No matter which service provider you choose, the LifeLine/Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) is free to eligible customers. 100% free. There are no monthly bills, no long-term contracts, no activation fees, no recurring fees and no surcharges. Free means free.
More than a dozen major service providers all are compensated by the United States Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for giving you a free cell phone. They are paid monthly to help carry the cost of your air time.
Of course, the carriers hope that you will upgrade the phone or buy extra minutes, so they can make more money.
Keep in mind, however, that these free government cell phones are not free for just anyone. You must qualify by participating in a broad range of government assistance programs or by having a household income that is below 135% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Visit our Qualify for Lifeline/ACP page to see if you qualify.
Admittedly, there are some extras that you may end up paying for:
If you have a plan that is less than unlimited, and if you run out of minutes, texts, or internet before the end of the month, you may want to purchase what’s called a “top up” plan to get by until the next month rolls around.
If you want to a better free government cell phone, you may end up paying more to purchase an upgraded one.
And although the exciting new Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) often offers plans with unlimited talk, unlimited texts, and unlimited internet, you may end up wanting to purchase a discounted tablet, laptop or desktop computer. That could cost you a one-time $10 fee.
Other than those understandable exceptions, the Lifeline/Affordable Connectivity Program is free. Absolutely free.
Belle Rodriguez says
Tried to get an assurance wireless phone but the person told me I had to pay $50.
Free Government Cell Phones says
That’s just not true, Belle. Enroll with a different company.
Henry says
The Assurance wireless website only mentions about applicants applying for the Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) program will get a free smartphone. The benefits listed for the regular Lifeline program did not mention a free phone. You also have to be a new customer (not active with the company of the past 60 days).
Mary Borden says
Can my mom use her old flip phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
That all depends, Mary. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So you need to speak to customer service to find out if your specific make and model is compatible with your service provider’s network. Here’s an article that will tell you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network
Jim Lovelady says
I have a cell phone can I receive free service and keep my phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
Certainly. In fact, you can use your phone as your free government cell phone.
Bobbie says
Why can’t they transfer their service to an unbranded phone? Because they are lazy!
Alexus says
Is it really free ir do i have to pay something i want a free phone
Sandy says
I appreciate the news. Can I call any state in the USA with these free phone plans?
Kathy says
Could you help me get information on free cell phone and service? I filled for disability in July 2015 and reapplied in October ( will help of social security and community agency). My cell phone has been turned off for non-payment and that leaves me without communication capability, especially in an emergency. Social Security disability has been “expedited” due to housing situation due to no income. Could you help me tap in to this free government benefit until disability kicks in. I have worked since age 15, paying into social security and at 57 years old I never thought I would be one step away from being homeless.
Thank you for your consideration.
Respectfully,
Kathy
Cifangchen says
I’m already a member to a few days to receive free mobile phones
Karen says
When your plan is $30.00 a month for unlimited talk, text, and web, does it including collect calls?
Lonnie says
OBAMA IS A JOKE AND PPL NEED TO GET FIXED AND STOP HAVING KIDS WITH PPL U DON’T EVEN KNOW OR CAN’T AFFORD. REALLY? How bout going to school which is so easy to get it paid for and not have to pay it back (grants) an Maj it on it own. Thanks to the lazy ppl those of us who need temporary help Don get it. It’s not fair. Get it Damon tubes tied or a vasectomy..um they also have condoms in case u didn’t know
Ryan says
Obama has nothing to do with this phone, it was signed into a bill by the Reagan administration as a household landline subsidy and swapped over to the cell phone version during the Bush administration, 1986 and 2006 respectively. Obama has nothing to do with it?
Some people……
static says
While the low income get the security of a cell phone are lifeline service. But why don’t the knuckle draggers notice that the carriers get the money In the event the carriers weren’t receiving “government money” To the extent the carriers underwrite the program they do so gambling the users will go over the allotted free minutes so they can bill them for the extra minutes. Obamaphone fits the narrative what some want to believe & they don’t look at the facts. Those turkeys get to vote..
Jacquie Lewandowski says
May I ask why does it take so long for a response? I’ve been trying to get my replacement phone for a long time. Why does it take so long just to get a phone replaced? Thank You
Jacquie Lewandowski says
Can you please confirm that I have my replacement phone the phone # is (***) 220-1760 the address to which it should be sent to is 12 ****** Place New Castle DE *****
Jacquie Lewandowski says
Please confirm what date the phone was sent. I thank you and have a great day!
Jacquie Lewandowski says
Please confirm that my replacement phone has been sent as of 4/20/2013
and please confirm what date I can receive it. Please send me a response as soon as you get this message. Thank You!
Jacquie Lewandowski says
I tried to reach your company yesterday and have not received a response. Can you please have a representative e-mail me at fab*********s@yahoomail.com to confirm that the phone has been sent the tracking # is 293150671200842****. Please send me a confirmation that you have received this message as soon as you get this the library only stays open until 5:00pm
Colin Webber says
I think this program is fantastic for the poor. It is amazing how some Americans get so mad at the poor in this country when the US Politicians steal billions and they have no problem with that but give a poor person 250 minutes on a cell phone and they jump up and down.
Maybe if the US Politicians didn’t sell America out to China and India there would be enough jobs for everyone in the USA.
Lannie Ferrell says
I have tried to get a free cell phone 6 months ago, I never received it, so I tried again and it stated that I had the phone, what do I do.
Lannie Ferrell
Joe says
I find it disgusting that my tax dollars go to providing “FREE” phones to low income families. These phones are NOT free and it’s pathetic that the administrators of this program refer to them as free phones. They are TAXPAYER subsidized phones. I work and go without a cellular phone to save money. To those of you that really need a phone, borrow one from your neighbor to call for pizza. To the rest of you leeches – get off your duff and go to work like the rest of us.
Lonnie says
AMEN Joe…I agree uh I started working at 15 I’m 28. My husband just walked out on my kids and I just a week ago. I graduate from college in May, lost my job in June have no income and have 2 kids under the age of 3, so sure I needed some help with food stamps and med assistance. I’m receiving benefits now and only since July but once I graduate from school and start working I will not resign up for assistance. If I get a job offer tomorrow that will at least pay enough to survive I would discontinue welfare. Many people seem to think welfare is a source of income and stay on it for 20 plus years, have kid after kid they can’t afford, live rent free, free insurance, food etc and never bother or even attempt to work or be independent like us Americans should be! It’s bullshit and lazy..unless your disabled or have a serious medical issue,the govt needs to cut those people off. Hmmm and you wonder why the US is broke? Hello..anyone else think that? Oh yea and it should not be ok for illegal aliens to get any welfare period!!!!!! B become a Dam n citizen
Tom says
Joe and Lonnie, the poor will always be with us so you two can feel superior. God Bless.
jake says
hahahaha how do i get a job if i have no phone for them to call me for an interview? friggin’ snob. it’s a struggle for us poor teenagers sir, we don’t need the likes of you looking down on us.
Katherine darling says
I’m waiting for s s to come through, with no income this sounds fantastic, god bless.
Gloria Silva says
I keep trying to enter the information and its saying its not correct, it is, maybe they have have the information from when I own a home before I lost it due to illness, HELP safelink.com is where I’m trying, Thank you
Gloria Silva says
I hope this works out, if it does thank God. Being poor means no phone or drive through and so many other things like food that people who state their poor seem to have plenty of. God bless