Free Government Cell Phones

Lifeline phone service provides free cell phones to America's financially disadvantaged

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What About Free Cell Phones for Seniors?

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We see that a lot of people end up on our site after searching for “free phones for seniors.” While the Lifeline Assistance program that our website is primarily devoted to does not offer age or being a social security recipient as a qualification, they’ve still come to the right place.

If you call any of the providers and ask if there is a special program for senior citizens, they’ll tell you no. They can’t discount a free cell phone below zero, and they don’t offer more minutes or features if you show your AARP card. (By the way, there’s no AARP cell phone that free, although the AARP .)

We’re not sure how the concept of free cell phones for seniors got its start. Perhaps it was due to local programs in counties and cities that hand out second-hand cell phones with no minutes, but are still 911-operable for emergencies. Any phone with a charge will be able to dial 911, even with no service, so some organizations collect old phones and give them away to seniors.

A recent story, 3,000,000 Middle Class Americans to be Eligible for Free Government Cell Phones, may have also contributed to the rumor. Thanks to a little-noticed clause in the nation’s new healthcare law, up to three million middle-class early retirees will qualify for free cell phones under the Lifeline phone service program.

Regardless, whatever your age, senior citizen or not, the qualifications for a free government cell phone (and up to 250 minutes airtime a month) are the same. Qualify either by your low-income status or current participation in another public assistance program like food stamps, Medicaid, SSI, public housing and others.

If you’re looking for the “AARP freecell”, that’s an online game not a phone.

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  1. If you are going to ask "how do I get a cell phone?" go here instead.
  2. If you are going to ask "how do I get a replacement phone," go here instead
  3. We are not your cell phone company. All technical questions should be asked of your vendor.
  4. Your comments are moderated, and we will manually approve those worth publishing within 24 hours.

Comments

  1. I’m looking for a free government program for a nursing home resident in here 80s living in Seymour Indiana that is on medical

    Reply

    • It’s doubtful that you can still find a Lifeline company that still offers flip phones, but you can always ask if your company offers a BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) plan. If so, you could buy your own flip phone and use it as your free government cell phone. However, PLEASE make sure that you buy the right sort of cell phone — one that is compatible with your service provider’s network. PLEASE check the specific make and model with your service provider BEFORE you purchase it.

      Reply

  3. As of April 30,2019 I will no longer be eligible for my Obama phone through Safe link…can I just switch my phone to Tracfone and buy my minutes and keep my phone number….HELP

    Reply

  4. Will you please help me that I’m looking to get my 88 year old mother a free cellphone and don’t know how.

    Reply

    • All the information you need can be found right here on this website, Joan. It’s impossible for us to summarize hundreds of pages of information in one response, so you’ll need to click around to the major subjects covered in the navigation bar at the top of the page.

      Reply

    • I need a free large cell phone I can see an volume I can hear.
      I’m very I,come an 66 years old. Can u help me? I really need a land n e. T reception were I’m at shrinks. No one can get in or out reception is real bad.

      Reply

      • If reception is as bad as you say it is, it may be impossible to get you the service you need Shirley.

        Reply

    • Each service provider has its own set of plans for hearing/vision/speech-impaired customers. For more detail, check each company’s website.

      Reply

  6. I have a cell phone but it is locked. My son bought this phone through MetroPCS and used it for two day and did not like the phone so he took it out of service. They would not take it back because they claimed it was scratched. He was told that the phone could be unlocked so he gave it to me and I applied and was granted cell phone service through SafeLink. It was when we tried to get the phone unlocked that we found out it did not qualify. I have been trying to find out how to get it unlocked but no luck so far. It occurred to me that the organizations that collect cell phones for seniors must know how to unlock cell phones so I am contacting you to ask if there is somewhere in Bergen County NJ I can take my phone?

    Reply

    • MetroPCS out to be able to tell you how to unlock the phone. Have you contacted its customer service team?

      Reply

  8. I am a case manager working with low income seniors in California. I love the concept of free cell phones, but have found the execution unsatisfactory.
    We have assisted our clients to obtain numerous California Lifeline smartphones, but they are onerous to use and almost impossible for our clients who have mental health or cognitive challenges. Even simple isolation can prevent successful use of these phones if there is no one to help troubleshoot the ample problems.

    I want to emphasize that not just our clients, but many California seniors, are extremely vulnerable consumers. They are frequently bombarded with calls by telemarketers and others who are trying to either trick them (legally) or rob them (illegally). The California Lifeline phones that we have obtained for our clients seem to exacerbate this problem. There are ads constantly being flashed up onto the screen, making simple functions like placing a call very difficult. The elder has to have the wherewithal to identify these intrusions as ads, figure out how to X them off the screen, and proceed with their call. Invariably other ads pops up in quick succession and it makes the phone stressful, aggravating, confusing, and sometimes effectively useless.
    We have contacted the companies that provided the phones and they weren’t able to offer any helpful advice. I’d appreciate any advice. Functional phones are critical to preserving the independence of our senior clients.

    Reply

    • You’ve stumbled upon what we would call the greatest shortcoming of the Lifeline program, Aileen. In order to make a profit, these companies cut every corner possible, including giving out far too many refurbished phones that haven’t been refurbished nearly enough. We wish we could help, but this flaw is built into the program and we do not know the solution.

      Reply

      • I actually don’t think it’s a hardware problem. I think it’s software: a combination of a clunky user interface, pop up ads and telephone numbers that have been used over and over. I’d love to know what percentage of people are able to use these phones and what percent give up and don’t reenroll.
        Can we put the sim card in a cheap flip phone that is more accessible? One of the carriers told us their service only worked on cell phones, but I’m not sure why that would be.
        California offers a free blue tooth phone to disabled residents through CTAP. It can link to a cellphone at home and make it act more like a landline. I’ve used this with some success, but that seems like convoluted work around.
        Do you know of any advocacy groups work on this nationally or locally?

        Reply

  9. Hi
    My name is Quang. My grandmother is senior who has benefits from social security such as medicaid, supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8) . My grandmother want to replace a new cellphone free because her old phone is broken. could you show how can she does that?!
    Thank you
    QT

    Reply

    • We need a little clarification, Quang. Is her broken phone a free government cell phone?

      If so, she should contact her service provider’s customer service team. They will probably want to charge her a small fee, but depending on how long she’s been a customer they might replace it for free.

      If that doesn’t work she always has the option of switching to a new service provider. As a new customer, they will give her a free smart phone. Here’s an article that tells you how to make the switch:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers

      Reply

    • Finding flip phones is increasingly difficult, Angelica. We may be wrong, but we doubt that any of the free government cell phone companies offer them anymore. Another option would be purchasing a flip phone that is compatible with your chosen service provider’s cell network, but you need to find out if it’s compatible before you enroll.

      Reply

  11. Greetings!
    In my trying to reduce cost to my phone plan with my senior aged mother of 71, I would like to know if her currently owned Sprint phone…could be transferred to a senior plan of yours to which it would be of no cost since she receives social security as a retired income? However, because her cell number of current is to which all of her family, friends and utility companies know to reach her on…could her number remain the same?
    Your assistance in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
    Kindest regards,
    Tunisia Williams

    Reply

  12. Hello,
    I am wondering how to retrieve government free cell phone for my elderly mother that lives alone. Just in case she has an emergency – I was told she is entitled to receive one from Mass Health. Now I saw this link reviews. I think the government is doing an excellent job providing such service for us keeping our parents safe and alive.
    Thank you very much.
    God bless,
    Nicole Sammarco

    Reply

  13. I already have a free cell phone and service through Assurance, as my S.S. income is less than $8,000 a year. I have over-the-air television service, but I do pay monthly for internet service. My regular phone service is an Google internet phone. I only need the free cell phone service when I go out in a car, or if the electricity in our area goes down. I am nearly 79 years old and on oxygen, and need the cell phone for emergencies only.

    I make at least one call a month on the cell phone, but Assurance texts me almost weekly warning me that I need to use my phone or lose it! What are the minimum requirements by the FCC for phone usage?

    Reply

    • One call every 30 days is sufficient to keep your account active, Marilyn. Sounds like Assurance is just trying to make sure you keep it active so they don’t lose your business.

      Reply

  14. I JUST FINISH TELLING THE HORROR HISTORY OF SAFELINK-TRACKFONE / THEY ARE A BUNCH OF IGNORANTS, GREEDY, DEMANDING OF THE ELDERLY PUSHING TO MAKE CALLS AND TO TEXT (((( DAMN, MOST ELDERLY HAVE ARTRITIS )))) NOT ME BUT REGARDLESS, IT HAS BEEN AN ORDEAL DEALING WITH THOSE 2 COMPANIES. CHANGED FROM OLD PHONE, BOUGHT ONE FOR $55.00 FROM TRACKFONE, FIRST 2 I HAD TO RETURN THE WERE ( DEFECTIVE ) THIRD ONE ARRIVED AFTER ONE MONTH AND TWO WEEKS AND AT LEAST 10 OR 14 HOURS OF PHONE CALLS TO IGNORANT AGENTS, THAT NOT KNOWING THE ANSWERS JUST HANG UP, ONLY MAKING YOUR BLOOD PRESSURE AND FUSTRATION WORSE. NOW THEY CANCELLED BECAUSE THEY CLAIM I DID NOT REGISTER AGAIN, ((( NOTHING HAS CHANGED IN MY LIFE EXCEPT 76 YEARS OLD LAST MARCH 10 )))) AND NO LETTER ADVISING ME I HAD TO RE-REGISTER OR WHATEVER IT IS CALLED, ALL I KNOW THEY LEAVE ME WITHOUT MY ((( SO CALLED EMERGENCY PHONE ))) COMPLETELY SENSELESS AND AGAINTS THE MAIN OBJECT OF THE PROGRAM. BESIDE THAT ALSO A CHANGE IN MINUTES FROM 500 I HAD TO KNOW 350 AND NOT TO BE CARRY OVER. THEIR ALL OBJECTIVE IS FOR ME TO BUY A TLF-CARD $ $ SO G.DAMN OBVIOUS, THE GOVERNTMENT SHOULD TAKE THEM OFF THEIR ARRANGEMENT. NOT SERVING THE PEOPLE AND STEALING FROM THE PROVIDER.

    Reply

  15. SAFELINK-TRACKFONE THE MOST HORRIBLE EXPERIENCED I HAVE ENCOUNTERED IN MOST OF MY YEARS JUST LIKE ( TIME WARNER CABLE NOW SPECTRUM ) = SAME GARBAGE THEY INCREASED MY MONTHLY TO $165.00 AFTER TELLING THEM WHERE TO GO, THE SUN DOES NOT SHINE THERE/ THEY HAD PULLED A TRICK ON ME FEBRUARY 2017 AND CONVERTED ME ON A ONE YEAR PROMOTION, I NEVER AGREED TO BUT TRICKED INTO. I STARED WITH TIME WARNER IN 1997 NEVER HAD ANY CONTRACT OR PROMOTION FOR ONE YEAR ( NEVER ) THEY TRICKED ME INTO IT. NO SCRUPULOUS. GREEDY SOB’S LIES AND PROMISES JUST LIKE DONALD TRUMP / PERIOD / !I’M 76 & TIRED OF PAYING MONOPOLY LIKE CON EDISON $120 /107 / 140/ WHEN I LIVE ALONE & EVERYONE ON MY COURT PAS $55 to $65 & HAVE AC AND SOME HAVE WASHER & DRYER / I HAVE NONE OF THOSE. AND THOSE SO CALL SAVERS THAT TAKE THE ELECTRICITY FROM THE ( MONOPOLISTIC CON EDISON SOB’s) I HAD THEM ONCE THEY LIED AND THE BILL WAS HIGHER, IS ALL GREED & LIES TO SCREW THE PUBLIC. SICK SOB & BLOOD SUCKERS.

    Reply

  16. 3/31/18
    QLink phone services.
    Dear Ms. Halle:
    I appreciate your quick response to my inquire about your services. My friend in Hawaii is the one that
    suggested it to me, he knows the hell I have gone and continue to go through now, with Trackfone, when
    it was only Safelink it was a little less of an ordeal. They do have a bunch of incompetents working for
    that company, a call to them is enough to make your blood pressure rise, they are completely aloof. When
    I bought my Smart phone in order to replace the # 3 old version, it took 3 phones and a month and 2 weeks
    to finally get one that was not damaged, three phones and telephones calls to central America countries
    and including Hawaii, I definitely do not need that trip around the World, I worked for 47 years for the Airlines and have been to most places./ I believe Warsaw, Poland was one more country on the Selflink-Trackpone itinerary, I was on the phone with them many hours of my time, 95% of the time, not resolving any of my problems, and dealing with incompetent people.
    Now they have disconnected my services for at least a month, they claim I did not RECONFIRM the annual form, which they never sent, however the main purpose of the phones is for ELDERLY people, FOR EMERGENCIES, not to TEXT or be on the darn phone all day, I became 76 this past March 10, they also keep pushing to get more minutes. Now I am left incommunicado, also one is unable to call information, I was lost in Long Island and could not call to obtain a Taxi company, that is an Emergency. I finally had to ask someone if I could use their phone, and that was not the only time.
    Now they made me reapply again as NEW, leaving me with no service meanwhile, and by the way not given me the 500 minutes I had, now it is 350 something else they did not advise me of together with the reconfirmation. If I wanted service meanwhile my application is being processed I could buy (once again) a card at wonderful & hateful Walmart, I do not have the proper attire to visit that store, of course just kidding, just simply trying to bring my blood pressure to normal with a little joke.
    I will appreciate letting me know when and if you start servicing my area, so I can drop these insensible & careless company, that does not offer the service to the elderly as one of their purposes and are stealing monies from the Government that pays them for the service not provided.
    I will be sending a copy of this email to Andrew Cuomo, Chris Cuomo from CNN, among other government places to complain about Safelink-Trackfone policies and misuse of the payment they receive, maybe someone will finally do something and cut the cord$.
    Thanks,
    Andres Castro.

    n a message dated 3/30/2018 2:44:25 PM Eastern Standard Time, reply@qlinkwireless.com writes:

    This email is a follow-up to your free-phone application from Q Link Wireless.

    Q Link Wireless logo
    icon-facebook icon-twitter

    No Coverage Available in Your Area

    Dear ,

    Thank you for ordering your free-phone with monthly minutes from Q Link Wireless.

    We have received your order; unfortunately, at this time we do not provide cell phone coverage in your area.

    Once service becomes available in your area, we will promptly contact you.

    Sorry for the inconvenience.

    Reply

  17. Just to inform you i opened an email offering free iphones pd by the government.
    Of course they requested all my info.
    I became leary but scrolled down and saw a government logo and one of those notices announcing secure site.
    Am 73 yrs old. They have last four digits of my SSN, DOB, ADD TEL NO.
    Please warn people.
    Too boot, i went back to look for email but it disappeared.
    Another thing, at first when i gave him hem my zip code is hey said such offer was availablebin my area. At the very end a notice appeared stating tgey were sorry but this service was no longer available in my atea. THIS IS WHEN I KNEW I’D BEEN HAD.

    Reply

      • It’s impossible for us to answer that question, Lucille, because we don’t know what the problem is. What’s the issue preventing you from enrolling?

        Reply

    • Yes, you can use your current number. Speak to customer service and say, “I want to port over my current phone number.” Say it at the beginning of your call, repeat it several times during the call, and before the call ends, confirm that they have ported over your current number.

      Reply

  19. The phone I received is very difficult to use. It is not user friendly for me. There are too many options and many features that I don’t use. Is there any way to get a basic phone to make and receive calls?

    Reply

    • You don’t mention which Lifeline company you are enrolled with, Onell, but we’d suggest that you call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone service provider. That will connect you with customer service and they will be able to answer your question.

      Reply

  20. I’m a handicapped, senior widow

    I get $11,400 from the government only. I can no longer afford my cell phone. I may also lose my landline and would be left with nothing which puts me in danger of not being able to reach some one.
    I’m on an extra program that pays part of my medications.
    I desperately need help, folks, can you help me?

    Reply

  21. My name is RUDRA PRASAD KHANAL, I am receiving snap benefit and I am in extremely need of cell phone to make my appointments with nephrologist.

    Reply

  22. Dear Sir:

    Budget mobile is no longer doing free monthly service to people in need. My mother in law needs a cell phone. She is 92 years of age, and I got her a cell phone some time ago. Now, I find out you can’t even activate it anymore. If you get issue her a free monthly cell phone, with big numbers and a high volume for hearing, please send her one at the following address:

    Hilda C. Smith
    Adelphi, Maryland

    We thank you in advance for sending her a replacement phone. Her son has broadband internet, and while he is using the home line, she can’t receive any calls that come to her home address. The family wishes very much that you can do this for her.

    Sincerely,

    Craig S. Smith

    P.S. Thanks again.

    Reply

  23. My sister in law needs a free cell phone for mostly emergencys she’s in her 70 lives alone hard to get to a phone is there a number that she could call to get ahold of you

    Reply

  24. My only phone is a land line with lifeline assistance. do I need to cancel my land line to qualify for a free cell phone??

    Reply

      • Almost any phone company offers a Lifeline home phone plan, it keep in mind Gina that those accounts offer landlines that are discounted $9.25 per month off the regular price. In other words, the landlines are NOT free.

        Reply

        • Ok thank you for the info. When I apply for lifeline cell it says my address isn’t valid? So do I just send proof in to the company?? Like copy of driver license with physical address.

          Reply

          • This is not an infrequent problem, Gina. You’d be better off calling customer service to speak to a rep or going to the company’s website to see if it offers an online chat function.

    • I am RUDRA P KHANAL AND I AM 68 YRS. I NEED A FREE PHONE FOR CONTACTING DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS

      Thank you
      R P Khanal

      Reply

    • i need a application for a free phone.i am on medicare and medicade i been trying to get a call through and they do not accept my address and it is correct. rita jones
      phone 708.283.**** I need a application for a phone I do not have a cell phone.I live in senior building

      Reply

  27. I would like to know if I qualify for a free cell phone with free minutes, no contract, no monthly fees. I currently have a cell phone, but sometimes it doesn’t work, and I have to pay $45.00 a month for minutes. I need to have a cell phone because my 91 year old mother is in a nursing home, and she is not in good health. The doctor said the next heart attach she has will be fatal, and it will kill her. I would like to be able to keep my current cell phone number if possible. My husband and I live on his paycheck week by week. We have had to file for bankrupts a year ago, because we just can’t keep up with our bills. We have more money going out each month than what is coming in. We will be loosing our home to the bank at anytime. Anyway, I am partly disabled, and I do not qualify for any SSI or SSD. I turn 62 in July of this year, so I will be getting a small amount monthly from that.. My husband and I are both on monthly medications, and have already gone without some because we just couldn’t afford them. Paying the $45.00 a month for minutes for a phone that works when it wants to is just too much. I have already gone without minutes, because I needed some of my medicines that I was out of for 1 whole month. I looked on the link on ” how do I get a cell phone ?” , but didn’t find anything helpful on there for me. I really can’t be without a good working cellphone because of my mother’s health, and if I am out I would not be reachable. We have had our water turned off because we couldn’t pay for it, we have run out of oil because we had no money to pay for that either. I had to borrow money from my family to help us out on both, and I don’t know where I will be getting money to repay them. So what I am asking is, do I qualify for the free phone and free minutes. ? Thank you.

    Reply

  28. I am trying to get a phone for my 90 year old aunt. She is deaf and wear a hearing aid. On a low income fixed-income. Where do I need to look?

    Reply

  30. Can you tell me if Long Term Care Nursing Home Residents whose primary payor source is Medicaid, qualify for a free government cell phone?

    Reply

  31. I have a free cell phone, I have a neighbor. She wants to have a new free cell phone. She has one momently but she don’t have signal. Can you provide a new one for her? I try to help her because she is disabled and don’t speak english.

    Reply

  32. After all deductions are taken from my Social Security and a sum of $1106.60 is deposited in my bank account each month. Will this amount me me eligible for a free phone. Thank you for your reply.

    Reply

    • There are no programs for which the eligibility requirement is “senior.” There is a pilot program currently being conducted, but the results are not in yet and it has not been rolled out nationally. That means your mom will need to qualify in anothe way. Here’s an article that tells you all those ways she can qualify:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify

      Reply

  35. How can i get a ssi phone thats big enough to see it? And the phone rings louder? And if possible one thats a smart phone? TY God Bless

    Reply

  36. i have read tons of online info this morning but still would like clarification and/or advise
    my elderly mom pays $35 a month for a tmobile cell phone that she does nothing on except get check up calls a couple times a day from my sister and i. she will call us if she can remember how and texting is a thing of the past.
    her income is 2363.00 but her senior living residence plus cable, newpaper, cell ph, medications and drs expenses are 2410.00. does she qualify for any time of cell phone program?
    thx in advance for your time
    toni smith

    Reply

    • You didn’t say what state you’re mom lives in, Toni, and every state is different, so we can’t give you a completely accurate answer. Her income may be low enough depending on her state of residence. Does she participate in any of the other government benefit programs that would make her eligible?

      We suggest you take a look at our “States” page to learn all the ways she may be eligible. Here’s a link for you:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  37. Good morning collect disability which is no longer enough to cover my bills and I was wondering if you could help me get a free phone thank you yours truly Robert D Davis

    Reply

  39. How about if the senior just has a tax id #, can they qualify for a free or low cost cell phone?

    Pls advise. Thks,

    Ingrid

    Reply

    • There is not yet a national program aimed at seniors. It’s currently being tested, but until the pilot program is concluded there will be no national program.

      Here’s what we’d suggest: Enroll for our email newsletter subscription by putting your email address in the Subscription box in the upper right hand corner of this page. We report all the news as it happens, so we’ll let you know as soon as the senior program goes national.

      Reply

  40. My mother has a free Government phone; would she be able to use one of my old phones as her phone screen size is small and she has a hard time seeing?

    Reply

    • Complex answer, Christie. Theoretically, she should be able to use another phone because all cell phones are supposed to be unlocked and you should be able to use the SIM card from one phone in another phone. But in the real world it all depends on the make and model of your phone and which Lifeline Assistance service provider she uses. The problem is that not all phones are compatible with all SIM cards nor all cell networks. The only way to get an accurate answer to your question is to discuss it with her service provider’s tech support team. Good luck.

      Reply

  41. I know a senior adult lady age 77 that lives alone and has no telephone, land line or cell phone. How can get her help? My email is: keithbroach@*******.com.
    Thank you.

    Keith Broach

    Reply

    • Are you a senior, Amanda? Click on the “Do You Qualify?” Link at the top of this page.

      Reply

    • You’d come to the right website, Mary Ann. Start by reading our homepage at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net and then click on some of the links at the top of the page — Do You Qualify?, States, Providers, etc. You’ll learn everything you need to know about the Lifeline Assistance program.

      Reply

  45. Why should people who have never worked but are capable of doing so, use my tax money to get a free cell phone, while I have worked most of my life, am now retired, still paying taxes, and I am not eligible to get a free cell phone – but I can pay for the free phones for the non-working. Pretty soon they will be given free cars and free tv’s. When does the helping those who should be helping themselves stop?

    Reply

  46. Hello are there phones for seniors designed with bigger numbers and keys? My granddad can barely use or see on the small phone for seniors. Thank you

    Reply

    • Unfortunately, every company offers different cell phones and the distribution is entirely at random. Your best bet would be to contact every service provider in your state to ask that question. You can find a list of those companies by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page, then clicking on your state. Good luck.

      Reply

    • It is shocking and disappointing that America’s senior citizens are not automatically qualified for free government cell phones. Too many of them find themselves living in poverty despite living a fruitful, productive life. We hope this oversight will be corrected soon.

      Reply

    • most if not all the more expensive cell phones have a setting for text size. maybe just get granddad a reconditioned iPhone or equivalent off ebay or Amazon.$70 – $80 will get one.

      Reply

  48. Are there any options available for Montana residents? I know a woman who could really use a phone, she’s poor with no car and she basically lives in a shack in the middle of no where.

    Reply

    • Go to our “States” page (shown in the navigation bar at the top of the page and just below the FreeGovernmentCellPHones.net logo). Click on your state and you will find a listing of all Lifeline Assistance providers in your state. click through each of them to find the company that’s right for you. Good luck.

      Reply

    • Go to the “States” link in the navigation bar at the top of the page right under our logo. Click on your state to find a complete list of providers offering the Lifeline program in your state. Click through them all to figure out which program and company is right for you. Good luck.

      Reply

  50. My brother is deaf from birth, 80 years old and low income. He is pretty active, drives etc. And as family, we worry about reaching him or him us in emergency. Is there any way we can get help?

    Reply

  51. I sign up for Qlink and they sent me a phone, turns out its someone else’s phone and number, then I find out it is a sister company of Assurance wireless which drop my phone service and said I had to re apply for my old service, this totally screw me ..I have been without a phone for at least 2 weeks and no end in sight…WAY TO GO Q LINK OR ASSURANCE OR VIRGIN WHICH EVER YOU ANSWER TO..

    Reply

  52. This is in reference to my mother. HER BIRTHRATE IS 06/26/32. CURRENTLY SHE IS UNDER MY PHONE BUT SINCE I’M ON DISABILILY I’M TRYING TO CUT COST. CAN YOU HELP.

    Reply

  53. I would like to get my dad a free cell phone and service he is 90 years old and in a nursing home with medicade

    Reply

  54. I’m with assurance wireless would like to change to another plan. what do I have to do to change ?

    Thank You.
    Lucia Saucedo

    Reply

  55. Need free cell phone for myself, I am 71 years old, next month (2-7-2016) is my birthday. Please help me apply so I will soon get my phone. Thank you! Josie Mitchem.

    Reply

  56. I appreciate all the information. However, the only thing I have learned from this website is that there is no such thing as a free cell phone. Now that I know the concept of a free cell phone is not possible, I would like some suggestions about where I can find reliable information for people like me who are caught in the middle of this. There must be a place where we can get reliable information without endorsing any one merchant.

    Reply

  59. I’m not sure what your article is saying. You seem to be saying there are no free cell phones for seniors through a government program, calling the concept a rumor. However, I live in a senior apartment complex where, several months ago, a speaker came to offer free cell phones from the gov’t, My neighbors, people living here who I know personally, got the free phones and have them. Maybe you are trying to say that age is not a criteria to qualify for the free phone, but low income is That is how I’d have said it. When you have a point to make, state the information clearly and concisely, please. I just find your article to be somewhat confusing.

    Reply

    • Thank you !! I felt like I was missing vital brain cells ,and based on the comments others were as confused

      Reply

    • Im 17 and 10 months almost 18 can i get a cellphone now because im about to turn 18 in less than 2 months.

      Reply

  60. I have very little income but i get monthly SNAP ( Food Stamp ) and i have medicaid card.
    is it possible to get a cell phone with plan ? I need to make Dr appointment and for calling Taxi .

    Reply

  61. How do I get a large button phone for my dad through this program? He is unable To operate a regular size button phone

    Reply

  62. I ordered a free cell phone from q link. Well i never received it and they said it was going to be shipped. This company needs to be off line and out of business. Please if you can, make people aware of this company.(if possible)

    Reply

  64. how can i save money on internet ? i can not afford a cell phone .i would really like one for emergencys. i am 68 yrs. old and live alone….i usually have 7- 10 days a month when i do not even have food at all i have 2 cats i have had for years. they are like my kids ,and they do not have food eathier.do not know what to do. lindy blackburn ,ft. worth texas.

    Reply

  65. My 81 year old mother in law is in a nursing home and gets Medicaid to pay for it. Would she be iligable for a free cell phone

    Reply

  66. I am unable to pay for cell phone services since my husband died and now all I draw monthly is social security
    Can you tell me where to get help. I live 25 miles in the county from any town,

    Reply

    • I don’t know how to add FREE minutes to my Safelink Obama phone. Now (11-25-2015) have only 60 minutes left. Believe I was suppose to get 500 free minutes 2 times, I am down to 66 minutes on my first free 500 minutes. Since tomorrow is Thanksgiving, amsure you’re very busy, but I imagine I will receive some phone call tomorrow and 66 minutes probably won’t be enough.

      Thanking you in advance for your assistance and wishing you and yours a very Happy Thanksgiving!

      Dan Miskelly
      70 year old, retired, only income is SSI

      Reply

  69. I forgot to mention my mom only has one leg, takes medication for dimensia, and almost all her SSI goes to her rent.

    Reply

  70. My mother is now in a boarding care and I want her to be able to call me or any other family member in an emergency or just to call. I don’t want to put a line in her room because she is not stable in one place.

    Reply

  82. I’m on a fixed income and am in need of an affordable phone. My income is below poverty level. I can no longer afford my present phone plan of $60.00/month.

    Reply

    • I’m sorry but I really need a phone that my mom can hear cause she can’t hear very well she only get s disability check s I have bought her so many phone but she given them to the grand children cause she don’t hear them I went too her home and was calling but she never heard the phone till I told her the phone was ringing I’m sorry if bothered youll

      Reply

  85. MY MOTHER IS 92 LIVE ALONE AND NEED A LOUD PHONE IN HER BEDROOM. SHE CAN NOT HEAR WELL AND CANT HEAR THE AVERAGE TELEPHONE. SHE IS ON FULL MEDICAID IN HENRICO COUNTY. I NEED HELP FINDING A PHONE SHE CAN HEAR.

    Reply

        • Of course we know what a kiosk is, Diana. We weren’t asking what it was, we were asking if that’s what she meant. Her comment said, “cek both,” which is meaningless. So our question, “cell booth” was an attempt to interpret what she meant to spell. We assume “cell booth” is correct, but who knows?

          Reply

  89. I am a senior citizen,65 years old,living alone and I am receiving Social Security Disability Benefits and have since May of 2005. I can not afford a phone any longer so my only means of communication is the internet.I am retired and on a fixed income.I would feel safer if I could make a phone call,not only to talk to family but if I needed assisstance. Any information you could give me would be greatly appreciated.Thank You,Scott Stackpole.
    P.S.I am currently on Medicare and have been approved for food stamps and also I am applying for fuel assistance.

    Reply

  90. You say you are not sure of how the concept of free cell phones for seniors got started but I can tell you that I was in Walmart and a Safelink representative came up to me and said I could get a free cell phone if I was covered by Medicare. I told him I knew it wasn’t true and he insisted I was eligible because I lived in Florida and was covered by Medicare. He actually convinced my neighbors to accept free cell phones even though they have a very high income and don’t get any governmental assistance other than Medicare. I pulled their application from the Safelink website and both applications were marked MedicAID and SSI. They promptly sent the phones back but the last time I was in Walmart these representatives were still trying to sign up senior citizens who were not eligible for free phones. I sent an email to my congressman, Vern Buchanan, asking if they could find out something about this travesty but have not received an answer.

    Reply

  91. I am currently 69 years old, am confined to a motorized wheelchair most of the time, Live with my wife, oldest son and granddaughter, I am on MEDICARE and BLUE CROSS/BLUE SHIELD of MICHIGAN! I am extremely interested in obtaining a cell phone at little cost to me, for both phone and available service! Can you assist me in my desires?

    Reply

  92. I was blown away by the comment “any cell phone even without service can dial 911”. I have never seen or heard this before. How do I test/verify this without calling 911? This could be very useful for a lot of people if true.

    Reply

    • Our understanding is that you can do the following:

      1. Dial 911

      2. Announce that it is not an emergency and that you are testing 911 services from a phone with no service.

      Reply

  93. my father is now in a nursing home and they chg for phone service. He will not answer that phone but has a trac phone and never uses the minutes in time. I’m looking for something that does not need min. added and his family can call where he will answer. he doesn’t call people that much

    Reply

  94. Looking for a phone for my 90 yr. Old Mother. She us currently on my family plan.
    She basically uses the phone for calling, games, music and taking pictures.

    Reply

  95. My mom is 88 year old i`m looking for free phone an min.lives in arkansas.can you help.i get a lot of run around.

    Reply

  97. i would like to apply for cellphone minutes as i am a senior 66 years old and live on a low income
    social security income monty

    Reply

  98. Need free phone for my brother that has just recently been put I’m nursing home. If possible please let me know . Thanks

    Reply

  99. I had a cell phone with assurance virgin wireless I was traveling and I lost it, I was so upset
    because I’m disabled I needed bad Can you please help me, Thanks, MargoSilva

    Reply

  100. Thanks for the information, I am a senior that only uses a cell phone if there IS an emergency, or I will not be on time for work.
    This information is very important, and I will investigate other low cost options. I really appreciate the candor in this article. Again, thank you!

    Reply

  101. My sister and her husband had a large amount of debt when he retired. He did get a part time job, but had to stop after 9 month do to his health. These are two people are putting everything into paying off their debt. Some months there is nothing left for groceries. They make just over 30K from social security. Is there a phone service they would qualify for.?

    Reply

  102. To whom it may concern,
    I am requesting information on a free phone for my father. My father has Tricare Insurance. He is elderly & makes less than 15K per year.
    Please let me know how to proceed with this request.
    Thank you.
    -Cynthia

    Reply

    • The same method for anyone, start by reading our homepage and follow the directions.

      Reply

  104. My mom and dad only have their social security and a very small retirement check. Mom has pancreatic cancer and dad is very bad diabetic. They are not on any governmental program, but still need a cell phone. Any ideas?

    Reply

  105. I DRAW DISABILITY AND MR HUSBAND DRAWS SOCIAL SECURITY. MY HUSBAND CANT HEAR AND HE HAS STAGE FOUR CANCER IN SEVERAL PLACES.IM GOING TO CUT BACK ON SOMEOF OUR BILLS, IT WOULD HELP A LOT TO HAVE A CELL PHONE.

    Reply

  106. My mother is in a nursing home that does not have phones in the room. Nurse has to take phone to her. In the month she has been there we have only been able to reach her that way twice. two of my brothers are out of state and would like to be able to talk to her. Can you help?

    Reply

  108. I am looking to get a free phone. After my rent, utility bills, insurance and grocery I dont’ have money left for a phone.
    I have medicare

    Reply

  109. I’m looking for a cell phone . I lost mine.Im staying with one of my daughter’s . I’m on S.S.I. and don’t have a lot of money to get one . Thank you.

    Reply

  111. We have a number of residents on Medicaid that would like to have phones.
    Where is the best place to acquire them for our residents?

    Reply

  113. My dad is 77 years old and because of his income he is need of a free phone.
    Questions I have: can he keep his current phone and phone number.
    Thanks

    Reply

  114. My uncles who lives alone in rural Virginia needs a cell phone. He gets social security but pays a lot for rent. Has been buying minutes for calling card but is getting expensive. He has some health and social issues. Want to get him some help so he can keep in touch with his family members.

    Reply

    • I live alone have big health problems. I can not afford my cell its higher all time. Can u help me please.

      Reply

      • I have Parkinson’s heart kidney diverticulitis I fall a lot and like to see if I’m elible for a phone. Would like to able to make doctor and pharmacy also family. I am on medicare and medicaid. But Medicaid does not pay for my medicines

        Reply

  120. Hello, my name is Michael Burns. I was asked by edward Hicks to notify someone about his free phone that he has not received yet. He ordered it on the 12th and it is currently the 23rd. He said his phone should have been here already because he was told the phone would have been shipped to him within three business days. Please contact him via my email or by phone: 314-630-****. Thank you for your time. He hopes to hear from you.

    Reply

    • We don’t allow personal information on the public comments, so no one will be able to get back to you. You need to contact Edward’s phone provider.

      Reply

  121. Does incoming calls count against 250 minutes or just outgoing? How many texts are allowed? I saw some plans say texts count 1/3 of minutes. What does this mean?

    Reply

    • “Does incoming calls count against 250 minutes or just outgoing?”

      Both, combined.

      “How many texts are allowed?”

      Depends upon the plan. Each plan specifies the number.

      “I saw some plans say texts count 1/3 of minutes. What does this mean?”

      Except for the unlimited text plans of Assurance Wireless, depending upon the plan, you either have a set number of texts as a limit, or 2) you have a maximum number minutes and texts each month, combined. Your question relates to the last type of plan. In that type of plan each text uses up a certain number of allowed minutes. If it’s a 1-to-1 plan, then each text uses up one of your minutes. If it’s 3-to-1, then each text uses up 1/3 of a minute. So, if you have a 3-to-1 250 minute combined minutes and text plan, here are some example of how they could be used up:

      – 250 voice minutes
      – 750 texts
      – 150 voice minutes and 300 texts

      Reply

  122. We have a free cell phone from the government. Every month 250 minutes are added to the phone. As of
    January 1, no minutes were added for this month. We still have not received the minutes.My husband has
    Parkinson’s and does not remember from what agency he received the phone. We have a low income (our
    Social Security only). The phone only says it is fully charged. I cannot get anything else.

    I need the phone. Can you help me or direct me to someone who can help? Thank you.

    Marywill Herrfeldt
    **** Linden Grove Place #101
    Odenton, MD 21113

    Reply

  124. Can I get my Mom a free phone with a larger screen version and unlimited calling, texting and Internet? She’s 72 years old. If so I do I do this? What are the responsibilities and/agreement? She’s having a hard time of hearing and seeing small screeps. Is there anything available to help her? I am her daughter. Could you let me know what is available and what needs to be done to get her something manageable for her….such as hard of hearing and a larger screen. Of course she’s on an limited income. Thank you for your help and advice. Happy holidays to you all!

    Reply

  126. I applied for a phone for a senior citizen on Social Security, Robert Cauley, two weeks ago. The web site asked for a fax of his Social Security income which was faxed in by Tuskegee Federal Credit Union on the same day but as of yet Mr Cauley has received no phone or any other information. What are we supposed to do now?

    Reply

  127. My mother is 81 disabled an on Medicare. Her income is $884. A month would she qualify for the free phone and if she were to go over the 250 minutes what would the cost be?

    Reply

  129. my sister is a senior citizen on a limit income and has no phone but needs one bad she is out in the country and she realy needs a phone

    Reply

  133. Hi, I am trying to get my mother a free cell phone with limited minutes per month for emergency’s she 68 yrs old on Medicare and total disability her income is around 20.000 but has household expensive’s so I’m having trouble with her income she can not afford a regular plan and it wouldn’t be worth it for her she would only use it to contact me and my sister or emergency’s thank you hope you can help

    Reply

  134. I am 73 1/2 years old.Can not afford all these other kinds of phone…i live on just my SSS check every months and the cost of living and the expenses other things light bill. Heat bill,grocerys

    meidical bills and, medicines.
    I would I be consider a person to get a free phone for emergenys and keep intouch with freinds.
    CBM

    Reply

  137. Some companies lime Cox..Comcast..Frontier..Charter letlow income elders and children have internet for 9.95 a month with free equipment. So how about Colorado?

    Reply

  138. I wanted to share my experience regarding my cell phone and service through Verizon pay as you go program. I’ve had a prepaid phone for four years and paid $10 dollars monthly until last year when it was time to renew my service by paying $120 for the year. I asked the representative if they had a better program since I only used about 10 minutes over the past years and she sold me a program that if I paid $100 dollars it would cover me for two years, a good deal. This year when I call to renew they told me that I had over a $340 credit and that they could renew with a $5 per month charge. I decided that I just didn’t need the phone and really only needed it for emergencies. I would still like to have a no cost phone that I could use for emergencies. I read that you can dial 911 on any phone even if you where not signed up with a company like Verizon. IS THAT TRUE?

    Reply

  139. I will be 75 in March 2015. Cell phones are hard for me to afford on my soc/sec check. Would like to know if I could eligible for the free goverment phones?

    Reply

    • Go to the page or your stat on this site and you will see the eligibility information for your state.

      Reply

      • I am 87 yrs. old. it is hard to get a goodd
        for the cost and im on medicare. is it possible I coul get a free good phone. I got a paper

        to to fill out butduring moving it got lost.

        thanks

        icer

        Reply

  140. I AM AN 85 old retired man my SS pension is $1,242.00 monthly
    I also receive service connected (purple heart)disabiliy of $577.54 monthly
    I also receive from a co. where I worked 30 yrs in the amount of $609.81 monthly
    Question is DO I QUALIFY FOR FREE PHONE? my zip 43113 THANKS

    Reply

    • Depends upon how many members are in your household. Your zip code is from Ohio and you can go to our Free Phones in Ohio page to see the table that outlines the eligibility requirements.

      Thank you for your military service.

      Reply

  141. LOOK OUT and do your homework on ANY cellphone you sigh up for advertised by AARP.
    MY 90- yr old father got took big time …he WAS CHARGED $ 65 FOR A PHONE ,PLUS, a monthly charge PLUS PAYING FOR MINUTES .
    I could have bought the same pay as you go phone for $15..

    THIEVES , TAKEING ADVANTAGE OF THE ELDERLY.

    .. READ EVERYTHING ..AND BE CAREFUL

    AARP says , sorry, they only advertise and have no responsibility…

    Reply

  143. I have had different cell phones like sprint, and pay as you go phones ever sinence I had a cell phone.

    Reply

  145. A senior friend has moved into an apt. where the person before him had a safelink phone. This person that lived there before my friend did not change his address with safe link when he moved. Now when the friend of mine trys to get safe link phone he is refused because….( Some one at this Address has a phone with Safe Link) How does he get this other person OFF of his address with Safe Link and get the phone he NEEDS. He has tried to call safe link but gets no results. He lives alone and needs a phone. Please advise how to get the other person off of his address with safe link. He knows the mans name that lived at his address. He has advised the man who lived at the apt to call safe link and change his( the man who lived at the apt. before him) address. He has not done so. please help. thank you

    Reply

    • Maybe your friend can get a letter from his landlord/property manager on their business stationery stating that he is the sole legal and rent paying tenant of that apartment. It could state that there is no other person – including the prior tenent and specifically listing his name – living at at that address. Then send that to Safe Link along with photocopies of a couple of pieces of mail your friend received – maybe the top portion of bills with all of the account info blacked out.

      Reply

  148. I got free TAG mobile before a couple month from Denver Human Service. but this mobile is complicated and its buttons are two small for senior people like me in addition of dead battery I call company on their
    phone No.866-959-4918 that stick on the mobile that I got to change or replace with another type . They
    promise me they send to me another type and I send them the old one, but till now (more than a month they didn’t any thing. So why this company did that?

    Majeed Aldamah
    720-737-0542

    Reply

  149. Just thought you should know there is a free cellphone scam going on and the name is Qlinkwireless. They have no human support. they do not answer e-mails. I requested to cancel my application after I read reviews on them. I told them they have 48 hours to respond to me, otherwise I will report them to the arizona attorney generals office. I Just thought it might be a good idea to let someone know about this.

    Reply

  150. Hi
    I am retired and will be 81 on august 22nd. We live in the country in Tn and I have a bad heart. I was at the doctor today and my paulse was 33 and the nurse was so worried with it being so low and I was still walking. I wife is in a wheelchair.
    I was wondering if I can get a free cell phone so that I can call someone if something happens to me and I need medical care.

    Thanks,
    Gerald

    Reply

  151. I work for a nursing home here in Mississippi and have had several residents here wanting to know if they could get free cellphones for the poor? Can they ALL apply for free cellphones?

    Reply

  152. I am a senior and i am in need of a free cell phone, i just don’t have the money to pay for a cell phone if i had the money i would pay with no problems ‘but my income is at zero and i can not find a job because of my age when i am seeking employment for my self at the EDD-Employment Office
    one young lady said to me you’ll just to ‘OLD’ and that’s when i said Old people have to work too
    the job Market is not just for the young, and that’s when i said to her you need to show repect toward the ‘ELDERLY’ young lady, because you are going to get ‘OLD’ just like me and ‘you are not going to stay young for ever.

    Reply

  154. barbara, my sister had the same problem with safelink. the minutes would not be loaded. so, one day when she was visiting, i went on the website chat. the operator took care of the problem.i was assured that the minutes would be loaded the next month with no problem. i went on line two more times for the same thing. finally her minutes are loaded every month.

    Reply

  155. I like the camera phone cintext sent me, but there is someting wrong with the charging port on the side of the phone. You have sent two different charging wires to me and the phone still will not charge when the battery gets low. Once again I am telling you it”s the little whole on side of the phone and not the charging cords. The cords fall out of the charging whole on the phone. It’s no use to me if it won’t charge. I’ve sent the phone back twice explaing the situation and anoter charging cord is put in the box with the same camera phone. Once again I AM TELLING YOU IT’S NOT THE CORDS, IT’S THE PHONE. WHAT ARE YOU GONNA DO ABOUT IT?

    Reply

  156. i have had my safelink phone going on 3 years but now am having trouble getting minutes. I keep calling them and they give me the runaround and the numbers they give me do not work. I cannot apply on line because it will not let me. Today i give up after 2 month of this i finally gave up and threw it in the garbage can. I think that is what they wanted me to do.

    Reply

  157. i have a free assurance phone, i would like to exchange it for a phone that has bigger numbers on it so i can see it better, and a better light. do you carrie phones like that?

    Reply

  158. I have a husband that is on oxygen can’t go without it My question is we have the 3 things from Comcast, Internet, phone and T.V. My porblem is when the cable goes out, so does our phones, with the weather is so unstable, that if we was in a state of emergency, What would we do? My husband is retried I’m disabled Togather we do make 21 hundred a month but, by the time we buy our meds and he is a diabitec , and the growing fuel bills and food prices I would like to see if we could get a goverment paid phone? I just wanted to know, If you don’t ask, I don’t know? Thank you for your time Patricia Lay

    Reply

  159. I am trying to help a low income woman in a rural area in AZ. The zip code submitted says she does not qualify because her area is not serviced. Very disappointing to find this “free” program is only for highly populated areas. Any other “free” cell programs I can suggest for her?

    Reply

  160. I have tried to apply for two days now but when I click on submit it just stays on the same page and really need this special service. Thanks

    Reply

    • mybe you could just do it over the phone by calling 1-888-898-4888, you can do the application on the phone.

      Reply

  161. I am so confused. What does the 135% poverty thing mean? I get Social Security Disability but my husband works. What do I do?

    Reply

  162. I am totally disabled and have been qualified for real property tax relief in Virginia, will that meet the guidelines for a free phone?

    Reply

  163. Yes I’m trying to sign up my 85 yr. old father, were is the application at he lives in Texas.
    Thank you
    Karen

    Reply

  165. I’m trying to sign my dad (87yrs) up for free phone and free minutes program. Please advise me what your procedures are for this program. Thanks

    Reply

  166. how in the name of hell do i get an appication on line for safelink free phone with 250 free minutes? help me out will you?

    Reply

  167. I left a message yesterday and haven’t received an answer for the lifeline cell phone. I’ve also tried for 3 days now on the telepnone using 4 different numbers and NO ONE ANSWERS the phone. What else can I do? Please help.

    Reply

  168. I left a message yesterday and haven’t received an answer for the lifeline cell phone. I’ve also tried for 3 days now on the telepnone using 4 different numbers and NO ONE

    Reply