Food Stamps or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
- If your total household income is 135% of the Federal poverty level or less (in Alaska, Alabama, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Delaware, Georgia, lllinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Carolina, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin)
- If your total household income is 150% of the Federal poverty level or less (in Arizona, Florida, Michigan, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Rhode Island and Texas)
- Federal Public Housing Assistance/Section 8
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Federal Social Security Disability
- Veteran Administration Disability Benefits
- Vocational Rehabilitation including hearing impaired (in Oklahoma)
- National School Lunch program (in most states)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (in Alaska, California and some other states)
- Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (in Alaska)
- Veterans Administration Disability Pension (in Alaska)
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance (in Alaska)
- Women, Infants and Children Program (in California)
- State Supplement to the Aged, Blind, or Disabled (in Connecticut)
- Refugee Program (in Connecticut)
- Bureau of Indian Affairs Programs (Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, Head Start Subsidy, NSLP)
- Senior citizen low-income discount plan offered by the local gas or power company (Georgia)
- Electric Universal Service Program (in Maryland)
- Temporary Cash Assistance (in Maryland)
- State Child Health Insurance Plan/KIDCARE (in Arizona)
- MassHealth (in Massachusetts)
- Transitional Aid To Families with Dependent Children (in Massachusetts)
- State Aid to Blind Persons or State Blind Pension (in Missouri)
- Head Start for income qualifying/residents of Tribal Lands (in Oklahoma)
- Vocational Rehabilitation including hearing impaired (in Oklahoma)
- Rhode Island Pharmaceutical Assistance to Elderly (RIPAE)
- Work Toward Employment (in Utah)
- DSHS Chore Service (in Washington)
- School Clothing Allowance (in West Virginia)
- Homestead Tax Credit (in Wisconsin)
For further information, go to FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, the #1 authority on the free government cell phones program in America.
Brenda Poston says
I understand that the free government cell phone is limited to 1 per household, but can there be exceptions. I currently reside with my 60 y.o. sister and I am 61; we both receive Medi-Cal and SNAP food stamp benefits separate from each other. I currently have a Lifeline cell phone that I use to look for work and to book my medical appointments. My 60 y.o. sister has been paying for a TracFone out of pocket, but can no longer afford it. She is disabled and needs a lifeline phone for her medical and legal appointments awaiting Social Security Disability and for texting/email. We can both provide proof of being Medi-Cal and SNAP food benefits separately. We live in a single-family house, but live separate lives, separate kitchens. I desperately need my currently established cell phone else there would be no hope of every finding work. She needs one because she is facing surgery and has numerous healthcare problems. We can’t afford a landline, and she needs to establish an email account.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Based on your description of the living arrangements, you may qualify for an exemption to the one-per-household rule. Call your preferred service provider’s customer service team and describe your situation. Here’s an article that will tell you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-more-than-one-free-government-cell-phone-per-household
Mark says
Hi their,hope yr ok.now here is the.problem! I already have a gov.cell Phone I’m on ssi. My wife needs a cell phone,she’s also.on.ssi. We live in.a residental care facility. She also is.in need of a lifeline gov. Supplied smart phone! Is.it possible??????
Free Government Cell Phones says
It should be possible and it’s certainly worth looking into, Mark. The rules of the program say that residents of group homes such as yours are eligible for phones (unlike the regular rule that says one free government cell phone per household), but we are not sure if you and your wife will both be eligible. But you may be. It’s certainly worth a phone call to one of the Lifeline providers in your state. You can find them here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Megan says
Can I get a government phone for my child ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Not legally. The rule say no one under 18 is eligible, but there is nothing to stop you from enrolling and allowing your child to use it.
James a richardson says
Cell phone for 90 yr oldveteran limited service
Free Government Cell Phones says
First thing you need to do is determine if you qualify, James. Here’s an article that shows all the ways you can qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
John Marceau says
My husband is a senior and also 100% disabled veteran. What do I need to do to get him a free flip phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you all the ways you can become eligible, John:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
RICH ADOLPHUS says
I am over 65 years old and receiving 100% total disabled veteran. Do I receive a FREE phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s an article that tells you all the current ways to be eligible, Rich:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Roger Anlauf says
I am a 100% hearing disabled service connected veteran. Do I qualify for a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
We think you should qualify automatically, but you don’t, Roger. Neither your hearing disability nor your service qualifies you, but that does not mean there isn’t another way for you to qualify. Here’s where you can review all the ways to qualify:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Shane burton says
I am a 100% disabled veteran with a son diagnosed with autism would like to have a phone for his safety and ability to be able to call someone if needed.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Check out all the programs in your state at the following link, Shane.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Bridgette says
My son is 13 and was diagnosed with autism disorder about 5 years ago and is on SSI as I I am his mother is also on SSI. I would like to know how I can get him a free smartphone without it being in my name because I am also disable as far as his dad goes he could probably have it under his name I am on a government program also and receive SafeLink minutes and data and text I just need to know if there is some way I can get my thirteen-year-old a phone to stay in contact with me?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Bridgette, you cannot get your 13-year old a free government cell phone in his name. The rules of the program clearly state that you must be 18 to qualify.
Derrick Bennett says
My son lives in a group nursing facility because of mental illness. It is controlled with medication. He is on Medicaid and SSI. I would like for him to get a cell phone because it is so hard for me and other family members to get in touch with him. He wants one very badly to keep in touch. The e-mail address is mine because he does not have a computer. The name listed below is his.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We cannot send you an email, Derrick, because of the sheer volume of comments and questions we receive. But you can get started by looking at the list of free government cell phone plans available in your state. Check them all out to make sure you find a plan that works best for your son (most minutes, most texts, most data, smartphone, etc). You can find that list here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Rajeshwar Sinha says
I am disabled senior citizen of 70+. I need Free or cheap Cell phone to call, Hospital and Taxi.
My monthly SS retirement is $1076.00. I pay More than $2000.00 property Tax and $1200.00 school Tax yearly. I pay all utilities ( Gas,Electric. Water, phone etc.) and others house used items like toilet papers, cleaner soap etc. I also spend some money for daily food.
Thanks
Free Government Cell Phones says
It sounds as if you qualify, Rajeshwar. Check out all the service providers in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Holly says
I am a 70% disabled veteran. Can I get a safe link phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Holly, neither disability nor veteran status qualifies you for a free government cell phone. But you may qualify for other reasons. Here’s an article that tells you What they are:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Carol Johnson says
Thank You for your service. Very sad you don’t qualify for a free phone and some lazy ass slob spitting out a kid every year or a piece of crap refugee and all the illegals can get them. What a screwed up country this has become
Nelson says
Thank you for not providing anything useful other than your bigotry.
Patricia Chemas-Hartl says
HI, I am writing this letter on behalf of my disable sisiter Alicia Chemas, whom resides in the state of New Jersey. Alicia recieves medicare and medicade as well as monthly disability benefits, and she needs a free government cell phone:
–Tthat is simple to operate.
–That has large or preferable a huge font size.
–That has a loud ring tone and high volume.
Your assistance will be greatly appreciated..
My sister dosen’t know how to use a computer, therefore I am using my e-mail.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Each Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone company offers phones for hearing/vision/speech impaired. Here’s an article that tells about each company’s policies in that area. Look over the list and help your sister select a service provider:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
You can find a list of all service provider’s in your state in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Jose Felix says
My name is Jose Felix iam 78 years old i.currently have a phone but iam hard of hearing and i cant hear conversations. I live on a 1.000 dolars a month an i would like to know if theres a phone that is for hard of hearing Thank u. JOSE Felix.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We ran an article not too long ago that answers that exact question. Here’s the article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/government-cell-phones-hearing-vision-speech-impaired
Cheryl durr says
Would like to get a free government cell phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Do you qualify for one, Cheryl? You can find out all the ways to qualify by reading this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
And then you can find all the companies that offer free government cell phones in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Rickey says
My wife has safe link is it possible for me being a disabled veteran to be able to have a phone as well ?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sorry, Rickey, but the answer is no. It seems like being a disabled veteran would be enough to make you qualify, but it isn’t. That’s not your biggest problem, though. Only one free government cell phone is permitted per household. Since your wife has one, you are not eligible for another one.
Sandra Garza says
I need a phone for myself
And lost my phone
Dale Skibinski says
My husband is on SDDi and we would like a free cell phone
Robert Mortenson says
I am a Retired USAF Vet. and am 100% service connected disability by the VA and on SSDI. I am in serious need of a cell phone.
Deborah A. Hoff says
I am a 63 year old woman on disability and I have a 27 year old autistic son that lives with me I would like to
see if we both could get a free phone for emergency’s, if so would do we need to do.
ron garbe says
Hi, I receive Social Security Disability insurance payments from the Fed Gov. I do NOT have a physical handi-cap I have received payments for the last Five years and am now 63 years old. You say that those on SSDI qualify for a free phone. I have checked every Minnesota provider you listed and none of allow you to get a free phone if you are only getting SSDI. They do NOT even list that as a choice in the applications!!
So why do you say that this is possible???? could you send me a reply to my e-mail listed??!! thank you Ron G.
Teresa Quintanilla says
I need a telephone for the hearing impaired. I have been evaluated and need hearing aids for both ears but can not afford them
Yoojin Han says
I need this information for my members.
pradeep budala says
Thanks blessing all ways you
pradeep budala says
Be good do good
anthony calvanico says
iam a 40 service connected disability, wanting to know if i qualify for a cell phone.please respond asap
Bob says
Yes u are able to get the free phone if u were in the service
Free Government Cell Phones says
We wish we could give you better news, Bob, but being a vet is not enough to qualify. But that does not automatically mean there’s not another way to qualify.
Click on the “Do You Qualify?” Link at the top of this page and see if you qualify another way.
Good luck. And thanks for your service. We appreciate it.
David Phillips says
I am a homeless veteran, having served in the U.S. Army (Signal Corps 1974-1977), Massachusetts Army National Guard (1978-1979) and U.S. Army Reserve (Intelligence Corps 1982-1990). I am currently living in a camping trailer, with no residential street address. I would like to have a telephone number to put on my resume, so that prospective employers can contact me, and also the V.A. can let me know about scheduled medical appointments. I have some hearing loss, and I find that many inexpensive cell phones have very poor audio quality, and I tend to rely mostly on texting. Employers and the V.A. would probably make a voice call, so I would need some voice minutes, but unlimited texting would be ideal.
I hope somebody can help me out.
Thank you.
P.S. I know I can get a free cell phone if I am on any number of government programs available in Massachusetts. I do not want to be on any Massachusetts government programs. I just need a phone.
Beverly says
How I get my free phone from Veteran Affairs
Nestor L Vazquez says
I live in FL and am 100%Service Connected Total and Permanent. Please see if I qualify.
Frank castellone says
I am 100% disabled combat veteran and applying for a free cell phone. Please contact me
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
We appreciate your service, sir! And we wish there was a program for vets, but there is not. Here are the qualifications:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
connie moran says
my income is ssi in the list for liver transplant please sent me a government phone
jaks ferria says
I’m trying to find information on a free phone for my dad
carl ray says
can i recieve free cell phne service i am a disabled vet with 50 percent disabilty
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Simply receiving disability does not make you eligible.
James Madison says
Vets not included? You ought to check your own web site! Elgibiliy Programs: “9 Veteran Administration Disability Benefits”
Brandon Hudson says
I am a 60% disabled Veteran, do I qualify for a free cell phone, It is a tough world out here, I have an appeal going with the Va system could take up to 3 years
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Please read this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
Angela says
go to your local VA clinic, they’ve been standing in the lobby of the Orlando one for at least a year signing people up.
Larry says
They were doing the same thing at the Ocala Vets. Seems this must have been some kind of scam because I just got a letter saying I have to be on one of the public assistance programs and have proof or I will lose the phone service. This is a trac phone provided by security link.
I went on line to check it out and was able to pull u p the application I supposedly filled out and I never saw it before. I did not have to fill anything out when I got it they asked for my dd214 and the last 4 # of my SS. I did not fill out anything. The application shows I am on all kinds of assistance programs which I am not. How can they get away with this???
Tyna says
I too went to Ocala VA and just got the letter as well.. When I go to safelink, it showed the same on my application. I have had the phone since Jan and just now am getting this letter. Been on hold for over 30 minutes with safelink. I dont see that lady who used to stand out front asking if we got our free phones yet. Everything I researched show no such program unless you also had some kind of government assistance and with 100% I have yet to qualify for anything with a family of 4.
Dillan Penegar says
I would like to know if I can get a free cell phone with free minutes, I am a senior 72 years and a disabled Veteran
Jean says
I am looking for free government cell phone for my disabled sister-in-law who lives in fort morgan colorado. i was wondering where she could apply to get a free government cell phone.she doesn’t have a computer. she collects food stamps and she lives alone in a assistant living facility.she lived in a home but she lost it to foreclosure. i hope you can help me. sincerely your. Jean Barrientos