Free Government Cell Phones

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

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What is Link-Up?

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Link-Up is another federal program that is different than, but closely related to, Lifeline. If you’re eligible, Link-Up will pay up to $30 toward the cost of setting up new phone service at your home, even if it’s a cell phone. If set-up fees exceed $30, Link-Up also allows you to borrow the balanace (as much as $200) for up to one year. And the loan is interest free.

Comments

  1. Steve says

    I agree with the part closely related to Lifeline. May in fact have been merged with Lifeline and some features omitted now.
    In the year of our Lord 8/2016, I find this information (varies) now, which in essences the Link-Up program is geared towards Federally Recognized Tribal Lands Lifeline customers. (see other definitions in first link).

    Link Up, another federal benefit program, reduces the initial installation or activation fees of certain telephone providers offering service on Tribal lands. Under the TRIBAL TAB at-
    https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/lifeline-support-affordable-communications

    As part of the Lifeline program, the Tribal Link Up assistance provides eligible Tribal Land subscribers a discount that is 100% of the customer’s one-time customary activation fee. It is limited to one time per home address per subscriber.
    https://www.verizonwireless.com/solutions-and-services/lifeline/

    Link Up support was available at one time to help reduce connection charges, but has been eliminated for non-Tribal areas.
    http://www.mpus.ms.gov/utility/telecomm/lifeline.html

    The information I’ve seen (not posted here) seems to be of only a few common points and differs between Telecommunications Companies and States of the US. One common point that’s shared, this is only available when starting a Lifeline benefits service and discounts a monthly bill to certain Lifeline recipients.
    It’s not a “one time” Help Me pay a missed, current, future monthly bill.

    Steve

  2. Beck Newman says

    My brother is on medicare a and b and social security disability. He is 63 and is recovering from open heart surgery st home. He needs a land line. Do yall help with this

  4. Jorge torres says

    I need of my 35$ bill to be paid so I can make my important calls for doctor visit and family calls

  5. Mindy says

    WHO is the cell phone carrier(s) for these free phones in California?
    (TMobile? Sprint? etc..)

  8. Carol Cookson says

    I have one of the verizon wireless phones. Is there a book I can get that tells how to use the features on the phone?

  9. NormaJean Elzy says

    How do I make mine a speaker phone. I can’t hold phone and talk and drive,makes me too nervous. Can I put it on speakerphone?

    • Frenchy says

      I don’t know how to put your particular phone on speakerphone however I can tell you what to look for — You should look for the icon that looks like this: — It will either be on your screen after you place/connect to your call OR sometimes it is on one of the actual keys of the phone.
      Then, after your call connects. If that speakerphone picture I showed you above is on your screen, then push whatever button on your phone that corresponds with it. (If it’s in the center of the screen, push the center key–On the left of the screen, push the left key, etc etc.) If the speakerphone icon is on your cellphone button then obviously just push the button but remember you have to wait until your call connects first.

      **Please Note: If your state has any sort of No talking on your cell phone & driving without a hands free device law (as my state New Jersey does) I feel it’s important to point out that speakerphone does not count as a hands free device. Hands Free talking is defined when the user engages in conversation without use of either hand to activate, deactivate, or initiate a function of the telephone. I found a site that lists the status of all the states cell phone driving laws —> http://www.ghsa.org/html/stateinfo/laws/cellphone_laws.html
      (GHSA stands for Governors Highway Safety Association)

  10. Victoria Figueroa says

    I have your a safe link cell phone and I want go your tel wireless. Can I trade my safelink phone for a blackberry at your tel wireless.

  11. Mark Van Meter says

    I got a free phone with 250 min.,but will not accept or send calls.Phone is through TerraCom.