Free Government Cell Phones

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

Menu
  • Home
  • Do You Qualify?
  • How to get one?
  • States
  • Providers
  • Minutes
  • FAQ
  • News
  • Cheap Plans
  • Earn Money

FCC rule change allows more than one free government cell phone per household

February 26, 2012

The Federal Communications Commission has been getting plenty of applause for amending the rules of the Lifeline Assistance program to eliminate fraud. But buried deep in the amendments was one change that is sure to please applicants for the program:

Establishing a one-per-household rule applicable to all providers in the program, defining household as an “economic unit” so that separate low-income families living at the same address can get connected.

In plain English, that means one household can now qualify for multiple free government cell phones.

This solves one of the primary problems the Lifeline program has created for needy Americans. As the economy has worsened, many low-income families have found themselves sharing a home with other families in an attempt to cut their monthly expenses.

Lifeline’s original rules stated that only one free government cell phone was permitted per household. While the rule was undoubtedly designed to control fraudulent, multiple accounts per household, it unintentionally resulted in harming these multi-families households by restricting the ability of each of those separate families to qualify for the free phones for which they would have qualified if the economy hadn’t forced them to share a home.

“We salute the Federal Communications Commission,” said Mark Henry, editor of FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. “They’ve solved a nagging problem and now more people who really need free cell phones can get them.”

Of course, this will add to the cost of the Lifeline free government cell phone program, but the FCC has also figured out a way to pay for it.

The commissioners plan to save as much as $2 billion over the course of three years by eliminating the fraud, waste and abuse that has plagued the Lifeline program.

“We’d like to see the FCC revisit this very soon,” Henry added. “Residents of homeless shelters still don’t qualify for the free government cell phones and no one needs them more. We urge the FCC to correct this oversight at the earliest opportunity.”

To qualify for the program, applicants must already participate in another state or federal assistance program, such as food stamps (SNAP), public housing assistance, Medicaid, Section 8 housing, Supplemental Security Income, various Home Energy Assistance Programs, National School Lunch and other programs.
You may also qualify if your household income is at or below 135% to 150% (depending on your state) of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

Until now the guidelines said that only one free government cell phone was allowed per household.

But that regulation is now a thing of the past.

Tagged as: FCC

Want more news from Free Government Cell Phones?

Click here and we'll drop you a line when new articles are up.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comments

  1. Robert D Hoffman says

    January 30, 2019 at 5:35 am

    Interested in lifeline phone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 30, 2019 at 8:06 am

      Click around this website to find out all the information you need to enroll, Robert.

      Reply
  2. Astonished says

    January 19, 2019 at 9:33 pm

    Just want to applaud the customer service rep or reps replying to some of these questions. Its a public service informing intellectually challenged applicants about the programs regulations that are clearly stated on website. Ask a stupid question and get a stupid answer.. Love it.. Keep up the great work!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 19, 2019 at 10:39 pm

      Thanks, Astonished. Some may be intellectually challenged, but for the most part we think we live in an age in which people think everything should be easy. Reading and comprehension are tough. Oh, well, it’s the burden we bear and if that’s what it takes to help people, we’re willing to do it.

      Reply
  3. Ms. C says

    January 15, 2019 at 8:04 pm

    I love this site. When I’m feeling down, “reading” the comments here lifts me up.

    Reply
  4. Robert says

    January 13, 2019 at 11:31 pm

    The method to get the +1 cell phone should have been mentioned.

    Reply
  5. Angela Jackson says

    December 23, 2018 at 1:27 pm

    So that mean since I already have SafeLink I can have assurance wireless to.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 23, 2018 at 4:35 pm

      Did you actually read the article, Angela? That’s not even close to what it says.

      Reply
      • No thank you says

        January 13, 2019 at 11:28 pm

        She may have it wrong but what a mean reply from THE WEBSITE. Very confusing.

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          January 14, 2019 at 4:31 am

          Nothing mean about it. We get dozens of comments every day of the year from people who simply haven’t read the information provided. Frankly, we’re amazed that so many people asked questions that would be quickly answered if people just read the information presented.

          Reply
          • Angela Jackson says

            January 22, 2019 at 5:45 pm

            I’ve seen YouTube posting of people having 2 phones from 2 different companies. Acting like is ok. But ive only known u can one

          • Free Government Cell Phones says

            January 22, 2019 at 6:59 pm

            “Only one” is correct, Angela. Anyone with more than one is cheating the system.

  6. jennifer says

    December 18, 2018 at 6:12 pm

    My fiance and i are under the same house hold when it comes to our snap benefits but for some reason his medicaid benefits are seperate than mine and my daughters(its listed as a seperate household). in this case would we be able to apply each for our own phones or is it still considered one household regardless?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 18, 2018 at 7:10 pm

      One address, one household, one phone. Sorry.

      Reply
  7. Julie says

    December 16, 2018 at 3:23 am

    I keep getting denied! Why?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 17, 2018 at 11:11 am

      Since we are not a free government cell phone service provider, there’s no way for us to know why you were denied service, Julie. Have you spoken to the customer service team at the company that denied your service? That’s where we would start.

      Reply
  8. Daphne Porter says

    December 4, 2018 at 3:25 pm

    I keep getting denied

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      December 5, 2018 at 6:13 am

      What reason do they give for rejecting your applications?

      Reply
  9. Mildred Hood says

    November 27, 2018 at 9:07 am

    Can I donate some of my minutes to my daughters SafeLink phone

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 27, 2018 at 11:48 am

      Interesting question. But as far as we know, that’s not a feature that’s offered by any free government cell phone company.

      Reply
  10. Lyric says

    November 16, 2018 at 10:20 pm

    I have an old state phone but now it broke and i can’t useb it anymore can i still get a new one?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 17, 2018 at 6:44 pm

      Speak to your service provider’s customer service team, Lyric. They may offer you a free phone (depending on how long you’ve been a customer or how well you sweet talk the rep), but will probably require you to pay $25 for a replaceament phone.

      Reply
  11. Rameshchandra S.Patel says

    October 13, 2018 at 11:29 am

    Safelinlk has held up my application from November 2017.Cstomer serviceis not providing answer why it has beenheld up nor is it informing me what should I do to get the Phone.Kindly help me.
    RAMESHCHANDRA PATEL

    Enrollment ID: 3598****
    Documents
    Document Status
    Application form Approved
    Qualification proof Approved
    SSN proof Approved
    Birthday proof Approved
    USAC Worksheet Approved
    Safe Link Application
    November 08, 2017 the status change to Pending
    Order Information:Carrier Tracking Number Ticket Number Qualification Date
    11/13/2017
    Qualification Date
    11/13/2017
    What Legal action I can take for harassing me for one full year and leaving me without any phone so far. I am in Low Income Group.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 13, 2018 at 3:11 pm

      Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to file a formal complaint and who to file it with:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service

      Reply
  12. Dianna Tanner says

    October 10, 2018 at 1:54 pm

    The house hold next door is receiving 2 government phones one from life wireless and other from q link. is this legal?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 10, 2018 at 5:27 pm

      If you read the article on this page, you’ll see that it may be legal, Dianna. It’s possible to qualify for multiple free government cell phones in one household IF (and only IF) certain specific conditions are met.

      Reply
  13. Kris says

    October 1, 2018 at 2:36 pm

    I’m a bit confused If I have a room mate who has this can I get one also or are we considered the same household

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 3, 2018 at 12:18 pm

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/why-cant-more-than-one-adult-at-an-address-get-a-lifeline-phone

      Reply
  14. EricaB. says

    September 25, 2018 at 4:29 pm

    I had a lifeline account 3 years ago in my name but don’t have it anymore. Can my husband receive one now from the same company under his name if he meets all the requirements.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 26, 2018 at 2:36 pm

      Yes, he will be able to get a phone, if he qualifies. No problem.

      Reply
  15. Tracie Miller says

    September 16, 2018 at 1:59 pm

    I was wondering how to go about replacing my current phone. some of the buttons don’t work correctly and some of the features don’t work correctly.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 16, 2018 at 2:28 pm

      Contact your service provider’s customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. They can tell you what their process entails.

      Reply
  16. Jennifer B says

    September 16, 2018 at 12:43 pm

    I had a safe link phone only about 3-4 months but it broke (when I try to make calls it says my service has been deactivated and customer support says the problem is not on their end!)and customer service told me I would have to buy another phone and they would transfer my phone number. I can’t afford a phone. I wish you could send it in for repairs or something. Can I get a qlink phone or am I not able to have any government phone period?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 16, 2018 at 2:28 pm

      There’s a simple solution, Jennifer. Switch service providers and you’ll be given a smart phone by the new service provider. Tell the customer service rep that “I want to port over my current phone number.” Here’s an article that will give you all the details:

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

      Reply
  17. Annette says

    September 10, 2018 at 3:09 pm

    After reading the questions& replies I’ m a bit confused. If two phones are now allowed why can’t each spouse have their own phone? What happens when one spouse passes away; do you have to start the process from the beginning or are you allowed to keep using the phone? There are a few more questions on my mind but I’ll get back another time.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 10, 2018 at 3:15 pm

      Read the article again, Annette. You’ve completely misinterpreted what it says.

      Reply
  18. Renee says

    September 7, 2018 at 6:18 pm

    Does it work for all government phones or just lifeline? Thanks

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 8, 2018 at 5:42 am

      We’re not sure what you mean, Renee? What’s the difference between a “government phone” and a Lifeline phone?

      Reply
  19. Sheila bonds says

    September 1, 2018 at 10:38 pm

    I had my qlink pH come in an boyfriend changed the info I gave yall so he would get all the data an be able to download anything using his qlink pH from my pH.318709 ****

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 2, 2018 at 4:14 am

      Our advice is simple: Pick better boyfriends.

      Reply
  20. ROBIN RAY says

    August 22, 2018 at 11:55 am

    Hi all, I hope you’re doing well today!
    I guess I’m a bit confused as I’m seeing replies to questions asking about multiple phone options in this thread and being told only one per household. And yet, this is on a page titled “FCC rule change allows more than one free government cell phone per household”.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 22, 2018 at 1:12 pm

      The article above explains the exception in which more than one phone per household is allowed. Read the article.

      Reply
      • ROBIN RAY says

        August 22, 2018 at 2:00 pm

        Thank you! I reread it & did some more research, (thought it may have been an outdated article, but it’s not) LOL

        Reply
  21. Bonita Gray says

    August 15, 2018 at 11:11 am

    In addition to the one free phone, can I purchase a second plan (as advertised for $15.99) from SafeLink as a backup phone? Sometimes I run out of minutes and need an alternative so that I can stay in touch with my medical professionals.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 15, 2018 at 1:52 pm

      Congratulations, Bonita. You are the first person to ever ask that question. We think (in other words, we’re not sure) that you can purchase one of their pay-as-you-go phone plans, but you should check with customer service to make sure.

      Reply
    • Ms. C says

      September 7, 2018 at 9:38 pm

      Safelink offer a top-up plan that will give you unlimited talk and text for an additional $15, for 30 days of service. You don’t need another phone or number.

      Reply
  22. Ramla says

    July 31, 2018 at 10:03 pm

    How many phone can we get me.and my husband

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 1, 2018 at 3:03 am

      One phone is permitted per household, so assuming that you and your husband live together, that means you can get one.

      Reply
  23. Cheyenne says

    July 18, 2018 at 6:09 pm

    How can kids get free phones

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 19, 2018 at 5:17 am

      Kids are not eligible for the free government cell phone program, Cheyenne. All enrollees must be 18 or older.

      Reply
  24. Jackie L Mosher says

    July 3, 2018 at 1:20 pm

    How can kids get free phone’s from the school in Independence MO an they live in ks

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 3, 2018 at 5:14 pm

      Not possible, Jackie. All free government cell phone customers must be 18 or older.

      Reply
  25. Pennie says

    June 28, 2018 at 10:19 am

    My client, an older man has a government phone. It’s to small for him to read and push the buttons. He’d like an old style flip phone. And he will send back the one he has.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 28, 2018 at 11:01 am

      Finding companies that offer old flip phones is a bit difficult, Pennie. Try calling your service provider to ask about their BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) program. If they have one, you can purchase an inexpensive flip phone and use it as your free government cell phone. If not, you can always switch to a different service provider that does allow that flexibility.

      Reply
  26. Elizabeth DeMao says

    June 21, 2018 at 6:49 pm

    How do you change your government phone number and is that a problem to do that?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 21, 2018 at 8:46 pm

      Just call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. You’ll be connected to customer service and they should be able to make the change you want.

      Reply
  27. marsha says

    May 14, 2018 at 10:58 am

    My husband has your phone but it cracked and he called for a replacement or put minutes on his old phone but they told him he couldn’t unit January and he lose his minutes!!that’s how you treat a veteran!the phone you sent him ate up his minutes and had a mind of it own so please send a better phone !!!!

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 14, 2018 at 3:09 pm

      FOR GOD’S SAKE, PEOPLE, WE ARE NOT A LIFELINE SERVICE PROVIDER. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE ARE AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE.

      HAVE WE MADE OUR POINT?

      Reply
      • Jen says

        September 30, 2018 at 10:34 pm

        I hope so lmao!!!

        Reply
      • Chris says

        October 3, 2018 at 6:56 pm

        Wait! What is this website for again? You mean I can’t get a free government cell phone here? Bloody hell, stupid Google.

        Reply
  28. Dilip says

    April 14, 2018 at 1:46 pm

    How do I apply for phone ?? If my spouse has one?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 14, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      You cannot enroll in the free government cell phone program if your spouse also has one. Only one per household.

      Reply
      • Sherry says

        December 2, 2018 at 10:38 am

        But it says we can now have two per household

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          December 2, 2018 at 5:18 pm

          That’s not what it says, Sherry. Read it again.

          Reply
  29. Chi says

    March 28, 2018 at 8:58 am

    I live with someone and they don”t support me and my SSI income is below $5000 a year. I do not know what their income is and can’t give that private information. I help out in many ways to keep a roof over my head and buy most of my own food but sometimes we share and it seems one is not allowed to share anything. I guess people lie about that. I don’t want to lie. I don’t want to become homeless to qualify for a free phone but really need one to not be phone dependent. Any information is appreciated.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 28, 2018 at 9:01 am

      Unfortunately, Chi, the rules of the program require you to report “household” income, which means the combined income for both of you living in the house.

      Reply
  30. Carol Brinsko says

    March 23, 2018 at 11:53 am

    We have an old Virgin mobile phone and have a Safelink account with . Can I add the Virgin Mobile phone to the ALCATEL Safelink account?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 23, 2018 at 3:23 pm

      We have chosen to never answer this specific question, Carol. Only your service provider’s customer service team can give you an accurate answer.

      Reply
  31. Andrea Angle says

    February 12, 2018 at 10:56 am

    I’m a mother of two and living with a family friend. She has her own government phone. I would like to know if I could get one . I perpare my own meals for my kid’s and myself. I gave my own food stamp card and my kid’s and I have medicaid cards. I need one so I can find a job and use it for my appointments. Can you please help me.

    Reply
  32. David says

    February 4, 2018 at 10:04 pm

    In 2018 can you have a Safelink phone and Qlink phone also?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 4, 2018 at 10:32 pm

      No. That would require two different Lifeline free government cell phone accounts and each household is limited to one account.

      Reply
      • Leon Williams says

        February 15, 2018 at 10:21 pm

        Why can’t two people in the same house have lifeline service and both are low income .!?

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          February 16, 2018 at 3:33 am

          Two (or more) people in the same household can have free government cell phones under certain special conditions. They must be able to prove that they live independently and do not share expenses. For example, one could be a tenant who pays rent to the other and buys all his own food.

          Reply
  33. Aaron says

    February 3, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    If I have my own foodstamp case can i have a Free cell phone at the same address?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 3, 2018 at 4:10 pm

      Certainly, Aaron. Food stamps are one of the primary ways you can qualify for the free government cell phone program. Here’s an article that will tell you all about the other ways:

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

      Reply
  34. Kelvin Parker says

    January 10, 2018 at 4:13 pm

    What if a current household member no longer uses the address?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 10, 2018 at 9:42 pm

      We’re not sure what that means, Kelvin. Why doesn’t the current household member use the address?

      Reply
  35. Jackie Corsaro says

    January 3, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    My name is Jackie corsaro I had a SafeLink Lifeline phone I’m 65 years old I lost it can’t find it I turned it into SafeLink they supposedly turned it off and told me I wasn’t able to get another one I called qlink and and register for one of theirs they kept telling me I had a Lifeline in my phone which I do not I have been without a phone for over 6 months and they are denying me a phone could you please let me know something my number is 317-771-**** this is my sister’s phone Jenny corsaro

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 3, 2018 at 2:48 pm

      We’re unable to “let you know something” because we’re a independent informational website and, therefore, do not have access to your account information. It sounds like you may have cancelled your phone before you were eligible to do so. But that’s purely a guess on our part.

      Reply
  36. User224 says

    September 29, 2017 at 7:49 am

    I had a government phone then I cancelled it for about a week then I went back with the same company and reapplied then all of a sudden the old phone started working again but I have a new phone on the way what should I do?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 29, 2017 at 2:27 pm

      Contact customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. They will be able to tell you what to do.

      Reply
  37. Balbara says

    September 10, 2017 at 6:06 pm

    I live in a two family house I live in the top floor but we are not related but I apply for a phone and they told Me that i can’t get one because some one have one under that address.
    How can i get one please help really need it…
    Thank you .

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 11, 2017 at 5:20 am

      Do you both have EXACTLY the same address? Does one unit have a Unit 1 or Unit A designation? You are certainly eligible, so you need to contact the USAC to get this issue cleared up. You can find their explanatory web page at this link:

      http://www.lifelinesupport.org/ls/help/default.aspx

      Reply
  38. Tori says

    September 6, 2017 at 7:31 pm

    When I went to apply for a free phone I got denied due to someone else got a phone in my name! How do I find out who? And so I can cancel the service

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 6, 2017 at 9:04 pm

      Visit the USAC’s website at USAC.org. They can help you solve your problem.

      Reply
  39. Daniel says

    September 4, 2017 at 3:07 pm

    Is there a new rule as of June 2017 that allows 2phones per house hold?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      September 4, 2017 at 4:39 pm

      No.

      Reply
  40. Robert lowells says

    July 25, 2017 at 7:33 pm

    I go through qlink Wireless and someone has stolen my cell phone but I can’t afford the $25 to replace it can I apply to a different company without getting in trouble?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 26, 2017 at 4:08 am

      First question: Do you have only cell phone service or do you have cell and internet service? If you have phone service only, you can switch Lifeline companies after you’ve had your account for 60 days. If you have data as part of your Lifeline service, you can only switch once per year.

      Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to make the switch:

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

      Reply
      • Brandy Reid says

        September 6, 2017 at 9:40 pm

        My phone was stolen are misplaced along time ago I tried get new one and got denied am I able get new phone

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          September 6, 2017 at 11:27 pm

          Why was your application denied, Brandy?

          Reply
  41. Charles says

    June 1, 2017 at 1:18 pm

    I saw this person at a access wireless booth at a hospital occasion and I asked how many cell phone per household and he replied 2 per household and explained the reason then I called access wireless if its true that 2 cell phone per household is eligible and access wireless said only one per household,so who is telling the truth?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      June 1, 2017 at 5:21 pm

      Not true, Charles. The information you were given is 100% wrong. Only one free government cell phone per household.

      Reply
  42. Tim share says

    May 24, 2017 at 8:40 am

    Hi my mom has a lifeline land line and I would like to apply for a safe link cell phone can I without her having to get rid of her life line

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      May 24, 2017 at 1:26 pm

      Unfortunately, Tim, only one Lifeline account (either land line or cell phone) is permitted per household.

      Reply
  43. David r wright says

    April 21, 2017 at 3:16 am

    I have a government cell phone I have 3 kids. How could I get them for my kids if possible. They need them bad.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 21, 2017 at 3:25 am

      Two problems, David. First, only one free government cell phone is permitted per household. Second, they must be 18 in order to qualify for the program.

      Reply
      • faye says

        September 26, 2017 at 5:11 pm

        so if they are 18 or older they can get one and still be in the same household? and you just said the fcc is allowing more then one ore household im confused now. bcause my son is over 20 and on my snap bennfits and he needs his own .

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          September 26, 2017 at 9:33 pm

          Those were answers to two different questions, Faye. Only one cell phone is permitted per household UNLESS the people applying for the phones can prove that they do not live as one family. But anyone who applies for a free government cell phone must be 18 or older.

          Reply
  44. Kristy Lafond says

    April 13, 2017 at 1:11 pm

    We have a free phone already one in the household but somebody got another one but used a different address now there are two what do you do

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      April 13, 2017 at 4:13 pm

      If you’re all part of the same “economic unit,” you can’t have two phones in the same house. One economic unit means you’re all living as a family unit. If, for example, you are merely unrelated roommates or if one of the people with a phone rents a room from the others, you can probably get away with two phones. But you should call customer service at both companies to make sure they understand what’s going on. Otherwise you run the risk of being snared by the NLAD (National Lifeline Assistance Database).

      Reply
  45. Brandy says

    February 2, 2017 at 6:52 pm

    Can me and my husband both apply for a phone. We get food stamps.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      February 2, 2017 at 7:20 pm

      Sorry, Brandy, but only one free government cell phone is permitted per household.

      Reply
  46. Jorge says

    January 30, 2017 at 11:09 am

    If someone has multiple lines of free cell phones is that considered fraud?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 30, 2017 at 1:57 pm

      Absolutely, Jorge. Only one free government cell phone is permitted per household (with a few limited exceptions). You should report the fraud immediately. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste

      Reply
  47. Jenny says

    January 10, 2017 at 12:49 pm

    I live with a roommate(just a roommate) who has a Safelink phone. We share rent, but nothing else. Am I eligible for a phone of my own?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 11, 2017 at 9:51 am

      Only one phone is allowed per household. I know it doesn’t seem fair, but we can understand how this is the most simple way to control fraud.

      Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 11, 2017 at 9:52 am

      It’s a borderline issue, Jenny. Here’s an article that explains how different economic units (did you know you were an economic unit?) living in the same house can both be eligible for free government cell phones:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/fcc-more-than-one-free-government-cell-phone-per-household

      Reply
    • Stephanie says

      February 16, 2017 at 8:39 pm

      Actually Jenny you can receive a government phone as long as you and your roommate are two separate households living under the same roof. I have a roommate and I receive Medicaid, Food Stamps, etc. I have a Q-link government phone. I live in this house and pay a separate rental fee. He also has his own Free Government cell phone. As long you both aren’t considered “Sharing bills and rent”. You have to claim yourself as another household. There a many families who share homes together and each are their own. Here’s an article to help you receive that phone and there’s a list of providers as well on this website….
      http://www.obamaphone.com/obama-phone-faqs
      **Make sure you claim yourself as a separate household**
      Good Luck

      Reply
  48. Daniel j Goode & assoc says

    January 2, 2017 at 9:15 am

    I’m hoping to be a representative for q link / lifeline and Safelink. I went out and trained for 1 day now I’m getting all the info together I’m hoping to also offer free home phone and free home internet I’ve just started my research hopefully I can open by 1/14/17 also I want to post classified adds looking for donations for advertising/ a 150$ deposit for the notebook for submitting applications a mobile device with unlimited data talk & text 64$ a month information broshers 100 $ to start dress cloth 100$ donations like a note book from a pawn shops donation by the news papers for my advertising and a sleeve of blank office paper to print my fliers I can type set ariganalls find a outfit to donate the printing any assoc out there to donate towards my start up overhead any sagestion thoughts or contacts OK well I’m done with this post time to switch gears!! posting by *******@gmail.com GOD BLESS

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      January 2, 2017 at 1:37 pm

      We don’t have a clue what you’re talking about, Daniel, but we wish you the best of luck with your endeavor.

      Reply
  49. Nancy says

    November 30, 2016 at 4:15 pm

    Under my husband name we have a lifeline for a Land line, can I (the wife) apply for Obama CELL phone?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      November 30, 2016 at 5:03 pm

      You can only have one Lifeline discount per household, Nancy. So if you apply for a free government cell phone, you will be required to give up your landline.

      Reply
    • Kitty says

      December 3, 2016 at 11:14 am

      When you apply, the immediately ask you if you have a government phone so they’ll let you know

      Reply
  50. Audry says

    October 11, 2016 at 9:23 pm

    I told the person giving out free phones that i already had one they insisted that if was a different company *still a government phone* and now my original phone is disconnected. How do i get rid of the second phone abs get my original phone activated.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 12, 2016 at 1:52 am

      When you switch from one company to another, you cannot switch again (or switch back) for 60 days. After that, you simply contact the company you want to switch to and it will take care of the entire process.

      But your experience reinforces our belief that no on should sign up at these street tents or booths. Always enroll by phone or online to avoid this kind of problem.

      Reply
  51. Mayra says

    October 11, 2016 at 3:01 pm

    So can i still get another free cell phone if i got one already ??

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 11, 2016 at 4:57 pm

      Sorry, Mayra, but there’s a limit of one free government cell phone per household.

      Reply
  52. nem says

    October 7, 2016 at 10:35 am

    how to apply for more than one phone then? do you just go to the lifeline provider website? i don’t see one on safelink site. they only limit one per household.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      October 7, 2016 at 10:45 am

      This is the kind of issue you need to discuss with your service provider’s customer service team, Nem. But make sure you have our article in front of you when you contact them, because the rep you reach may not know about this FCC ruling. If necessary, ask for a supervisor.

      Reply
  53. Damaris says

    August 5, 2016 at 2:20 pm

    today i applied for a free phone infront of the welfare. they asked for my id, medicaid and last four of social. they had a tablet where they were putting the info. i’m not sure if it was this company but they said they allow two per household. is there any way i can check which phone i am getting or whether or not i was scammed? i’m worried now.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      August 6, 2016 at 3:40 am

      We do not want to scare you unnecessarily, Damaris, but we’d be worried, too. It’s NOT true that you can have two free government cell phones per household. One is the legal limit.

      This is one reason we advise readers to enroll in the Lifeline program by phone or online. There have been too many cases of fraud and abuse from the street tents and booths.

      There is no way for you to check which phone you’re getting if you do not know the name of the company with which you applied.

      Reply
  54. jazmin says

    July 31, 2016 at 6:37 pm

    Can I get a government phone underage?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 31, 2016 at 6:54 pm

      Sorry, Jazmin, but you cannot get a free government cell phone if you are under 18.

      Reply
  55. John doe says

    July 25, 2016 at 12:30 pm

    There still should be another change in the rule,what about the fact that only ONE parent can have a lifeline phone. What good is that when like for example my wife works and has a lifeline phone and I the father am the stay at home dad who is daycare for our child but i dont have nor can afford a phone so how am i suppose to contact my wife or anyone for that matter if an emergency arises? Like i said whats the use of only one parent allowed a lifeline. NOT FAIR! Especially when i know people for a fact have 5-15 govt phones in households.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 25, 2016 at 3:18 pm

      If you know people who illegally have 5-15 free government cell phones, you should report them immediately, John. They are ripping off the system and keeping 4-14 deserving people from getting phones. Here’s how you report these criminals:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/report-lifeline-assistance-fraud-abuse-waste

      Reply
  56. LittleB23 says

    July 2, 2016 at 11:05 pm

    I recently got approved for qlink wireless and life wireless. They are both government phone programs. Will I have to shut one off? If so I want to shut the life wireless one off cause the qlink phone and plan is better. If I need to shut one off how do I do so?

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      July 3, 2016 at 7:23 pm

      You need to cancel one of those accounts IMMEDIATELY, LittleB23. The USAC operates a national database of free government cell phone accounts and they discover that you have two accounts you will lose one of them for sure and maybe both of them.

      Reply
      • Audry says

        October 11, 2016 at 9:26 pm

        What is the number. I need to call them

        Reply
        • Free Government Cell Phones says

          October 12, 2016 at 1:50 am

          You need to call who? The FCC or a service carrier?

          Reply
  57. Stephanie Kelley says

    March 15, 2016 at 1:05 pm

    I’m actually trying to get information regarding the free phone program. Why are the companies now asking for people to pay to replace the phones? If anyone can point me in the right direction to get the answer to this question I would appreciate that. These companies are actually asking to be paid $20.00 or more to replace a lost or stolen phone and I think these companies are scamming people with this being that the government is paying them. And why should you pay for something that’s suppose to be free. So please if anyone has any information concerning this please respond. Thank You.

    Reply
    • Free Government Cell Phones says

      March 16, 2016 at 8:51 am

      The companies are legally required to provide customers with one free phone. Unfortunately, there is no incentive for them to offer a second free phone. But in this case we support the phone companies and think that $20 is a very reasonable price to replace a phone you lost.

      Reply
    • zal says

      May 21, 2016 at 1:31 am

      Really? They give you something free, you lose it, then complain for more, more, more.Its 20 damn dollars. Geez the nerve you have. Your comment is probably the stupidest I’ve heard in 2016. You really don’t think that’s reasonable? I really don’t understand your logic or why people expect anything and everything to be handed to them from the government. Next you’ll be complaining that the government doesn’t have people coming to your home to hand feed you and your kids everyday.

      Reply
      • Free Government Cell Phones says

        May 21, 2016 at 9:43 am

        Hey, Zal, let us know if you hear about a free program in which government people come to its customers homes and feeds everyone in the house. We’ll start a website dedicated to that service.

        Reply
      • FifthSon says

        October 19, 2016 at 4:39 pm

        Actually YOUR response to the comment os the stupidest of 2016. If YOU lost YOUR phone why should anybody be obligated to provide YOUR IRRESPONSIBLE self another free phone? I trip on people who make any complaints other than technical issues cuz its FREE people…ungrateful ass people i swear!

        Reply
  58. mariah says

    August 1, 2015 at 6:10 am

    What if somebody wants their kid too have one while theyre at work but they are under age.? Can my mom have another phone in her name ?

    Reply
  59. Raven says

    June 10, 2015 at 9:26 pm

    I live with my mother, I have no income at all. They had a stand where we could go to get the free phone, and they gave her and I both one. Is this considered fraud? The more I read up on them the more I feel uncomfortable to have one. If this is considered fraud how do I turn it off? I have looked everywhere and have no idea what company it’s through.

    Reply
    • FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says

      June 11, 2015 at 6:39 am

      Yes, it’s against the rules, but you are not going to get into any trouble. What will happen is that sometime in the future you will get a letter that says that you have two phones for your address and that you need to select which on to keep. If you want to know who your provider is now, try dialing 611 and see what customer service dept answers.

      Reply
  60. Viv w says

    October 18, 2012 at 5:49 pm

    I work with low income families. They don’t get one per economic unit they get 2 per person. Safelink, Assurance etc. Recently I’m seeing more and more with 2 phones cause then they have enough minutes without having to buy more. FRAUD!

    Reply
  61. monica says

    September 16, 2012 at 2:43 pm

    I don’t have a free phone , but my sister does. I would like to purchase a case and headphones for her .She does not know the model nor the brand of her free phone. The phone was given to her in a zip-lock style plastic bag that had no info or user’s manual. The phone is a small candybar style , simple , approx. 3 in. x 1 1/2′ x 1/2′ thick. If someone has any info about this phone model, can you help me ?

    Thank You

    Reply
  62. denise woods says

    March 30, 2012 at 11:52 pm

    my name is denise woods and i would like to get a free cell phone.

    Reply
  63. Don Alsept says

    March 28, 2012 at 9:40 am

    I would like to be a provider for the free government cellphone program. Who do I contact about this to apply?

    Reply
  64. Lois Aills says

    March 19, 2012 at 2:21 pm

    reachoutwireless.com

    Reply
  65. Lois Aills says

    March 19, 2012 at 2:19 pm

    http://www.callrow.com i have a motorola ZN4 can you send me a owner manual to my e-mail?

    Reply
  66. William Anderson says

    February 28, 2012 at 6:59 pm

    I’m currently with verizon wireless, I have two phones that I pay for. The second phone cost’s me 10 dollars. That phone is for my life mate, I’m on ssi and food stamps. My life mate in on early ss becouse of dissability. I want to know if I can keep my phone numbers, and still get two phones. Or if she has to apply, but my problem is both phones are in my name.

    Can I get 2 phones and keep my numbers ? 216-695-3510 Thank You

    WillIam Anderson

    Reply
Previous Post: 33 Ways to Get a Free Government Cell Phone
Next Post: Vocal lawmakers urge government to end free cell phone program

Just tell me how to get a Phone!

Confused? Getting a phone is actually very simple. Click here to begin, read every word, and then simply follow the instructions.

Sign up for our Free Newsletter

  
Click to learn more...

Search our site:

More Information

  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Readers' Questions
  • Help
  • Contact
  • About Us

Recent Articles

Dropping like flies: AT&T ends Lifeline landline discounts, T-Mobile may be next

True Wireless says fraud allegations are untrue

Shame! Cold-hearted Verizon ends program that gave free government cell phones to survivors of domestic abuse

Halloween horror story: Thousands of dead people sign up for free government cell phones

USAC eliminates port freeze: Now you can switch free government cell phone companies any time you want

Bye bye, Blue Jay: We just lost another free government cell phone company

Get a low-income Internet plan and ditch your phone

California city to ban free government cell phone street tents

Dueling testimony: One “expert” says Lifeline criticism is racist, another says it’s not strict enough

The love is gone: Assurance Wireless and Access Wireless decide not to merge

Latest Reader Comments


  • FCC rule change allows more than one free government cell phone per household (145)
    • Click around this website to find out all the information you need to enroll, Robert. – [click to read]
    • Interested in lifeline phone – [click to read]

  • Rhode Island: Free Government Cell Phones (14)
    • Yes, of course, you can switch to a different service provider any time you want as long as you’ve been with your current service provider for 60 days or more. Here’s an article that will ... – [click to read]
    • I live in RI and I have a free cell phone. However, where I live I get no service. Is it possible to switch over to another carrier and if so, how would I do ... – [click to read]

  • 10 Surprising Facts about Free Government Cell Phones (488)
    • Cell phones can't lock themselves, Rachael. If you want to use the lock screen you will need to come up with a four digit pass code, a pattern (drawn among a nine dot square), your ... – [click to read]

  • Safelink Wireless' Parent Company hit with Billion Dollar Fine (10)
    • SafeLink sucks. The people are stupid and are not trained AT ALL! They know nothing about the phones or the plans, the left hand doesn't know what the right hand is doing. They are all ... – [click to read]

  • Assurance Wireless Free Cell Phones (1819)
    • Sorry, Judith, but we are not your service provider, so there is nothing we can do to help you. You need to inform Assurance customer service directly. – [click to read]
    • hello i trued to go on assurance to inform you my phone was lost but they keep saying no such number i'm Judith Alziadeh my number is 734 752 ****...please turn this off so if ... – [click to read]
    • There’s one other possibility, Tom. That would be that your reading comprehension sucks. WE ARE NOT YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER. This is an independent informational website. – [click to read]

  • Is any phone compatible with my free phone network? (641)
    • Wish we could help, Greg. Well, maybe we can. Most free government cell phone companies offer Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) or Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) plans. You go out and buy the phone ... – [click to read]
    • I've had a few zte n817 and no matter where I'm at or the WiFi area.. Everytime I turn data on my phone doesn't work correctly even on home WiFi.. I'm happy to use a ... – [click to read]

  • How do I switch Lifeline providers? (512)
    • Have you called in to speak to customer service, Tasha. If not, you should. We can’t tell you how long it will take for your phone to be delivered because we are not Assurance. Most ... – [click to read]
    • I sent in all my paperwork to switch companies from q link to assurance wireless, my q link phone does not work , can't dial, can't text, can't save new contacts!!!!!!! !!!!!! My question is, how ... – [click to read]

  • Companies dropping out: Trouble in the free government cell phone program? (82)
    • Our readers report that some are better than others and some are outstanding. – [click to read]
    • Last year I had QLink. I lost the phone and paid $25 to replace it, or so I thought. I was never given a new phone. I was told to re-apply which I did. This ... – [click to read]
  • Older »
Copyright 2014 FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. | Privacy Policy | Contact