What is Lifeline phone service?

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The Lifeline phone service is a government mandated and sponsored program that provides qualified consumers with discounted (often free) monthly telephone service. It can be either a home landline or a cell phone.

If you qualify for the Lifeline program, you can save a minimum of $10 on your monthly phone bills. Please note that your savings depends on which state you live in and which phone companies offer this service in your area. You can find out if additional discounts are available by contacting your state’s public utility commission.

As it relates to the free cell phone service from the companies you see on this website, this is the specific program that pays the cell phone companies like Safelink Wireless, Assurance Wireless and ReachOut Wireless to provide you with free monthly service on your phone. It’s the Link-Up program that pays the companies for the phones.

Comments

Joeann Ramey says
December 1, 2016 at 4:24 pm
How do i port out from NewPhone Wireless?
Reply
- Free Government Cell Phones says
  December 2, 2016 at 12:45 am
  It’s pretty easy to switch from one free government cell phone company to another, Joeann. Here’s an article that tells you now to do it:
  https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/how-do-i-switch-lifeline-providers
  Reply
Amber Wellman says
August 11, 2015 at 11:50 pm
Can I get a discount on my Verizon Wireless phone? I live in Washington state and my family receives Indian Health and Assistance.
Reply
Lana says
March 28, 2015 at 7:33 pm
I had a safelink for almost 4 years and it was stopped Oct 2014..I dont know why as I CANNOT call Im deaf..I did get the yellowvenvelope and NOTHING changed..I am disabled with cerebal palsy,am getting food stamps.am on Section 8 low income housing..I did write to safelink in florida,NOBODY is living with me. I need a new phone as I dropped it on a sidewalk. Lana ***** **** Clark apt Sioux City Iowa 51104 Are you going to help me I have also written to tracfone,safelink,assuran c e,
Reply
Gary says
May 6, 2014 at 6:37 pm
To Jacky O. Go to menu. Then go to Settings & Tools. Scroll down to Phone Info and #1 is My Phone Number. Have you tried going to FAQ section for other possible answers?
Reply
jacqueline osborn says
April 16, 2013 at 4:56 am
How do I know when my minutes have been added. They are suppose to be added on the 16th of every month & as of yet, they have not been. Also, how do I find my phone number? I have other questions I need help with, but don’t know how to go about getting it!
Reply
jacqueline osborn says
April 16, 2013 at 4:53 am
How do I know when my minutes for the month have been applied? How do I find my phone numbers? I have other questions but don’t know how to get any help?
Reply
Hi My name is Barb Hoffpauir says
February 11, 2013 at 2:29 pm
Hi Sev My name is Barbara Hoffpauir I’m 49 and live in Springfield Mo, I don”t sign,I can bearly spell and will be moving to KC Mo soon God Bless
Reply
Severino Abuyen says
July 3, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Hi My name is Severino Abuyen. I here in Delano,California. I am deaf, 48, and American Sign Language.
I ask you. I go to doctor sometimes. I can’t hear and My mom with me at doctor spoke….. I want to interpeter in Video Phone this is laptop…… I can text/pic/video messages, chat online internet, and call i711.com interpeter to call hearing. Ps I am looking forward to hearing from you. 🙂
Thank you,
Sev Abuyen
Reply
Severino Abuyen says
July 3, 2012 at 12:59 pm
Hi My name is Severino Abuyen. I here in Delano,California. I am deaf, 48, and American Sign Language.
I ask you. I go to doctor sometimes. I can’t hear and My mom with me at doctor spoke….. I want to interpeter in Video Phone this is laptop…… I can text/pic/video messages, chat online internet, and call i711.com interpeter to call hearing. Ps I am looking forward to hearing from you. 🙂
Thank you,
Sev Abuyen Hi My name is Severino Abuyen. I here in Delano,California. I am deaf, 48, and American Sign Language.
I ask you. I go to doctor sometimes. I can’t hear and My mom with me at doctor spoke….. I want to interpeter in Video Phone this is laptop…… I can text/pic/video messages, chat online internet, and call i711.com interpeter. Ps I am looking forward to hearing from you. 🙂
Thank you,
Sev Abuyen
Reply
TOWANDA JOHNSON says
September 22, 2011 at 9:54 pm
i received a lifeline phone that is defect number is not working what should i do i need the phone but number 8 wil not work..
Reply
- David says
  August 27, 2014 at 3:07 pm
  how do i get internet on my G R cell phone
  Reply
  - Free Government Cell Phones says
    August 27, 2014 at 9:07 pm
    What is a G R cell phone?
    Reply

Can I use my Safelink Wireless SIM card in another phone? (902)
- What you did does not sound like a violation of your contract, Nicole. Perhaps there’s something more or perhaps Safelink screwed up. Impossible for us to tell. But nevertheless, it may be simpler for you ... – [click to read]
- I was given simple cell from safelink then later on bought a smrtphone and sim at walmart and transfered safelink number to this new cell and sim i purchased. safelink recently canceled my account when ... – [click to read]

Assurance Wireless Expands Lifeline Cell Phones Program to Arkansas (7)
- No idea, Denise. – [click to read]
- How. Is the phone service in Omaha, arkansas – [click to read]

Kentucky: Providers of Free Government Cell Phones (105)
- We urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events, Damon. Too much fraud and abuse at those places. You never know who’s legit and who’s not. – [click to read]
- How can I find the free cell phone government assistance booth? – [click to read]

Frequently Asked Questions for the Lifeline Program and Cell Phones (688)
- This is a independent informational website, NOT your service provider. You’ll need to ask its customer service team. – [click to read]
- When will I get my phone – [click to read]

Would you like an Obama Phone with your ObamaCare? (139)
- Well, you can but then that would make it something other than a free government cell phone. – [click to read]
- Can I switch the SIM card I have to one of these phones? – [click to read]

Free government cell phones program expanding into internet smartphones (1043)
- Here’s where you can find all the plans available in your state. Check them all out carefully to find the one that meets your needs best: https://www.fre egovernmentcell phones.net/stat es – [click to read]
- How can I get a Phone nowBetty Davis – [click to read]

Sprint Nextel's Assurance Wireless Lifeline Cell Phone Program Expands into Pennsylvania (67)
- You need to get in touch with your service provider’s customer service team, Diana. – [click to read]
- Hi i have a free phone but some one took it off MY bed and i don't know who it was so I'm saking for a replacement phone – [click to read]

New York: Free Government Cell Phone Providers (147)
- Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch, Loren. Good luck. https://www.fre egovernmentcell phones.net/faq/ how-do-i-switch -lifeline-provi ders – [click to read]
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