The short answer is that you can have a free government cell phone for the rest of your life as long as you meet the requirements.
Here are the details:
As soon as you enroll, your free cell phone from the government it will be sent to your home address. You’ll probably receive it within a week or so after you are approved. At the same time you will receive your first monthly allotment of minutes. You will continue receiving this monthly allotment for a full year.
As you get near the end of that one year period, most service providers like Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless and ReachOut Wireless will send you an email alerting you to the fact that you need to re-qualify and tell you how to do it. Don’t worry. It’s simple.
Federal and/or State regulations require that you re-certify that you are eligible for the Lifeline Assistance program within 60 days of your annual enrollment. So mark it on your calendar.
And as long as you continue to qualify, you can continue to use your free government cell phone and continue to receive your monthly allotment of minutes.
Blaine says
I lost my phone, but don’t remember what company it was with. How do i find out so i can cancel it?
Free Government Cell Phones says
We used to answer this question by saying that you could visit the USAC website and they would help. But numerous readers have said the USAC was no help. Another option is calling each of the companies offering plans in your state to ask the question, “Are you my service provider.” They should be able to answer the question with your phone number. Here’s where you can find all the service providers in your state (hopefullly, you live in a state with only a few providers):
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Tiffany says
What happens when I no longer qualify for this service/ program? How do I return the phone and is there a service charge?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good news. There is no charge and you can keep the phone forever.
Emily says
My brother went into a nursing home and no longer uses his phone. What do I do with the phone? I am not qualified for a free government phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You should contact his service provider to request that they cancel the account. You can do that by calling 6-1-1 on his free government cell phone.
Adelfa Rosell says
My father recently passed away. I need to return his phone and close his “account”. My mother will be applying however. Whom do I speak to? Where do I go to get this taken care of? Nothing is on the FAQ page about this that I can find.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Adelfa. They should be able to cancel your father’s account and open one for your mom. Sorry to hear about your loss.
Marianne Goslawski says
How do I return my phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Why do you want to return your phone? If it’s because you no longer qualify, there’s no need to return your phone. If it’s because it’s broken, here’s an article that tells you what you need to know:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/i-lost-my-phone-how-do-i-get-a-replacement
Scott Lara says
when do my 250 minutes get reladed is it on the date that i recived it or the 1st of the month i haveno minutes as of now. i appreciate your your time to reply .
ManuelcampoamoAmor says
I am 67 totally disable diabetic heart lung diease two artifical knees on oxygen need something for emergency I am on a special watch program with Tampa coal gas co as I also use a Cpap so how do I know if I quilify
peggyj.hansen says
I just got this free government cell phone in 2 wks ago and now I lost 204minutes & I only used up 46minutes on it. So am I ever going to have more minutes to be put on again??????????????????????
I need to be turn on now ASAP cause I’m looking for work,
Thank you,
Peggy Hansen
P.S. let me know something?
Does this free phone work as the same as food stamps does you get 200.00 each month???????????
Free Government Cell Phones says
No, it doesn’t work the same as Food Stamps.
ken katayama says
I’m in los angeles ca. Is there a provider in ca. I’m on food stamps
Free Government Cell Phones says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/california-government-cell-phone-providers
Theresa Greene says
I either lost my charger or it doesn’t light up when I remove the battery. I’ve not
made a call on my verizon free phone for seven months. The reason why I
haven’t cleared this up earlier is was hospitalized for 2 months and taking care
of my other business.
I talked to Penny at Tech-support. She left me hanging.
Thank you for any help you can give.
Theresa Greene
Free Government Cell Phones says
Verizon does not participate in the free cell phone program.
devin says
Yes they do. I have a Verizon Obama phone.
Lulu says
Theresa Greene’s post was from 2011.
Lisa S Rasco says
My parents received a phone call alerting them that they needed to requalify for the continued use of the free phone. How would we go about reapplying?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Lisa,
Each company’s website has a link for “Verification” or “Annual Certification.” Look for that and follow the directions. You should only have to indicate by checking a box that you sill qualify under the requirements of the program.