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Assurance Wireless Free Cell Phones

Free smartphone, 350 free minutes, unlimited free texts and 500 MB data.
IN CALIFORNIA: Unlimited Talk and Text, plus 500MB data!

<< All Free Cell Phone Providers

Assurance Wireless, a Sprint/Nextel company, is currently available in Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. And, as with their competitors, they’ll be coming soon to other states across the country.

If you qualify for an Assurance Wireless government phone, and requirements vary from state to state, you will get a free Android smartphone, 350 minutes of voice and unlimited text messages at absolutely no cost. If up 350 minutes are not enough, you can get more minutes for a low monthly fee, or more minutes can be added as needed with Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards, available from thousands of retailers nationwide. In addition, you’ll get 500 MB of data usage each month.

THE CALIFORNIA FREEDOM PLAN: UNLIMITED TALK & TEXT — Residents of the nation’s most populous state get the best deal of all: unlimited minutes and unlimited texts, 500MB of data, and a free Android smartphone of course. Unbelievable, but true. The only other companies that provide unlimited voice and text is Budget Mobile and Tag Mobile, so be sure to check them out as well.

Assurance Wireless is one of the biggest and fastest growing companies offering free cell phones through the federal Lifeline Assistance program, and it continues to grow rapidly because it is a subsidiary of Virgin Mobile, which itself is a subsidiary of Sprint/Nextel. They are the second largest company, behind Safelink Wireless. Although with their aggressive plans they’ve recently released, Safelink needs to be looking over their shoulder.

Are You Eligible?

Eligibility requirements for an Assurance phone and minutes often vary slightly from state to state, but you probably qualify for a phone from the company if you participate in any of the following government aid programs:

  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
  • Medicaid
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Veterans Pension and Survivor's Benefit.
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance (BIA)
  • Tribally Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (Tribal TANF)
  • Tribal Head Start (only those households meeting its income qualifying standard)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)

If you are not on a government assistance program that is Lifeline-approved for your state, you can still qualify if your household income meets certain government guidelines in your area — namely, if it is at our below 135-150% (may vary upon state) of the federal poverty level. Submit your Assurance Wireless application online or via mail, or call the Assurance Wireless phone number to see if you qualify.

Features and Plans

Assurance Wireless phones are modern mobile phones with a wide range of standard features such as voicemail, call waiting and caller id. The basic plan is a free phone and 250 free minutes plus unlimited domestic text messages each month (unused minutes do not rollover into the next month). But there are specials, differences in some states, and additional plans you can purchase. Here’s the rundown:

California Plan: Unlimited voice and text.

Basic Plan: 350 free voice minutes and unlimited free texts.

Current Bonus: an extra 150 free voice minutes each month for the first 4 months of service.

Extra $5 per month: additional 250 voice minutes.
Extra $30 per month: add unlimited voice and web.

* Buy Virgin Mobile Top-Up cards from thousands of stores across the country. Or use credit, debit or PayPal.

Be Sure to Compare Assurance Wireless with Other Options in Your State

Assurance Wireless is just one of the many Lifeline Cell Phone providers in your state. Some states have over a dozen cell phone providers to choose from. Plans and phone choices often vary substantially between providers and you owe it to yourself to look at them all. To begin your comparison shopping, please see our phone providers by state page and click on your state.

Contact Assurance Wireless

www.AssuranceWireless.com
Assurance Wireless
P.O. Box 686
Parsippany, NJ 07054

Assurance Wireless Customer Service
1-888-898-4888
https://www.facebook.com/AssuranceWireless
Email: ourteam@assurancewireless.com or awsocialcare@sprint.com

Further Reading on Assurance Wireless

Latest News on Assurance Wireless

Which companies offer the best free texting plans? And which ones offer the worst? - Now that the FCC's new Lifeline rules have gone into effect, we though it might be interesting to see which companies are offering the best texting plans. And which ones are offering the worst plans.
Don’t enroll at a street tent: Check around before you choose a free government cell phone company - We know it's tempting to enroll with a street vendor when he says, "It's free!" But the truth is that other companies probably offer other plans that are far better than the one that guy sitting in a booth is offering you.
California Lifeline explosion: More companies, more unlimited plans, more great paid plans - The competition in free government cell phones is getting stiffer in California and that's great for consumers because more companies are now offering free unlimited minutes and text plans.
National disgrace: Why don’t military veterans qualify for free government cell phones? - Thirteen of the fourteen leading Lifeline free government cell phone companies offer absolutely nothing for veterans. It's nothing less than a national disgrace.
Which free government cell phones offer special devices for the hearing, vision and speech-impaired? - Over the years readers have asked if any Lifeline Assistance companies offer special devices for customers who are hearing, vision or speech-impaired. We decided to find out.
We’re number three! We’re number three! Life Wireless tops one million free government cell phone customers - The Georgia-based company says it has topped the 1,000,000 customer barrier and climbed into the number three position in the Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone business, trailing only long-time industry leaders Safelink Wireless and Assurance Wireless.
The 2016 List of Leaders: Who’s who in the free government cell phone business - conducts a comprehensive analysis of the latest USAC numbers to come up with the an accurate look at the who’s who and what’s what in the Lifeline Assistance industry.
Which free government cell phone companies offer smartphones? - So many readers ask us which companies offer smartphones that we decided it was time to survey all the top-ranking Lifeline Assistance companies.
Which free government cell phone companies allow you to make international calls? - So we put on our researcher hats and set out to find the international call policy of each Lifeline Assistance company.
What to do if your free government cell phone is lost, stolen or damaged - We get so many questions and comments about lost or stolen free government cell phones that we thought our readers would appreciate a complete rundown of replacement policies for each of the leading service providers.

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Before you post your comment...

  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

    • It’s all covered very clearly on our pages. Begin with the home page. Or if you are interested in Assurance Wireless specifically, the contact info to apply is in the article above.

      Reply

  6. You denied me cause you said I had service threw century link and I don’t I haven’t had they’re service for over a year

    Reply

    • “We” didn’t deny anything, Lydia. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact Assurance customer service and you can find their contact info in the article above.

      Reply

  10. How do long term care residents get a phone when it say “one per household” and they live in a facility and all have the same address?

    Reply

    • There is an exception made for people who can prove them live in group homes such as yours. Contact your chosen service provider’s customer service team and ask them to explain the exception. It’s a matter of filling out one simple form.

      Reply

  11. This is the 3rd application I have filled out, just calling 2 check on status they can’t find information and I have my 6 digit pin u ask 4, still I send u another application. 4 real

    Reply

    • We didn’t ask for anything, Craig, because this is an independent informational website NOT affiliated with any free government cell phone company.

      Reply

  12. I have assurance wireless and trying to find a compatible phone that is NOT a smart phone/Android. My mom needs simple, no internet, no Bluetooth. Just a simple phone that she can use to call and receive phone calls. Please tell me what phone I can buy her.

    Reply

    • You’ll probably need to purchase that phone from a source other than your mom’s free government cell phone service provider, because they have all moved on to smart phones. But not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks, so before you buy anything PLEASE speak to your service provider’s customer service team to find out which specific makes and models will both serve your mom’s needs AND be compatible.

      Reply

      • Very nice offer, Vanessa, but we cannot allow you to make that offer. You may be the sweetest, most wonderful person who’s ever lived. But you may also be a deranged serial killer.

        Reply

  13. I just got a new free phone this Friday the 31, I used it and it worked alright, but after several minutes I got DISCONNECTED! I called 611 and they were NOT able to help me at all with my problem, they didn’t even had my name, nor my address, nor my new phone number, not even the serial or the IMEI number in their system, nothing of me. They operate mostly on Spectrum and not much on Android phones. After almost an hour on the phone with the nice young lady trying to help me we called it a day. She couldn’t do anything for me.

    Then I called the Assurance Wireless company and the lady came up with this health insurance thing or something like that she was trying to sell me over the phone, and I said all I needed was for she to tell me how to reactivate my phone, and she said she didn’t know.

    I’ll ask you the same questions: HOW DO I REACTIVATE MY NEW PHONE? Or who do I go to? Should I go to the Android company itself for help? To the Sprint Company? Or should I get a new one from the same place I got it? And, why THE HECK did I get disconnected after being approved!!!!

    Reply

    • There are a lot of things about your comment that don’t make sense to us, Vincent. If you called 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone that means you were speaking to Assurance. Calling 6-1-1 gives yo a direct connection to your service provider.

      There is zero connection between Assurance and health insurance. Are you sure you called Assurance Wireless?

      Android (Google) can’t help you. Sprint can’t help you. The only place you can get help is from your service provider. And if you can’t get help by calling 6-1-1, you might want to consider filing a formal complaint. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:

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

      Reply

  14. I have an assurance wireless phone. I am have technical difficulties. I do not have access to another phone on which to call to report this. I have tried going online to assurancewireless.com, but the site isn’t functioning. My phone is requiring a charge 2x a day and cannot connect to the internet. Please help. It is the only phone I have and I’m alone with my children.

    Reply

    • Maybe it’s time to switch to a different company, Katy. Here’s an article that tells you how easy it is to switch:

      Starwood Preferred Guest® American Express Luxury Card

      Reply

  15. How do text in to check my balance for assurance wireless zip code 99201. In the message I type: Bal
    But I forgotten the number to send it to?????

    Reply

    • Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to be connected to customer service or tech support.

      Reply

  16. I received a response of acceptance from you about 14 days ago along with a pin code to use in activating the phone. You said the phone would follow in a few days, however I still haven’t received it. Has it been shipped, and if so, can it be traced. I am currently without phone service. I am a disabled senior citizen and need to get a phone as soon as possible.

    Reply

    • Sorry, Iva, but you did NOT receive anything from us because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  17. hello i had a virgin mobile assurance wireless account for a few years and then about maybe 2 years ago my cell phone was lost so i called to have my account put on hold but i was not able afford to get another cell phone to switch my account to. i was not able to use my lifeline to order another phone because i had already had to use that for another time when my phone had got ran over and had to order my lifeline phone. so about a week ago i went online and filled out the application @assurancewireless.com so my question is, will i need for u guys to email me an application to sign up again?or will i be able to get the continue right where i left off from my last account seeing as how i had to put a hold on it n never lifted the hold because i cant afford it. what do i do? i need a phone very very badly. please help me with a phone.

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance, but you will need to enroll all over again after your account has been deactivated.

      Reply

  18. Hi i try to sign up for a phone and put in my address and it wont let me change the city or state were i live please help if so can yyou please mail me a application by mail.

    Reply

    • We cannot send you an application because we are NOT Assurance Wireless, Geri. You need to contact the company’s customer service team using the contact info we provide in the article above.

      Reply

  20. you sent me a broken phone doesn t take calls doesn t start up jumps around on it s own i m so fustrated with this ANS andriod phone it s horrible missed doctor appointmenrs CVS can t call me haven t heard from my kids on in the airforce going to IRAC n i can t get a decent phone i only paid 5 dollars n it s not worth a nickel pure junk now i have nothing n im disabled stuck what now

    Reply

    • Please understand that “we” didn’t send you anything, Victor. We are not Assurance Wireless. This is an independent informational website. You always have the option of switching service providers AT ANY TIME. Here’s where you can find a list of all the other free government cell phone service providers offering plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  21. The phone is horrible. Too small for the elderly to see or try to dial…dont even think of textinging. Someone has to know. I’ve seen better and wish I had choose another carrier for that alone.

    Reply

    • You don’t want to call us, Brandy, because we are not your service provider. Contact Assurance customer service using the contact info we provide above.

      Reply

  23. I am a free phone agent who is beeing.disrespected by one of your agents, he is standing of foot away from me. I tried to claim my private space by stretching out my arm ,all of sudden he hit me on my hand ,which made my $398 phone fly out of my hand 15 feet away, shattered -broken’- destroyed! !!!!!!!!
    Then later on he posts himself at my claimed space, just like that.
    Who is going 2 pay for my phone
    Incident happened in LA. County , CA
    The dpss office on 17600 Santa Fe ave
    Dominguez. Hills 90221
    I took pictures of him
    I can be reached at 562 329 ****

    Reply

    • First, Sunny, please understand that we are not Assurance Wireless. This is an independent informational website.

      Did you report the incident to the police? If not, you should have and probably still should.

      Reply

  24. trying to find a free phone, trying to fill out application , but something is wrong I cant find righ page to fill out , what do I do, where do I get phone fill out application I need HELP ?

    Reply

  25. Yesterday I filled out an online application and now want to download the required paperwork. Today I cannot find that application. I have gone back and forth through your website and still cannot find it. I have a password so could you help me with this.

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance, Victor. This is an independent informational website, so we have no idea how to help you retrieve that data.

      Reply

  26. this may sound like a dumb question but how do I find out what free government phone carrier I have . I had one of the old ones and it finally broke so I ordered a new one they have sent me a ‘smartphone’ thru TracFone ok well I know two other people that same situation but they sent one of them a different phone still ‘smartphone’ but come to find out they got the free phone but it doesn’t come with free minutes have to purchase them . Nothing changed. But I haven’t found a way to see what company or carrier any of them are. Can someone,anyone shed some light on this ?

    Reply

    • Simple answer, Kimberly. Just call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and your service provider’s customer service team will answer.

      Reply

  27. i have just recently got my new phone.What i need to know is ya’ll was suppose to send me a enevelope to send my other phone back to you and i haven’t received anything to return my old phone.so i have no ideal where to send it to i have no shipping lable either to return it.

    Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Diana, so we don’t have that elusive envelope. Try calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will connect you to customer service.

      Reply

    • Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, Candice. That will connect you to customer service and they can help you with the info you need.

      Reply

  29. Hello. I’m applying for the government free phone because I’m disabled and I’m applying for disability and I need to stay in contact with my lawyer. I receive Snap each month also.

    Reply

    • You cannot enroll at this website, William. You need to contact the service provider directly.

      Reply

  30. Do NOT under any circumstances get an Assurance Wireless (heretofore referred simply as Ass.) brand, service and equipment is crappy. It’s easy to get through BEFORE you get the phone,once you get it it takes 10 min on the voice tree to get through to a live advisor (if you did not get a phone number like I didn’t, you can’t get through at all) and the phones are horrible. Worse if you apply with some other phone company, they will “hijack” your account (others on this site have complained) and you will automatically get their phone and service and it will take you thirty days to get out of their service and you may not be able to have service with their crappy phone. At the bottom of this page I will tell you about a class action lawsuit. Another reason NOT to get a phone through them is I submitted a formal complaint with PUC asking them to suspend them from participating in the program.

    Talked with someone in Assurance Wireless getting lifeline cell, early June. After two weeks with no paperwork sent. called again to them resend it, after talking with them was looking through service provider on Calif. Lifeline (CL) site and saw another provider Airvoice Wireless had better data package so asked for materials from THEM sent to me. Aware that you can not have two cell phone companies on lifeline, called CL to ask if I needed to cancel with Assurance or does it not matter, if I only submit to CL, the papers for the phone company I want. The rep. told me not to worry, didn’t need to cancel, as of result of not cancelling although C L received the Airvoice request first AND was sent only THEIR paperwork, the account was hijacked by Assurance which WITHOUT a specific transfer request took over the account (although the Airvoice request was approved and the Assurance was only pending (as CL did not get paperwork from me regarding them.)

    I will not have to resubmit application with Airvoice and be without a phone because when CL agent cancelled the service with them I was NOT told that even though Airvoice was approved and Assurance was pending, that I was now under Assurance and NOT Airvoice. Also since Ass. sent me a defective phone or it’s not working because and account in a pending state.it’s not working.

    I was very surprised that Ass. did that, in the past, when I tried to transfer my account from another co. to Ass. I was told that I had to resubmit application and knew I didn’t. I had someone from the PUC CALL manager at Ass. to say I did not have to resubmit appl. and when I called to check on my status of my appl. with Ass. I was continually reassured that my appl. was pending. After a MONTH, someone finally told me that I had to resubmit my appl. with proof of eligib. althogh PUC told me didn’t need to and wait another long while to get their service so surprised that they “stole” this appl. when I did not want them this time.

    On THIS particular website other people have stated that although they apply with other lifeline phone co. Assurance took over their account. Because of them doing the opposite this time, I once again am inconvenienced and will have to again wait a month before I get lifeline service.

    Please check with this posting, I am going to file a class action lawsuit. What i will first do is see if I can as a lone client can start it and have people join, those like me who applied with another company for lifeline but had their account taken over by Assurance, if unable to do that I will start a yahoo or google group with those who want to join and establish that before taking to a lawyer, I may not be able to do that before Mon or Tues. July 21 or 22 so check this post and I will put that in reply.

    Reply

  31. How long does it take for the phone to come after mailing information needed to get the phone…l mail my information on Tuesday July 10,2018…my name Genny Robert Howard….l even got a PIN Number to track on when or where my phone..

    Reply

    • It varies from company to company and customer to customer, Ginny. Most companies say it will take about two weeks, but our readers tell us if often takes three or four weeks. Some readers report that it takes MUCH longer. Have you attempted to contact your service provider’s customer service team to check on your status?

      Reply

    • Use the contact info in the article on this page to contact customer service, Carol.

      Reply

  36. I was just wondering if you guys have newer phones than the small skinny ones cuz this is the second one I’ve had and it’s starting to not work most times. And if there’s any cell phone plans you guys team up with

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance, Christina. This is an independent informational website. Contact your customer service team by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  37. I need A manuel for my phone in missouri. Assurance is the company that it came from.its a sprint phone that says ANS on the bottom front cover. It shows as ANS UL40. I need to factory reset it becus im lockedkedout of it.pleasehelp. I havnt used it in over 10days.

    Reply

    • Very few printed manuals exist these days, Jessica. All you need to do is find a digital one by Googling the make and model of your phone and the words “user manual.”

      Reply

    • Budget is long gone at this point. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and you’ll be connected to the replacement company’s customer service team.

      Reply

  41. I need to know if I have an application with assurance Wireless if so it needs to be disregard it as soon as possible

    Reply

    • This is an independent informational website, Alvin, and we are not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. In other words, we cannot answer the question you’ve asked. You must communicate with Assurance customer service.

      Reply

  43. I had my purse stolen, It had my phone in it ,I made a police report, I really need a phone..,I’m homeless, I can fax you my police report.so I can receive a new phone..*******@yahooo.com

    Reply

    • It won’t do you any good to fax us anything, Brenda, because this is an independent informational website, NOT Assurance. Check the article above for contact info for Assurance customer service.

      Reply

  47. i have sent one application in and seems it was lost. got the run around until the post office verified it was lost.so the, i had my proof sent via fax to you guys after this. i also go a run around and different stories when called. nothing should be this hard. i really need this phone because the dr’s can’t get in touch and i have artery surgery on the 12th. thanks, please update me and check what’s going on. much appreciated.
    mason k. mcgill
    last 4 digits of ssn= ****

    i’m about ready to go back to safelink. but trying to get this resolved with laymen terms. bless you

    Reply

    • This website is neither owned nor operated nor affiliated with Assurance nor any other free government cell phone company, Mason. It’s an independent informational website, so you won’t make any progress by leaving a comment here.

      Reply

  48. After reading a few of your replies it is obvious you are a smartass. You should delete the 86 year old mans pin # from his post as well.

    Reply

    • You are correct. All the comment moderators here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net are smartasses. Always have been. Always will be. So what’s your point? Feel free to visit some other site if you don’t like the way we do our jobs.

      And since you seem to be an expert on how to run a comments section, there’s no need to delete Enrique’s pin# because we deleted his phone number.

      Have a delightful day.

      Reply

  49. I have been trying to get an upgraded phone from ASW for FIVE weeks, almost every day–without any result. I cannot even PURCHASE a better phone. They give extremely outdated phones only. Their current ‘upgrade’ model is just a level trade, not one thing better on it. the screens are 4″ which is very small. I am legally blind, so I NEED a bigger screen, and also NEED to use the camera to take photos of things like numbers, that I can then enlarge on my phone. The cameras on these are 2m or whatever the letter is.. They’re horrible. Can’t take a photo of a boulder in front of your face, w/out it being BLURRED OUT. I realize this is a free service for poor people, which I AM–but this is ridiculous. ONLY way to talk to U.S. cus. service is via email. They answer eventually, with bald face LIES, or they answer something that doesn’t MAKE ANY SENSE (seriously) OR, they just don’ t answer your questions at all, and state some other obvious thing. Cus. Service overseas (India, I think?) told me I could buy a ZTE Prestige 2 from Best Buy or Virginmobile.com, and then activate my service. Best Buy doesn’t carry ancient phones. I bought one at the site, but when I got it ASW would not activate it, and Virgin had it locked. The phone was only $40 and it was WONDERFUL. I set everything up before activating..i was SO SO EXCITED. 5″ screen, camera was amazing, everything was so much easier. I was THRILLED. then they wouldn’t activate it. nor take responsibility. So I had to pay $12 to ship it back to Virgin. Tjey still haven’t credited my card. Plus I had to pay $6 top up fee for my “upgraded” phone which turned out to be a lateral move. Useless. SO THEN, I found YOUR site, and have been trying to find out from EACH provider WHAT PHONE is available if I Switch to their lifeline service. (Can ONLY switch ONE TIME, so i’m trying to be SMART!) NOT ONE PHONE COMPANY can tell me what phone they will send me. “whatever is in stock at the time”. great. Your site cautions not to sign up with street vendors—I GEt that–but I believe I may sign up tomorrow in a near-by town where TruConnect is set up outside a store. At LEAST I’ll KNOW what PHONE I will get! Plus, their overseas cus. service told me I can get it, then call them and purchase a $60 4G phone that has ALL the bells and whistles. Most companies don’t even tell you clearly what phones you will have available to purchase.. I am pulling my HAIR OUT, and on here yet again trying to research TruConnect—before I sign up with them. ASW HAS BEEN THE WORST WORST WORST. But many of these companies you list, don’t have any CLEAR information available. It’s all misleading, and worse— SO MANY FLAT OUT LIES! How do companies function this way? Crazy! Is TruConnect a decent company—anybody who uses them? Has it been okay? ALSO: I went to a link your site suggested, the CA lifeline site. They list all sorts of different companies and extremely better plans, with data available in Gigs, not Mbs. (one has 3 gigs!) What’s the deal with the huge difference in info? all this, and i’m in the LUCKY state of CA. lol Any help and/or advice you can offer would be greatly appreciated. Now I’ll try the 611 option. Thanks. Just learned that! But, have a feeling it’ll take me back to East Asia.

    Reply

    • A couple responses, Peg. First, it’s not true that you can switch service providers only once. You can switch every damn day if you want. Second, in regard to using a street vendor. Just because someone sets up a tent and claims to work for a free government cell phone company does not mean they really do. You could run into one of those identity theft scams. Please be careful.

      Reply

      • Oh my gosh! First of all, I’m AMAZED at the fast reply! Thank YOU! And you also just MADE MY DAY! I don’t know where I read that you can only switch carriers one time with Lifeline—but since you guys are the only people I have come across who are truthful–I am thrilled to learn this from you. It takes a lot of weight off my shoulders! If I switch to a crap company, it means I still have recourse. Whew. Also, thank you for the warnings about these vendors. I found the site address FROM the TruConnect site. Does that mean anything at all? The customer service guy in So. America (fluent English thankfully) told me to BE CAREFUL of them, too! He said they could sign me up if I give them any info, even if I don’t actually sign up with them. Wow. THAT’S pretty crazy! Maybe I will go there, see what phones are available—if I don’t like the phone, I may as well order one (What?) On the phone? Or from the website? Which one is safer, in your opinion? If they happen to have the phone (or comparable) I saw them advertise tonight on their FACEBOOK page—a “5 inch Blaze X500” — maybe I’ll call the company on the spot and see if they can legitimize the vendor? Site says they have a “store” in another city a ways away. But when I call it, it is just a voicemail? Probably another street vendor? UGH. This stuff is incredibly confusing. Thank you for being here and helping people so much, especially with all the riff raff and people thinking you’re their carrier. (how’d that happen? lol) Even being careful, it’s super difficult to navigate these companies. 🙁 I was really excited when I read here that “most of the carriers list what phones they have available, on their websites.” I was in for a ton more research—but when I did it all — none of them had their phones listed that you’ll get when signing up. SOME have a list of phones you can buy–which as I said, are totally different models than they tell you about on the phone. Different altogether models on their FB site. BOY HOWDY. Thanks a bunch!

        Reply

        • Do you happen to have an old cell phone around the house? If so, and if it’s one that you like, most companies have a Bring Your Own Phone (BYOD) or Bring Your Own Phone (BYOP) program. But you need to make sure that your phone is compatible with the network of the company you want to enroll with. Customer service should be able to tell you.

          To be brutally honest, a huge percentage of our readers say they were disappointed with the initial phones they have been given. So you might want to sign up with a company that offers a replacement phone that you like. It might be worth it to plan on spending the extra fee for a better replacement phone, but who knows? You might get lucky and be one of those people who are happy with the first phone they receive.

          Reply

          • Ha! I did indeed sign up with the street vendor for TruConnect, and I got the NUU A3 for FREE, that the customer service phone rep told me I could BUY from them for $60. LOL so far, all is good. The vendors are and have been at the same place every day for a long time. They seem to be quite legit? Who knows! I’m hoping I did alright, but frankly, your knowledge that I can switch if need-be, is what I really needed to hear.. Thanks again!

          • We’re glad it worked out for you, Peg. We don’t mean to imply that ALL street vendors are bad news, but there have been so many cases of fraud and abuse that there’s just no reason to take a chance.

        • Boy, you sure have a lot of negative sh*t to say about THE FREE CELLPHONE service you receive
          This is a privilege. Not a right. Chill out.

          Reply

  50. Hello this is mary kinsey i have medcaid in michigan i was wondering. If i could get a phone from you guys. Thank you.
    Sirerly mary kinsey

    Reply

    • Sorry, Mary, but you cannot get a phone from us because this is an independent informational website, NOT affiliated with any free government cell phone company. Here’s where you can find a complete list of free government cell phone companies and plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  51. My son received an phone but when he went to go activate it,it’s asking for the phone number and pin, how do he get his number to a phone that was sent to him

    Reply

  53. My resident would like to return their phone to your company since they no longer are using the phone. Does it get shipped back to Assurance Wireless or directly to the manufacturer ZTE?

    Reply

    • You do not need to return the phone, Shanna. But you should use that free government cell phone to call 6-1-1. That will connect you directly to customer service and you can cancel the account. (But like we said, you do not need to return the phone.)

      Reply

  55. I NEED YOU GUYS TO CANCLE MY SERVICES WITH YOU TODAY PLEASE MY PHONE NO LONGER WORKS BECAUSE IT FELL IN A BOWL OF WATER IT WON’T EVEN HOLD A CHARGE OR TURN ON NOW

    Reply

    • WE CANNOT CANCEL YOUR SERVICE BECAUSE WE ARE NOT YOUR SERVICE PROVIDER, PAULA. YOU CAN GET THE ASSURANCE CONTACT INFO YOU NEED IN THE ARTICLE ABOVE.

      Reply

  57. I really need help on getting me a phone . I live alone , I get 750.00 a month from SSI and I just had to have my right leg amputated February 9th. Any assistance you can give me I would greatly appreciate.

    Reply

  58. I m in in the assurance plan. I m 86 years old. My NAME IS ENRIQUE BETANCOURT. MY PHONE IS 786-514-****. MY PIN IS 123246 MY FLIP PHONE IS BROKE. I JUST LOST MY ONLY SON & MY WIFE I NEED COMMUNICATION BECAUSE I’M ALONE. I DONT LIKE THE SMART PHONES I LIKE TO GO FLIP.I WANT TO KNOW IF AN ALCATEL GO FLIP FOR $19.99 COULD BE ACCETED BY ASSURANCE. IF NOT,PLEASE TELL ME WHAT FLIP PHONE I HAVE TO BUY. THANKS IN ADVANCE. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

    Reply

    • You need to contact Assurance customer service or tech support, Enrique. They can answer your question.

      Reply

  59. I have submitted all documents and I am the only user in my home and for some reason my application was rejected can you help?
    Thank you
    Stephan Werick

    Reply

    • We cannot help you, Stephan, because this is an independent informational website that’s NOT affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. In other words, it’s impossible for us to know any of the reasons your application may have been rejected.

      Have you spoken to customer service to see if you can get more information?

      Reply

  60. i would like a phone for my daughter needs one for like when she goes to a friends house and i would like to keep an eye on her

    Reply

  61. I am trying to do the online application on the assurance wireless website but it won’t get past the first step of verifying address. After I click on the “Next” button, it just stays on the same page and won’t go to step 2 Account Setup. Please advise.

    Reply

    • You can request a free government cell phone all day long, Mark, but it won’t help to make the request here. You need to contact Assurance custoer service at the number we provide in the article above.

      Reply

  63. Hi,

    I have a friend who qualifies for a smartphone. The phone he has now was sent to him to replace his damaged Safelink phone but it isn’t a smart phone.

    The phone he now has through Safelink requires him to pay for minutes. He lives in a remote area and I’m writing on his behalf because he is unable to read. His name is Walt Guiffre and his phone number is (850) 209-****. Is there anyway you can send him a smartphone? I have an Assurance Wireless Smart phone and my phone number is (954) 204-****. I would appreciate if you would email me or call me back regarding this matter.

    Thank you,

    Susan Brown

    Reply

  64. I have been waiting on my phone for over six weeks. I sent proof of SSi. My name is John Cox. Chesapeake VA 23323

    Reply

  66. my wife had one of your phones she died jan 2018 been trying to get rid of it. but cant find anybody smart to help me. i tryed to get one but only thing i get is stupid people. after computer for 15 minutes. frank page 251 581 ****

    Reply

    • So sorry to hear about your loss, Frank. You should be able to call 6-1-1 on your wife’s free government cell phone. That will connect you to customer service and they should be able to cancel the account for you. Alternately, you can just shut the phone off and forget it. If not calls are made or received for 30 days or more, the account should be automatically cancelled.

      Reply

  67. Safe link wireless is a joke called them
    Over 20times rude morons in foreign countries . They give you really very little
    And they probably Bill the govt $ how much
    So don’t worry about it . All cell phone company suck any way

    Reply

  69. Assurance Wireless turned me off becuse they said I did not return the broken phone they sent me. They sent me a label to use to return the cell phone & I did that but they say they never received it. Whose fault is it. NOT MINE but probably one of their idiot customer service people. If they cant help you they just hang up on you.

    Reply

    • C’mon, Robert. Even if we were your service provider, which we are not, how could we possibly know what happened to your phone based on so little information?

      Reply

      • Your promise is no good…first 2 or three months yes. Don’t expect me to ever send you a dime…free only with you chumps

        Unlimited is unlimited…ask ATand T what happened to them… unlimited text. And talk is unlimited text…..and…..talk you deduct it from my 500 Meg data…scammers

        Also, last two months my data is being sucked on phone calls, cam to cam, and texting…..should be free through Facebook….not mind service first 3 months but now you play games….I will use it all up each month to burn up your service but once I get budget don’t expect me to send you money even if you are cheaper…a scammer isna scammer

        Reply

        • WE’RE REACHED THE BREAKING POINT. FOR THE TEN THOUSANDTH TIME, WE ARE NOT A FREE GOVERNMENT CELL PHONE COMPANY. THIS IS AN INDEPENDENT INFORMATIONAL WEBSITE. WE DIDN’T MAKE YOU A PROMISE. YOU HAVEN’T SENT US A DIME AND WE DO NOT EXPECT YOU TO SEND US A DIME. NEVER.

          READ, PEOPLE, READ.

          Reply

          • Lol, I was thinking the same thing! I would have reached the breaking point a LONG time ago, you guys are more patient than I. Why don’t people get it?? It’s not difficult to understand. How can people possibly miss it?.. YES, READ PEOPLE, READ! It’s no wonder all of you people commenting have issues with your phones and service! YOU DON’T READ… And for God’s sake, please stop freaking out on the people that run this website. Have a great day everyone 🙂

  72. I cannot get my phone to work cannot read well enough to do this , I wanted a flip phone with big numbers

    Reply

    • Contact customer service to find out if Assurance is currently offering the kind of phone you’re looking for, Mary Ellen. If not, ask if you can bring your own phone. If so, you can purchase exactly the kind of phone you need, and use it as your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  73. hi, im in california but i have a sister in toledo ohio? my sister needs a new cell im very sure she gets lifeline? thing is right now im printing your application, having her fill it out and mail it to you, thats the best i can do for my sister, she has a learning and emotional disability she gets ssd where she lives [northgate apts toledo ohio], i get ssd also, i will call and change to asurrance, i hope i can add her on my account that way IF i can be any help to her? my obama cell is 661.728.**** but i know from changing phones and providers you wont get the same obama number. my cell IF you need to call me, is 661.428.****

    Reply

    • First of all, Linda, we are not Assurance. This is an independent informational website, so leaving a comment here will not solve your problem.

      Unfortunately, it is not possible to add your sister to your Lifeline account. Only one phone is allowed per account.

      Finally, you can keep the same phone number when you switch service providers. Just make sure you tell the service rep (repeatedly) that you want to “port over my current phone number.”

      Reply

  74. The smartphone is new to me in all aspects of use. Are there any manuals available to help me along. If not I may have to order smartphones for dummies. I always got an instruction booklet with my previous phones and these new phones are a bit more complicated.Appreciate a reply! Thank You!

    Reply

    • Sure thing, Annette. Just Google the make and model of your phone plus the words “user manual.” You will undoubtedly find one very quickly.

      Reply

    • goto youtube.com, go inside your cell and the owner’s manual and type in the COMPLETE name of the cell you have at youtube.com, instuctions, type model name and a model number it has, or look on the box you got. god bless linda

      Reply

  76. This company sent me a broken phone. After making it as hard as possible they sent a replacement phone but wouldn’t help move my doctors appointments in the calendar or my doctors phone numbers but when I wasn’t able to get the phone back to them on their schedule they turned off my phone. They have the broken phone back but are still refusing to restore service for “3-5 days”. If you need a lifeline this is not the company for you.

    Reply

  81. I have the free government plan with 350 minutes of talk, unlimited texts, and 1gb of data. How can i check how many minutes are left for this month? As well as how much data is left.

    Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team. Just call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

    • No, we don’t because we are not a free government cell phone company. This is an independent informational website.

      Reply

    • Yes. But you must make sure you say “I want to port over my current number” at the beginning of the conversation with customer service and then repeat it again at the end. Get them to confirm that your current number is being ported over.

      Reply

  85. Within the past six months I have unsuccessfully been given the wrong fax number!!! I have BEEN APPROVED but can’t fax my information to them!!!! I can’t be the only one with this absurd issue!!! Would someone with the CORRECT NUMBER please share it with those of us who unfairly can’t receive this free service!!!!!!

    Reply

    • The minutes should be added on the same date every month. If you signed up on, for example, the third of the month, your minutes should be added on the third of every month.

      Reply

    • You should be able to re-enroll using the same process, Todd. Just contact Assurance customer service using the contact info provided in the article above.

      Reply

  88. Reading the posts has made me unsure about getting one of the government cell phones. I thought assurance was best but apparently not? What companies would /do others suggest/use ? I just want to get an idea what my REL ooptions might be…..Thank you

    Reply

  89. Just a heads up for first time Lifeline wireless participants — lifeline telecom service can be as lawless as the wild west was in the 1800’s. Several companies I have dealt with now have advertised specific offers on their websites but do not abide by these offers.

    Assurance wireless promises a 4G cellphone to CA customers, but they send a 3G phone that is so old it is no longer even made. (The implication is that you will be getting 4G/LTE service speed, but you will not.)
    Their website currently states that CA customers will get 2GB data each month but my online account shows 1GB and actual billing section shows 500MB (their online account info. even contradicts itself on the same page). I am disputing this with them, giving them deadlines to fix, and will bring in other agencies when needed.

    My advice is to expect this, document everything, and do your best to force telecom companies to do what they promise — this helps everyone.

    Reply

    • The good news for you, Kevin, is that California has set up its own state-based Lifeline organization. They should be able to help you. You’re doing everything right. As my Australian buddy says, “Good on ya.”

      Reply

  91. I am very unhappy with your cell phone service because I now can’t text anyone I’m going to tell my friends that you have bad service thanks Ashli mathis please let me text my friends

    Reply

    • It’s NOT “our” cell service, Ashli. This is an independent informational website. If you’re having trouble with your texting service, call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to speak to your service provider’s customer service or tech support team.

      Reply

    • Each Lifeline company offers a different selection of phones. You should contact customer service at the company you want to enroll with to find out if they offer a basic flip phone.

      Reply

  93. Has not worked to obtain one of these Lifeline cell phones for my adult son with disability. There is no doubt that he is eligible. He qualifies in numerous ways, however I have tried application with both Safelink and Assurance Wireless and sent application a few times noting all that makes him eligible, but they would always respond that he is not eligible. Could it be because he did have a Lifeline landline in the past? It is no longer possible to obtain a Lifeline landline for the last several years, as that program was cancelled. It seems that having had this, he is not able to be provided cell phone service. Can you please direct me to whoever can resolve this issue?

    Reply

    • The Lifeline landline program has not been cancelled, Mary, but that shouldn’t be the issue if he hasn’t had the account for several years. It’s impossible for us to know what’s going on with the applications, but we would suggest that you contact those service providers again. Ask to speak to a supervisor this time. Please report back to us to let us (and our readers) know what happens.

      Reply

      • We cannot change your phone number because we are not Assurance Wireless, Karen. You’ll need to contact Assurance directly using the contact info we provide on this page.

        Reply

  95. Hi, I am trying to help a homeless young man get his hands on a cell phone. Have not had luck in town. Where is the best place possible to take him to. He is located in Porterville, Ca.

    Reply

    • We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scene of too much fraud and abuse. Please enroll online or by phone.

      Reply

      • We urge readers NOT to enroll at a street event. They have been the source of far too much fraud and abuse. You’re much safer enrolling online or by phone.

        Reply

  96. I had to switch providers after my lifeline provider removed me for not making the required 2 calls per month. I picked Assurance, huge mistake. They sent me a phone I couldn’t use due to physical issues, so I got a return label from them, sent it back (they received it) and asked them to release my lifeline benefits so I could use them elsewhere. 2 customer “service” reps assured me it would be done. I emailed them and asked for proof in writing-never received an answer. I assumed they did their job and applied for Lifeline service elsewhere. Guess what? Assurance never let go of my Lifeline benefits so now I have been locked out of the program for a YEAR due to their inaction-it seems to be assumed that I’m scamming he Lifeline program but I’m not. Yes, I sent them another email Thursday and no response. Don’t suggest I call their help line-that’s where the hold-up has been. If they don’t apply to my previous emails and have lied to me over the phone, they aren’t going to reply NOW or do their job if I call again.
    I NEED HELP to clear this up please. Assurance is being less than cooperative and I don’t know where else to turn.

    Reply

    • Lots of luck. I have called every provider in Indiana. They all claim to provide only smartphones, not flip phones, which I need too. Give up.

      Reply

      • Here’s an alternative, Diana. Bring your own phone (BYOP) to one of the plans that will allow you to do that. You can purchase a simple flip phone for a minimal amount of money, then use it on your current service provider’s network. But before you purchase that phone, make sure you check in advance to make sure the make and model you want to purchase will be compatible with your service provider’s network.

        Reply

  98. Hi, got a free phone from you.I have a question. I’ve got a friend who wants a free phone. She’s in the same nursing home that I’m in. However she doesn’t have any cell phones that she could use. I can give you her name and address and the nursing home we are at. Her name is Bonnie Sponseller, she’s at Golden Living in Elkhart…

    Reply

    • Yes, residents of group homes like yours are all eligible for free government cell phones (assuming they meet all the eligibility requirements). It requires one extra step and filling out a little more paperwork, but it’s really pretty simple. We would suggest that you speak to your chosen service provider’s customer service team (maybe even ask to speak to a supervisor) to enroll.

      Reply

  99. Is it possible to get a replacement for a damaged phone? My screen is damaged and I can barely see the numbers to dial out.
    Thanks,
    Kevin Long

    Reply

    • You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team, Kevin. It’s possible to get a free replacement, but odds are you’ll be required to pay a relatively small fee.

      Reply

  100. My address is *** ******** Road, Swanton, Ohio 43558. My brother was using this address and died in February of 2017. Can I use this address now? There is no one with a government phone at this address—-if someone else is using this address that person is doing it illegally and needs to be cancelled. How can this be corrected? I am on food assistance and medical assistance with Lucas County Job and Family Service, Toledo, Ohio therefor qualify for a free phone.

    Reply

    • First of all, very sorry to hear about your brother, Kyle. We know how difficult these situations can be.

      To answer your questions, yes, you should be able to get a free government cell phone at your brother’s former address. We wouldn’t be surprised if you get rejected, so you should be ready with some proof (such as a death certificate) if that happens. We would suggest that you enroll by phone and ask to speak to a supervisor when you call in. Make sure you explain the situation.

      Good luck. We wish you the very best.

      Reply

  101. hi sirs i looking into your plan cause i just lost my home and all i got is a po box no. hoping i still can get a phone

    Reply

    • It’s a big problem if you do not have a home address, Cynthia. You can only enroll in the Lifeline plan if you have a mailing address.

      Reply

    • How long has your phone been inactive, Amber? If it’s been longer than 30 days, you will probably need to re-enroll with your old company or with any other company offering free government cell phone plans in your state. Here’s where you can find a list of those companies and plans:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • We’re not quite sure what you mean by “wifi Facebook,” Janet. But if you have a plan that includes data (some plans only have voice and text, others also include data), you can access Facebook or any other website.

      Reply

    • Janet, you will be able to access the internet with your data provided and can use wifi with your phone wherever there is free wifi service provided and, with this, you can search for Facebook. 🙂 If you don’t have access to wifi at home, you can try your local library. You can turn off data while accessing wifi services and that way you can save your data services for when you have no wifi service available.

      Reply

    • You’ll need to speak to Assurance customer service to get that question answered, Cindy. Call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone to connect to customer service.

      Reply

  106. What if the person that the phone is registered to moved out? how do I go about getting one? she still has it and don’t even live here.

    Reply

    • Each service provider is supposed to help customers clear up errors on the National Lifeline Accountability Database. Contact your chosen service provider’s customer service team and ask to speak to a supervisor. Tell that person your problem and ask them to “help me clear up an error on the NLAD.”

      Reply

    • Contact Assurance customer service, Laura. This is an independent informational website, NOT Assurance.

      Reply

  110. i want a flip phone the touch screen are not for me iam old and disable you sent me a phone that i cant use i need a simple flip phone

    Reply

  111. I am trying to track down my missing phone number 570 407 ****. is this a phone of yours? Please call or text me at 570 239 ****..Anthony Graziano. I have ordered a new one.

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance Wireless, Anthony. We’re an independent informational website. You’ll need to contact Assurance customer service by using the contact info we provided on this page.

      Reply

  112. Hi I apply on line through you guys and was told would take 10 to 15 days to be notified , well its been over three weeks now with no reply back if I was approved

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance, David. You need to contact the company directly to find the answer to your question. YOu can find the contact info you need right here on this page.

      Reply

    • Then you need to apply for an Assurance phone, Angela. You can find all the info you need in the article above.

      Reply

  115. I got a letter stating I needed to recertify online, I emailed Lifeline help desk stating their website was down and I could not enter a pin or the phone number. They sent an email from califeline@xerox.com stating me to send all of my information to them, which I sent to that email address, it did not state DO NOT send to this address, nor did I get an email stating that it didn’t go through. This was sent 8/8/17 and now my phone is cut off and I couldn’t recertify online, called customer service on 8/7/17 and that lady stated she could not help me and hung up on me. This was California lifeline, if I have assurance wireless why was I not notified to call them? And now i have to reapply and I have the phone.

    Reply

    • We really don’t think anyone can explain the goings on in California, Ryan. Every other state gets by using the same federal regulators, but California, which is bankrupt, decided it needed to start up its own duplicative regulatory structure.

      If we were you, we would simply enroll with another Lifeline company that serves California. Here’s where you can get more info on all of them:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  116. i have government phone through assurance wireless i have had it for over 6 years and just the other day i went to make a call and noticed it said (searching ) on it and still does . i called assurance wireless for help and because i dont remember some pin that i was suppost to give them the man said (when you find it call me back and then he hung up. so what am i to do ? please help.

    Reply

  118. I have applied for a phone a month ago and I have not heard back from anyone yet. i receive food and insurance benefits. I hope to hear back from you soon. Thank You,Peggy Salinas

    Reply

    • We’re not the company you enrolled with, Peggy. This is an independent informational website. Check your company’s website to see if it offers a “Check Your Status” function.

      Reply

  119. bank statements don’t prove income!!!! then they want digital copies of ID and SS/SSI qualification letter. who has those digitalized when SS ONLY sends hard copy letters?
    TRUCONNECT sucks!

    Reply

    • Scan it and send it. If you don’t own a scanner, you can get it scanned at any office products store.

      Reply

    • This is a bit of a glitch in the system, Sharra. You cannot enroll if a PO Box is your only address. However, you can enroll if you are a resident at a homeless shelter. Good luck.

      Reply

  121. someone used my social security number and name to get a free phone without me knowing and then that made my govt phone shut off. so they stolle my information.
    who can I talk to to straighten this out so I can get my phone working again. is there some kind of govt agency that I can talk to.

    thanks

    Reply

  122. I need a phone. my screen broke and I can’t afford one. Yet the one i was very thankful to get in touch. so could you send me an replacement? Thank you. hope to receive a response.

    Reply

  124. I sent in an application quite awhile ago and still have heard nothing. I am in an 62 yr old community HUD apartment.

    Reply

  125. When do the free monthly minutes kick in? Is it at the beginning of each month or 30 days after the phone service started?

    Reply

    • Your minutes should be added on the same date every month. For example, if you enrolled on June 4, they should be added on the 4th of every month.

      Reply

  128. I do qualify for a phone with Assurance Wireless but when I fill out the application they can NOT find my street address I have lived here 2 years. Our town does NOT have home delivery. They will not take a P O Box. I have verification of my street address but since they can’t pull it up, they go no further. Any suggestions would greatly be appreciated.

    Reply

    • Call again and ask to speak to a supervisor. This may be a situation where you need help from the USAC or the National Lifeline Assistance Database people.

      Reply

  131. Moving 7/26/17 to WA from CO. You are already my provider for free government phone service. Needed to let you know, and want to keep the same phone #. Need to give you the following information:

    new address as of 7/27/17

    *****
    *****

    old address as of 7/27/17

    *****
    *****

    Thank you,

    Jeannelle Jones

    Reply

    • A couple things, Jeannelle. (1) We are not Assurance. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider directly. (2) Since you’re in a new state, you’ll need to enroll again. You may find a better service provider (more minutes, more texts, more data, better smartphone, etc) if you check out all the service providers in your state. Check them all out at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  132. message2
    the safelink phone they bullied in my mailbox switching assurion without my knowledge was asafelink’ fixed ‘
    phone hindering accessed and peripheriing the phone info in the temples withholding bank’s info

    Reply

  133. dear gov the supporters of this free program believed that the black foreigners should not be receiving these phones, . but believes that the cons on the street should be controlling this program for drug uses.
    anyway my phone was removed from me at their request and i need it back. attorneys believed that this is foreign discrimination and should be taken to the highest board and ii agree

    Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Frank, so we have no way of knowing. This is an independent informational website with no affiliations with any of the free government cell phone companies.

      Reply

  136. How do I apply for phone and service? My zip code is 38856. I am on disability and my check each month is only $1321.00. My check is direct deposit so I have no ck stubs to send. I live alone. Though I do not receive medicaid, medicaid pays the premium each month for my medicare insurance so I don’t know which would be the best route for me to take. I need your input on this and directions on how to apply. The last thing is who is the carrier? I look forward to hearing from you.

    Reply

  137. Do not believe assurance website that says you can use your previous number when you sign up with them. If you have a lifeline phone and switch to them your number is deactivated and is no longer available. I spent over a week fighting this tonight avail. Had budget mobile which is going out of business and switched to assurance. My old phone # was immediately deactivated. So don’t believe their claim on their website. Made me extremely angry.

    Reply

  138. I signed up a few months ago. When I typed in my zip code, it said that it was available in my area. It took hours on the phone and nearly two weeks to get it activated. It didn’t activate until I was nearly 30 miles from home. I was assured that it worked in my area.
    Finally, they made the claim that they didn’t have towers near me but were working on it. I asked how long that would take…a month…a year? I was told they didn’t know …but soon. I told them they needed to remove my area from their site. I told them it was false advertising, they were claiming something that wasn’t true.
    I have had this useless phone for several months and ended up having to pay outrages rates for my landline because I moved my service to this phone. I ended up shutting the landline off because the bill started piling up. I was now stuck with a pay-as-you-go (I have had for several years) and forking out even more money.
    I signed on today to check the new service I signed up for. I thought I would check on assurance and, finally, they have removed my zip code from their area of service. It is about time. THIS PHONE DOES NOT WORK IN THE AREAS FROM KLAMATH TO FOR FT. DICK CALIFORNIA!!! Forewarning.

    Reply

  139. ABOUT 3 OR 4 MONTHS AGO I SEND MY COPY OF THE SNAP PROGRAM ONE PAPER BY wELFARE AND A COPY OF SNAP, WHICH YOUR STAFF TOLD ME THEY RECEIVE IT. THE LAST 3 TIMES U SEND A LETTEER PLEASE SIGN THE THE APPICATION , WHICH I DID. THAT WAS ONLY THING HOLDING ME UP TO GET MY PHONE. I GOT ALOT OF LETERS OR COPIES STATING THAT. WHEN I CALL YOUR STAFF AND SUPERVISOR SAID U NEED TO SIGN THE APPLICATION, I ACCOMMODATED THAT. NO WHERE IN THE LETTER U SEND ME, TO SEND MY MONEY STATEMENTS, CAUSE U TOLD ME U HAD MY COPY OF SNAP, WHICH IS THE TRUTH AND LETTERS DON’T LIED FROM U. IT SEEMS U ARE PLAYING GAMES WITH ME, AND NOT RESPECTING ME IN ANY WAY. SOMETHING IS GOING ON. I SHOULD NOT GOT TREATED THIS WAY. WHICH U WILL BE IN DENIAL. SO WHAT IS IT NOW,ANOTHER LIED COMING BY WAY. I’M VERY BITTER ANDI RESPECTED YOUR REQUESTS AT ALL TIMES.WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? THERE SHOULD BE KNOW PROBLEM.. PLEASE CALL MY SISTER PHONE 401-300-****, SO WE CAN RECTIFIED THIS MATTER. IT HAS BEEN TOO LONG TO BE TREATED THIS WAY. PLEASE KINDLY REPLY. YOURS TRULY, EARL ELBY 6-25-17

    Reply

    • You’re absolutely right, Earl. You should not be treated that way. But we’re not the ones who did it. This is an independent informational website, not your free government cell phone provider. You need to contact its customer service team.

      Reply

  140. What do I do if I moved into a place where someone who lived there before had a government phone n I can’t receive one cause the address is registered as they got one

    Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team. Ask to speak to a supervisor. Tell that person that you need his/her help to clear up a mistake in the National Lifeline Assistance Database (NLAD). This is supposed to be a relatively simple problem to solve and they are supposed to take care of it for you.

      Reply

  141. I put in a application last night can you tell me if it went through? I am mailing my EBT proof today.

    Reply

    • Sorry, but we can’t tell you if it went through because we are not Assurance Wireless. This is an independent informational website. If you go to the Assurance website, you can click on “Check Status” to get your question answered.

      Reply

  142. I have had my phone stolen or lost, i’m very cautious so I think it was stolen. It’s been so long i cant remember where or who I got it from so all I have is the number, 954-802-****. Any way you can tell me who or where I can report this hone stolen, I’d hate to think some ass is out there using my phone.

    Reply

    • You’ll need to do a little homework to figure out which company provided your service, Joel. Start by going to our “States” page. Here’s a link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Click on your state and you’ll find a complete list of service providers in your state. You’ll need to start at the top and call that company’s customer service team. If it’s your company, they’ll be able to identify you by your phone number, address, social security number, etc. If it’s not your company, you’ll need to move down the list and call each of the companies until you find one that says, “Yes, you are one of our customers.”

      Reply

  143. Hi my name is tracey lyon
    I’m on Ssdi from a stroke 2 years ago. I really need a free phone.
    I have my letter from SSDI showing I get it and how much.
    What do I do next to get a phone I really need one ASAP!!!!
    THANK YOU
    TRACEY LYON
    ********@aol.com is how to contact me

    Reply

  144. i had an assurance free phone and i was turned off due to the fact i lost it the phone. so the free wireless pnone company had me do a safelink tracphone. i do not have the phone or number anymore because my phone caught 3 viruses and when i called for help no one could help me so i need a new phone please. i have moved. my new address is bridget ****, **** ******* ave, kingston ny 12401. can u help me? i need a phone to replace the one that shut down and ruined the battery.

    Reply

    • We can’t help you because we are NOT Assurance Wireless, Bridget. You need to contact the company’s customer service team to solve your problem. You can find that contact info in the above article.

      Reply

  145. I can not remember if I have used you before but I had a few questions…
    1. I have absolutely no phone, I’m an epelictic, my ex abusive husband(which I finally got away from to the help of my brother and sis-in-laws house which I love her more like my sister) had our old govt phone but it no longer works. He don’t care for them property and has broke and lost some, so my MAIN question is can ” I ” get a new phone? I see you you have androids and that is what I need in order to get online. Now the problem is I am currently living with me brother and sister in law and they already have a govt phone, not sure what company, but I was wondering if I had a phone ordered and sent to the same address that they already receive a govt phone to, would that jeoperdize their own service, like cut them off completly. They need the phone cause their son is disabled. I need a phone to keep in contact weekly with my doctor to monitor my seizures…is there anything you can do please email me asap and and mark it urgent. Thank you and I hope to hear(good news) soon. Thank you so much.
    Nikki Matousek

    Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team. You can do it by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone or by using the contact info we provided in the above article.

      Reply

  147. I keep getting a message in my voice mail saying they could not reverifyI’m disabled and only use the phone for Drs. and important calls, so I don’t carry it with me all the time. They use to send me a letter to verify my phone, they couldn’t verify it so they shut it off,

    Reply

  148. I have been searching for weeks now trying to find a assurance wireless tent in yucca valley to apply for a new phone without any luck so I was wondering if someone could tell me where and when they are going to be in yucca valley

    Reply

    • Since Yucca Valley is part of the Inland Empire, where this comment moderator spent his misspent youth, I’ll give you a complete answer, Kim. PLEASE DO NOT enroll at a street tent or booth. There have just been too many cases of fraud and abuse coming out of those tents and booths. Instead, keep your personal information safe by enrolling online or by phone right from the comfort of your home.

      Reply

  149. Is it normal to receive new gov phone with texts when I opened the box? “Hi. go to store for me” ” call me” personal ones. Can I get private line?

    Reply

    • Sounds like you got a phone number that used to belong to a friend of the texter. Contact your service provider and ask if they can give you a different phone number.

      Reply

  150. Your reps were signing people up outside the 29 palms Stater Bros supermarket. But when I try to sign on line it always says they do not have the plan for my zip 92277.

    Reply

    • Go to the Assurance website, S. Look down toward the bottom of the page and click on “Contact Us.” It will take you to a page that offers several ways to get in touch with customer service.

      Reply

  151. i placed my order two weeks ago still have anything about my phone order what happened to my order?

    Reply

    • Go to the Assurance website and click on “check Status” in the purple navigation bar at the top of the page.

      Reply

  152. I lost my phone, then found it. I contacted your office twice. They put me in touch with the technical staff. They help put it back on. It went out again. Could you help. My number is 404-493-****. My email address is *********@gmail.com. Please help if you can.

    Reply

    • Sorry, Bill, but we cannot help because we are not your service provider. You contact them twice, not us. You need to contact your servi e provider directly.

      Reply

  153. On their website it has a swap phone option and lists over 30 phones ALL of which are not compatible it a lie, for what I don’t know, the day I cancelled my land line my assurance phone froze for days so I ordered one of these supposed phones which was on the list and is a virgin mobile phone, but it is not compatible, the only phones that are, are the garbage noone else would carry, so now I have to pay to send the phone back and you have to buy it through them because like I said noone else carries them, so I tried to top up my account but for some reason it doesn’t show up, I hope I don’t have a medical emergency before we get it straightened out!

    Reply

  154. My sister in law received her new phone. When we call to activate it, it isn’t the same number as Herr old phone. Her PIN security information is all linked to her phone number that she has. Her PIN was texted to her, but when we go to activate the phone, it asks if you’re calling about thee devise with the number xxxxxxx and it isn’t her number. So when we try to put in the PIN, it isn’t correct.
    Please HELP

    Reply

    • We can’t help because we’re not Assurance Wireless, Kathy. You need to contact Assurance customer service or tech support.

      Reply

  155. I work for a non-profit organization that is interested in providing your phone service to our community. How do we get contracted to become an agent for you I can be reached at 773-840-****

    Reply

    • You need to contact the Assurance corporate office, Doc. We’ve provided contact info in the above article.

      Reply

  156. My wife and I recent started having this service. We both received a smartphone. After a couple of weeks, my wife misplaced my phone. We both thought it was lost. So, I called to have it replaced, which they did, but they sent a phone with less memory and an older OS. So, after activating the new phone, I found the original and asked to have that reactivated. They said since the new phone was activated, I could not swap with my original. Nothing was stated in their FAQ. It is a waste to not reactivate the phone.

    Reply

    • Did you say you both got smartphones? In that case you will eventually run into a problem, Jonathan. The rules of the program say that only one free government cell phone is permitted per household. Eventually you will get snagged by the National Lifeline Assistance Database (NLAD) and one or both accounts will be terminated.

      Reply

  157. They have been just wonderful and to me.
    I was disconnected from my 91 yr auntie and didn’t have minutes to call her back because my new minutes would not be on my phone until much later in the day. I called assurance and they were sweet enough to give me 30 free minutes to reconnect with my auntie ,I could just cry for joy . God is so good THANK YOU ASSURANCE .

    Reply

    • Since we are not a Lifeline free government cell phone company, we cannot provide the applications. You’ll need to visit the company’s website. We provide the contact info in the article.

      Reply

  159. I accidently lock my life line alcatel one touch how do i unlock. Which button is back button. *********@gmail.com

    Reply

    • You’ll need to Google the make and model of your phone along with the words “user manual.” You’ll quickly find a manual that will answer your question, Dorothy.

      Reply

  160. Hello,
    I work at a nursing home our resident wanted to know if we can apply for them a cell phone …

    Reply

    • Yes, the residents of nursing homes do qualify for free government cell phones (assuming that they meet all the other eligibility requirements, of course). You can find a list of all the plans available in your state here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      You’ll need to explain to customer service that this is a group home for which each of the residents pay for their own upkeep and are not part of a single family unit.

      Reply

  161. I was reading through the comments before applying for a phone and I saw a couple comments that I’m kinda worried about… Let’s start with the easy one! I saw that you can’t see what the phones look like yet they are referred to as smart phones? I’m hoping this means they are regular smart phones so I can change the fonts size and back light to see better due to bad eye sight right and I don’t have to worry about a dinosaur phone with little buttons that I can’t see! Second question was on the 2 comments about the phones being turned off for lack of use in 1 month, I’m sure this won’t happen to often (let’s hope) but I have my moments when my blood oxygen level drops down to 74 for no reason and I have alot of seizures and sometimes they can keep me in the hospital for a month trying to get my oxygen to stay up! They haven’t been able to figure out why it happens and it all started 4yrs ago! I live alone and would hate to find out I don’t have a phone when I got back home if my phone was left there and not with me when I was taken to the hospital! It’s a long story but I don’t even know anyone that I could ask to bring it to me.. just kinda scary! I think they should make that rule a little longer for reasons just like this.. you would think most people that have them are sick not that they just don’t have anyone to call so just turn the phone off! I see a future law suit maybe??? Just on bad timing on the phone company’s part!

    Reply

  162. My decision letter was mailed 3-14-2017 did not get it. Please text me at 352 459 ****. I would like to know if my android phones on the way or not

    Reply

    • We are not your service provider, Sherri, so we can’t tell you if your Android phone is on the way. We’re an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team or visit its website to see if it has a “Check Your Status” function.

      Reply

  164. I have three questions: How can homeless (people without a permanent address) acquire a phone? I recently encountered a homeless mother with a 5 month old baby and 8 year old child. As a trained professional in the eyeglass industry, she became homeless after an extended hospital stay wherein she lost her job, home, car and phone. She is on every shelter and emergency wait list in the county and various churches are covering her hotel bill. How can I convert my old phone to your program and give it to her? In fact, how can I set up a program to convert old donated phones to your program and distribute to the un-sheltered poor. I support several initiatives in the Northern Virginia area to assist the growing number of un-sheltered poor through outreach and 501(c) 3 initiatives. Thanks for your prompt response.

    Reply

    • We’ll see if we can answer them in order, Regina. (1) Unfortunately, she cannot get a free government cell phone without an address, even if it’s a homeless shelter. This is clearly a flaw in the system, but it is what the regulations require. (2) You cannot convert your old phone to the Lifeline program. And (3) There is no system in place that allows you to convert old donated phones to become part of the Lifeline program.

      We’re pretty sure those are not the answers you wanted to hear, but it’s reality, Regina. Keep up the good work. It’s people like you who make the world a better place.

      Reply

  165. My cell is broken it cant charge up, so I cant make a call. 602-872-****. how do i get a new phone and keep the same number.

    Reply

    • You can get a new phone by contacting customer service. You can keep your same number by telling the customer service rep that “I want to port over my current phone number.” Make sure you say those words.

      Reply

    • Visit the Assurance website, Roberta. Click on the box up toward the top of the page that says, “Check Status.”

      Reply

    • How long has it been, Norma? Contact customer service to find out if and when it was sent out.

      Reply

  169. I have an Assurance Wireless phone but i can not access the account because i dont have the pin number or know the security question answer to do anything. How do I go about getting that info if the representative who gave me the free phone did the activation procedure prior to me getting the phone.

    Reply

  170. My brother had Obama phone. He died a few weeks ago. He was homeless and suffered from addiction. It’s been very hard on our family losing our brother father and son. Before they found his body somebody stole his phone and this person keeps calling everybody in the contacts in the middle of the night. Causing his daughter and my father who was very ill much pain and sorrow. So many companies on the lifeline Network I keep trying to find who his phone was under and they keep telling me not us try a different company. Is there one number I can call that can direct me to which company his phone was under so they could turn it off and stop this pain for our family.

    Reply

    • First of all, sorry for your loss. We don’t know where you live, Stephen, but if you live in California, you can contact the California Lifeline and they will be able to help. Here’s a link to its contact page:

      https://www.californialifeline.com/en/contact

      Unfortunately, if you don’t live in California, the only way to figure out which company your brother was with is to go down the list of Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state to ask each of them if your brother was one of their customers. They’ll know based on his name, address, social security number, etc. Here’s where you can find a list of all the companies in your state (if you’re lucky, you may live in a state with only a few providers):

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Disability is not a qualifying factor, Emilie, but we would imagine that you qualify based on income. Contact Assurance using the contact info found on this page, or any other Lifeline free government cell phone company in your state. You can find that complete list of companies at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  173. I’ve recently returned to Assurance, but I’m having difficulty with placing calls: a call might begin making my call yet BAM signal is gone connects than ends….having a difficulty with strength which worries me greatly!
    Being disabled w/o a landline DO I NEED A NEW PHONE or CAN I PURCHASE AN UPGRADED PHONE BETTER SUITED TO THE DISABLED ?
    661/201-**** VYN MARTINEZ Bakersfield, CA 93306

    Reply

  175. OMG really guys please know your web sight before posting your questions. I have read some of the questions you have left. why is the first thing comes to mind but taking in the facts of these questions is really comical. this is great entertainment for me cause I have nothing to do but read your ridiculous post. keep em coming in I need more laughs

    Reply

      • OMG i was doing that exact same thing due to the fact I have no life lol. I am very happy with the quality service I have with Assurance wireless. Other carriers i have used, i’m sorry but their service sucked, dropped calls, poor reception and they were very slow. Thank you for your service.

        Reply

  176. I lost my phone a few days ago. The number is 495-**** I’m using Wi-Fi at McDonalds in Ceres ca 95307 on Whitmore. My old phone I’m using and can’t make call or receive its service was metro pcs (209) 495-****. My name iS Marvin E. Salazar. its hard to get around to receive a message cause my car is not working. this is a important issue. Please turn the phone off.

    Reply

    • We can’t turn your phone off, Marvin, because we’re not Assurance Wireless. We’re an independent website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  177. Hello,

    I’m on the 500 free minutes, unlimited text plan, and I’m still using an old Kyocera Domino phone which was provided by Assurance when I first signed-up for the service about 4 years ago in Massachusetts. Is it possible to buy and upgrade my old phone while still keeping the free Assurance service? My Kyocera Domino has no alpha numerical keypad, the tiny LCD display is fading, my eyesight is poor and it’s extremely cumbersome to send and receive texts with it. Thank you for any replies.

    Reply

    • You have several options, Joseph. You can contact Assurance customer service and ask which upgrade phones are available. You can also BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone). If you visit the Assurance website and go to FAQ, it will give you all the info you need. Just make sure you find out which phones are compatible with the Assurance network prior to purchasing one.

      Reply

  178. My daughter, Wendy Haber, has one of your phones has one of your phones. Because she has limited vision, the tiny phone that you sent is very challenging. Are there any larger ones available? Her number is 817-683-****. However, I am her mother and contact at 817-731-**** 0r 817-689-****. My email is *******@sbcglobal.net.
    Thank you,
    Gloria Sepp
    Guardian

    Reply

  180. My name is timothy Gower and I HAD phone number 954-204-****. Unfortunately you cut off my service because an apparent rule change states that if you don’t use it in 30 days you cut it off.

    Unfortunately on December 1st 2016 I suffered a catastrophic Congestive Heart Failure, Serious H\hypothyroidism, Sepsis, and Pneumonia. I was hospitalized and confined for over a month. Out for less than two weeks, I was back in the hospital via EMS ambulance. During those two weeks I had to journey to bury my mother who passed in February.

    Please restore my service as it is critical especially in these times of turmoil, sadness, and difficulty. I had no idea of the change and wasn’t capable of responding at that time.

    I have been given a replacement phone as the original burned out in the display. It is an LG and my brother found it to be compatible with your service as it is Tracphone capable. Please don’t leave me hanging, I’m just hanging on enough already

    Reply

    • First of all, Timothy, please understand that we are an independent, informational website, not your service provider. So we cannot restore your service.

      Now that we have that out of the way, let’s see if we can give you some advice. Believe it or not, you are the first person who has ever left a comment about health issues causing the 30 days without making a call issue. So it’s very interesting to us (and, undoubtedly, very frustrating for you). We’ve never heard of exceptions to the new 30 day rule, but if there were to be an exception, you should qualify.

      We’d suggest that you contact your service provider’s customer service team. Ask to speak to a supervisor and explain your situation to him/her. If you don’t get satisfaction, don’t give up. Go up the ladder directly to the president of the company if you have to. The old saying that the squeaky wheel gets the grease is definitely true.

      Good luck, buddy. We wish you the best and hope you’ll come back and tell us and our readers what happens. We’ll all find it very interesting.

      Reply

      • In November I became ill, thinking it was the flu. Down the line it was actually double pneumonia, which somehow made become septic, which led to thyroid failure which triggered congestive heart failure I collapsed in a street. Life threatening my heart had failed. I was released in mid February and travelled to Pennsylvania to bury my mother. Coming back my EF of the heart fell to 10 and I had Cardiogenic shock, back in. My phone was cut off so I could not call anyone. I am by myself in Florida and I am by myself, no one knew what happened to me. I now need to stay in constant touch with medical providers, among everyone else in ths saga. I was released again on March 10th. I don’t know exactly who my provider is.
        Tim Gower

        Reply

        • This is the second comment we’ve received in the last couple days about this same subject. Getting your service terminated because you didn’t make a phone call for 30 days because you were ill. We don’t have a good answer for you, Tim, but we do not believe there are any exceptions granted.

          If you’ve had your phone for more than 12 months, you should be able to re-enroll with any of the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state. Here’s where you can find all of them:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          Reply

    • Congratulations, Shmuel. We always love it when someone asks a question we’ve never been asked before. The revised rules of the Lifeline program say that customers must be given smartphones (as of December 2, 2016). If we were you, we’d contact the Assurance customer service team and ask that same question.

      Do us a favor and please report back to us. Thanks.

      Reply

  182. hi i would like to get a new phone. something up date. i am a customer over 4 yrs. where do i go to see different phones? how can i see new phones? i get free phone Ralph DeRota my email is *******@comcast.net

    Reply

    • Unfortunately, Ralph, Assurance does not show its selection of phones on its website. But it does promise that all customers get free Android smartphones. Contact customer service.

      Reply

    • We’re not Assurance, Patricia. We’re an independent, informational website. You need to contact Assurance if you want your account cancelled.

      Reply

  185. HELLO THERE
    IT’S WILLIE JIM WARREN
    I HAVE A TELEPHONE
    I JUST NEED MINUTES ON IT

    Submitted an application
    How it’s going
    U HAVE A BEAUTY DAY

    TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF

    CAN U GET BOLD
    LARGER PRINT PLEASE THANKS

    Reply

    • Depending on what kind of computer you have, Willie, you should be able to alter the size of the fonts yourself. You have a beauty day, too.

      Reply

  186. I received a letter stating that i received a phone from assurance wireless and i never did.I dont have a assurance phone.

    Reply

    • Are you saying you enrolled with Assurance, but never received the phone you expected? Or are you saying you never enrolled in the Lifeline program and the letter says you did enroll?

      Reply

  187. Hello, my name is Ben. For the last 10 years, I have been busking(A Constitutional Activity) at **** Channel Islands Blvd. In Port Hueneme CA. I really enjoy what I do and it makes people happy.
    However an issue has arisen and I would just like to discuss with you:

    I have been in an relationship with an employee of your company up until a week ago. Her name is Leticia ******. The reason I separated from her is because I found out she was having separate relations with another employee of your company. He goes by the name of Mario.

    My dilemma is that she lets him use her vehicle for work and he parks it right in front of me. I feel like she has instructed him to do this in attempt to make me jealous. Well it worked.

    That’s all it is. I am not asking for any demands or requests. I just want to simply state that it is very hard for me to do what I love when I have to look at this guys(Mario) face smiling after I am pretty sure he’s been screwing my ex all night. That’s All.

    Reply

    • We think you have mistaken our website for Dear Abby’s website. We can offer you advice on the free government cell phone program, Ben, but not on your love life. PS: We think that damn Mario is after our sweet, young receptionist, too. We don’t trust smooth-talking charmers like him.

      Reply

  188. What other service is out there for government phones because I have been without my sevice for 2 months when I have done everything I was told. And when ever I call to find out why I don’t have service I have to go thru everything all over again.

    Reply

  190. i am thankful that there are such program that exist. i’m currently with assurance wireless i think it’s a good company and i highly recommend it. except, if your vision isn’t all that good and the device they give you is so small(ZTE quest) i wanted to PURCHASE in their store(VIRGIN) a phone with a bigger screen(5.5) i’ve chosen a few with big screen but i was told it will not be compatible with ASSURANCE wireless and not allowed to bring my own phone either. They offered me COOLPAD phone same size as the one i already have, also coolpad has a malicious software built in it , definitely don’t want that. since they could no longer accommodate me i am looking for a new provider who might be a little sympathetic about my situation.

    Reply

    • Have you downloaded a user manual, Susan? If not, that could probably big a huge help. Just Google your phone’s make and model and the words “user manual.”

      Reply

  193. hi
    we have a very hard time finding the information to request a free cell phone. we live in new mexico and qualify for one due to our income
    our email is ******@gmail.com

    can you help?
    thanks

    Reply

    • You can find all the free government cell phone plans available in your state at the following link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Check them all out to find the plan that’s best for you (most minutes, most texts, most data, best smartphone, etc). We cannot provide the application because we are not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies, but we do provide contact info for each company.

      Reply

  194. I have applied 3 TIMES for a phone and no one has contacted me and I have not received my phone.you my call me back at this number 615 546 ****

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance Wireless, Judy, so you probably don’t want us contacting you. If Assurance won’t help you enroll, there are lots of other free government cell phones and one of them might even offer you a better plan (more minutes, more texts, more data, a better smartphone, etc). Here’s where you can find all the companies and plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  195. I want to change phone service providers, how do I do that right now I have a life wireless phone bur but the phone is not activated.

    Reply

  198. I Ms Lloyd recieved my free phone on Nov 20th and was told i would recieve the new touch screen in the mail. As of today Feb 1st i have not recieved. Can u please let me know when or if i will recieve or not or can i send back old model. thank you kindly

    Reply

    • We can’t answer your question, Ms. Lloyd, because we are not Assurance Wireless. We’re an independent website with no affiliation with any free government cell phone company. You’ll need to contact Assurance customer service by phone or online. You can find all the contact information on this page.

      Reply

  199. I never got a Smartphone when I was set up with a freed Assurance Wireless. What do I have to do to get one? My phone is to tiny I can barely see what I’m doing!!

    Reply

      • Oh darn it!! I enrolled in 2014. Guess I’m out of luck. Since I am on the Govt. assistance program for free “Life Line” service, I’m probably eligible for the minimum service and simplest phone available.

        Reply

  200. I have been told Assurance Wireless is being replaced by Access Wireless. Is this true? If so, when is this happening? How will this effect my account? Will I have to do anything on my end when it changes?

    Reply

    • The details are slightly different, Sandra. In reality, Assurance and Access are merging and the new entity will go by the Access name. The rest of your questions do not have answers yet. We’re all waiting to learn more.

      Reply

  202. I have two phones one activated and one not…My activated one got dropped into water. I would like to activate the other phone. It is a virginmobilr phone model 20176 but I do not have the battery!! Can you help. Ian a senior and am completely confused thanks j. Myers

    Reply

    • You need to contact Assurance customer service to find out if the make and model of phone you want to activate is compatible with the Assurance network, because believe it or not, not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks.

      Regarding the battery, you can probably go to any RadioShack or BestBuy and find the battery you need. You can also probably find one wherever you bought the phone.

      Reply

    • We don’t have a clue, Kelsey. Don’t even know if that is technically feasible. Your best bet would be to contact your service provider’s tech support team.

      Reply

  204. I would like to cancel my service i do not get signal at my house. Have to go about 3 miles from my house before i get signal.

    Reply

    • You need to contact Assurance customer service in order to cancel your service, Danielle. We’re an indepedent website, not a Lifeline service provider. Will you need a different service provider that has a strong signal in your area to replace Assurance? If so, you can find a list of all the service providers in your state at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Here’s another idea. Talk to your neighbors and find out which cell phone company they have accounts with and how good their signals are. Then you’ll know which company’s network is strongest in your area. All the free government cell phone companies use cell networks belonging to one or more of the major cell phone companies and you can find out which Lifeline companies use which networks by checking out the article at this link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/cdma-gsm-lte-phone-compatible-with-my-free-phone-network

      Reply

  205. I lost my phone months ago and the replacement also. I believe that my phone is still in service,if it that be the case will you please disconnect it .Could you please send me another phone at this address ***************.

    Reply

    • It’s always great to hear from someone who’s been helped by the Lifeline free government phone plan.

      Reply

  208. My assurance wireless phone was turned off for no reason after five years of service. They told me to fill out a new application. I done three applications, and I keep getting denied all three times. I don’t have any income. I get food stamps, and medicaid. I spoke with two supervisors that said they were going to help. One supervisor back in november, and one supervisor two days ago. Every time I call a different worker tells me they don’t know what I’m talking about, and they won’t help me. This is not right.

    Reply

        • We can’t send you a replacement because we’re not Assurance. We’re not any other free government cell phone company, either. We’re an independent, unaffiliated website. You need to contact Assurance customer service directly by phone or online, David.

          Reply

  210. hi I was writing to ask how to shut a phone off I had
    the phone number is 916-752-4662 I lost it and I got a new phone soo I want to have it shut off thank you

    Reply

    • Was the new phone you got a Lifeline phone from your free government cell phone service provider?

      Reply

  211. I have a P.O Box but can’t get a phone. I’ve had one before,but sign up for it at a tent in my town of Gila Bend. I had the P.O Box at that time also. That the only way we get mail here.

    Reply

    • According to the rules of the program, you are not eligible if you have a PO Box. The rules specifically state that you need a street address. You may have gotten lucky and slipped through the cracks with your earlier enrollment.

      Your situation is not unusual. We occasionally hear from other rural customers who say they can only receive mail at a PO Box. It’s a flaw in the system and we hope the FCC addresses it soon for the sake of those rural customers like you.

      Reply

  212. I’ve been with Lifeline and Assurance Wireless over a year. Already, renewed my status with Lifeline. I am hoping that I can get a smartphone to replace this flip phone, that’s really not much for dependable communication.

    Reply

    • You’ve stumbled across one of the crazy parts of the free government cell phone program, Christina. Most companies offer smartphones to their new customers, but will not upgrade their current customers for free. Crazy, huh?

      That leaves you with two choices: (1) you can contact your service provider’s customer service team to see if they will upgrade you. If they want to charge you for the upgrade, you can either pay it or (2) Switch to a new service provider. That will make you a new customer and the new company should offer you a smartphone.

      Here’s an article that shows you all the free government cell phone companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      And here’s an article that shows you how easy it is to switch service providers:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/how-to-i-switch-lifeline-phone-companies

      Reply

  213. I am trying to contact someone to cancel service but every number I call gives me no option for doing that.
    Is there a number where I can actually talk to a real person? Thanks

    Reply

    • Desperate times call for desperate measures, Kathy. Go to the Assurance website, scroll down to the bottom of the page, click on “Contact Us,” and send them an email.

      Otherwise, you can get your account canceled if you turn your phone off for 30 days. If it neither sends nor receives any phone calls or texts for 30 days, you should be ok.

      Reply

  214. How do I get wifi on phone, l have wifi at home but can’t get it to work on my phone. I called but girl have no idea of what l was talking about, who to call for help ?

    Reply

  215. I HAD A FREE PHONE AND THEY CANCELED ME FOR NOT MAKING A CALL IN SISTY DAYS. I THOOUGHT IT WAS ONLY FOR EMERGENSES. I AM ON STATE AID. EDVETRE@*******.NET. THANK YOU AND HOPE TO HEAR FROM YOU MY CELL PHONE NO. WAS 860 284 ****. thank you

    Reply

    • Yes, Edward, you have hit upon one of the incredibly unfair inconsistencies in the free government cell phone program. On one hand they say it’s just for emergencies and on the other hand they say you must use it at least once every 30 days (it used to be 60 days, but new regulations have reduced it to 30 days).

      Unfortunately, all you can do is reapply with your old service provider or choose a new one to enroll with. But keep in mind that you must use your free government cell phone at least once every 30 days from now on.

      Reply

  216. I would like to feature The program and Assurance wireless in our Veterans Guide (advertisement) to point them in the direction on how to apply and receive phone assistance. Who do I contact for this in MN?

    Reply

    • We do not know who you can contact in Minnesota, Shay, but here’s another idea: Feature FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net so that your veterans can learn more about all twelve of the Lifeline companies that offer service in Minnesota.

      Reply

  218. My safelink phone was stolen out of my vehicle, I called to report it and to get a replacement, they told me the type of phone I had which I have had over a year was not eligible for a replacement but I could purchase one and the prices she quoted me was $29.99. That is crazy, I can go to Walmart and get a better phone for that price. What doesn’t make sense is my phone not being eligible. They sent me that phone, I didn’t ask for it. That’s our government for you. If I had been an illegal immigrant, I would receive 2 free phones.

    Reply

    • Find a couple of those phones you like at Walmart and then contact Safelink customer service to find out if any of the ones you like are compatible with the Safelink cell network.

      Reply

  219. My phone was cut off because they put the wrong address on my phone the put the old address. My phone number is 909 567 1723. The address they put on my phone was ***************. That’s wrong I haven’t lived there in a long time. The right address is *********** San Bernardino Ca 92407 My phone was cut off.

    Reply

    • Where did they get the old address, Mary Anne? Contact customer service to see if you can get the situation corrected.

      By the way, this comment moderator spent many happy years growing up in San Bernardino. Say hi to the 909 for us.

      Reply

  221. I signed up for a free phone with a vendor and she was having trouble that day getting the number. So I was told to come back tomorrow and she was gone. A few weeks later I ran into another vendor and they contact her and she promise to mail me the phone, but I have yet to receive it. What should I do?

    Reply

    • This is another reason why we advise against enrolling with street vendors. Contact customer service at the company that you enrolled with to ask if you have been enrolled.

      Reply

  222. i have a not so smart phone. I recently received letter on dec. 10 and says that i can have a free smart phone. Is this true? and if so how do i receive one?

    Reply

    • Yes, all new customers are entitled to receive smartphones as of December 2, and some companies are offering smartphones to current customers. It’s your lucky day, Jay.

      Reply

  224. My name is Donna Bartow. i had sign up yesterday Dec 13 2016 at gaints grocery store at kline village Harrisburg PA with the ladies out there. they was having trouble with getting the information to youll and youll getting with them. they asked if i could come today Dec 14 to pick up my phone and there was nobody out there. My number is 717 797 ****

    Reply

    • This is an ongoing problem with enrolling with street vendors, Donna. It’s why we always recommend enrolling online or by phone directly with the service providers.

      Reply

      • What else has changed on December 2nd? I noticed that an Assurance street vendor was enrolling people left and right and I noticed that they now offer 500 mins talk/500MB data. I go through True Wireless and now they are offering the same thing, although I won’t get that until January, as I’m still on my current month that updated at the end of November. Are all companies now required to give this out?

        Reply

        • Yes. All companies must now provide smartphones to all new customers (although some of them seem to be giving the smartphones only to people who enroll online), and a minimum of 500 minutes or 500 MB of data.

          Reply

  226. Can I use a more upgraded phone than what I have? Can I transfer my free minutes to another phone because my phone barely works? And how do I do this? thank you so much..Also I knew someone that got a flip phone from you. Why is my phone so different and basic?

    Reply

  227. HI. I’m trying to get a phone with web for my boyfriends parents who already have assurance. Just want them to have a phone they can see better vs the small square black ones. What phones would be compatible for assurance phones. Nothing high tech just something to help them look up the bus schedules, phones number, etc. Tia.

    Reply

    • To find out which phones are compatible with the Assurance cell network, you’ll need to contact Assurance customer service or tech support, Jessica. If they want to move up to a smartphone, they can do that by paying a relatively small upgrade fee.

      Reply

  228. I have applied 3 times now for a phone and have not heard anything. What do I have to do to get a phone. I am 72, female and in desperate need of a phone. ARE THERE PEOPLE HERE? please tell me what I have to do? I have sent in 3 applications with all the information they required yet no phone has come. HELP?

    floyoneal@yahoo.com my daughters phone is 504-344-****. she is anxious for me to have a phone also, please call her. Her name is Debbie *****. My name is Floy O’Neal

    Reply

    • Have you visited the Assurance website, Floy? Click on “Check Stauts” to find out where your application stands.

      Reply

    • constant fails, requires a second phone to activate, voicemail or messages or service…. pain is the u know where,,,,garbled listening,,,

      Reply

  229. i would like to know . can i cancal my cell phone an what ever money on the books will that amount come back to me? or not

    Reply

    • What money are you referring to, John? The free government cell phone program is really free, so there should not be any “money” involved.

      Reply

  230. I keep getting notices to requalify my sevices. I have done this many times and it always says i don’t I have to until Dec 31, 2017. But I keep getting notices. I can’t reach a human with the phone numbers given. Please help !!!! Thank you !!!!

    Reply

    • Unfortunately, Karen, there’s not much we can do to help. Many of our readers have commented on how it’s virtually impossible to reach a human customer service agent. Since you cannot get hold of a live agent, try sending an email to this address:

      ourteam@assurancewireless.com

      Reply

    • I’m looking into switching from universal lifeline landline to cell phone and learned that while we need to recertify annually with each, the free cell phone plan ALSO requires we recertify each month. If we do not, as I understand it, we then rollover to being charged by the minute and it looks to be the same with all companies. Speaking with one who is happy with his Safelink account he states they send a reminder text for us to respond to. My problem is brain damage, if I get the text but my attention is suddenly diverted I can and do, within seconds completely forget what I’d intended to do before. I’m afraid of being shocked by a large unexpected bill and customer service reps I speak to are not familiar with the plans they represent and I’m not comfortable with the reply, “Umm, I think so.” If you are getting texts weeks before end of the month, and I think you said this is your first month, I would call and expect an exact answer as to how the monthly recertify works. It may be that they begin early to give folks like me multiple chances to respond on time. However, I find it slimy that they created the monthly recertify when an annual is required as I’m used to with my universal lifeline landline. I can always be wrong but it looks like it was created to snag people into an unintentional default and demand payment. Just because something is written to be legal does NOT make it right. The plan was created for the money-poor so other than evil greed why ever would they make such a rule? I’m not liking much of what I’m learning such as phones are not new but refurbished. To the question, “What do I do if the phone breaks?” the answer last night, word for word, “Uh you call us and we talk about if anything can be done.” Excuse me!? I was twenty years customer service and that is not an informed intelligent assuring answer but one differently worded is I Don’t Know.

      Reply

      • There is no monthly recertification, Sara. All programs require annual recertification. And if you don’t recertify, they do NOT begin charging you by the minute. They cancel your account.

        Reply

  231. my name is cassandra Hester and i will like for my pnone to be canceled. My phone was stolen anf i think the perpetrator stole my identity. please cancel. please report fraud

    Reply

    • We can do neither of those things for you, Cassandra, because we are not your service provider. We’re an independent website. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to cancel and report the fraud.

      Reply

      • I want the application to aply. To free phone assurance willess free phone my adress is ********* fl 33174 please sent the applycation i needed the phone

        Reply

        • This is not the Assurance website, Sandra. So we cannot send you an application. You need to contact the company’s customer service directly.

          Reply

    • Yes, most of the free government cell phone companies say it will be two weeks, but that a very flexible timeframe. Most of our readers say takes three or four weeks or even longer.

      Reply

    • If the area code is in the same state, call customer service. If it’s in a different state, you need to apply for a new account with a company that offers free government cell phones in the new state.

      But why do you need a different area code? Many people have cell phones from areas in which they no longer live. For example, I live in Texas and the area code on my cell phone is from Southern California. My wife’s area code is from Central California. Area codes really don’t matter much any more.

      Reply

      • It may be difficult if you haven’t had your old number for a while, because numbers are given out to other new customers. But it can’t hurt to contact your service provider’s customer service team just to see if it is still available.

        Reply

  234. I can’t get a answer from safelink because I live in a trailer. What do I do? I let the people use my credit. 733$ a month don’t do 400.00 rent month , lights, etc.. I need a phone for doctors, food, Mrs.etc..

    Reply

    • We do not understand why living in a trailer should prevent Safelink from offering your Lifeline Assistance service. We assume you have a real street address, which should be all you need.

      Since Safelink doesn’t seem to be able to help you, have you considered enrolling with a different free government cell phone company? Perhaps one of them can solve your problem. Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the companies offering the program in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  235. Tried calling a friend’s number on my cell phone and was connected to Assurance Wireless Re-certification call center. I had already successfully re-certified several months ago but have had repeated calls and texts to re-certify. I answered the questions he asked and was told I will now get 500 minutes a month up from my 250. It was a bit hard to understand his East Indian dialect, but apparently I will be getting 500 minutes a month from now on. I checked my available minutes and have 750 minutes for this billing cycle. My phone now works normally and was able to call my friend. Nice to have the increased minutes. What is going on and when did these changes take effect?

    Reply

    • Just to clarify, I was on the older basic plan of 250 minutes a month and last week I asked if I could be updated to the present 350 minutes as I was considering moving to another provider if I couldn’t get the upgrade.

      Reply

      • Went online to check if showed the plan changes: Shows up as:

        Your Assurance Wireless Plan
        Free Minutes 250

        Off to the left it shows I have 750 minutes.
        Weird!

        Reply

      • That’s why we suggested reason #1, Jay. As competition stiffens, the Lifeline companies must offer more and better service to keep their customer happy and to keep them from switching service providers.

        Reply

    • We’re very happy to hear that everything is working out so well for you, Jay. There are two possible answers to your “why did I get more minutes?” question. (1) Competition is getting very tough in the free government cell phone business and Assurance upped your minutes to keep you happy. (2) The company is getting a jump on the new Lifeline regulations that will go into effect on December 2.

      Reply

  236. I have an Assurance Wireless phone approximately 4 years ago and I need the phone number in order to get my email address back from Google all I can remember are the last two digits which r 60. I live at ***** Sawdust Road ********* North Carolina *****. my name is Raymond barberio if there’s any other questions or any other way you want to validate this I could get my old food stamp card and give you that number no longer in that position. I hope I’m doing pretty well now but I do appreciate the service you gave us when we needed it I believe that’s changed to 315 I know the last email I need to prove who I am and go from there but it’ll be greatly appreciated required for all of them but some of the ones that don’t have anything on them that long ago my phone number is 410 231 ****. my name is Ray. thank you so much

    Reply

    • Try calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone, Ray. That should connect you to customer service and they should be able to answer your questions.

      Reply

  237. How do I find out the status of my application. I’ve been told 2 different things so far? Thank you for your assistance.
    Renee

    Reply

    • Keep in mind that FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net is not affiliated with Assurance nor any other Lifeline Assistance company, Renee. That being said, you can check the status of your application by going to the Assurance website and clicking on “Check Status” near the top of the page.

      Reply

    • We strongly recommend that you enroll online or by phone, Alex. The street tents and booths have been the source of too many cases of fraud and abuse.

      Reply

  239. My phone was stolen over a year ago and just found out someone was using it on Facebook please. disconnect this phone and number as soon as possible the number is 509-599-****and the name Gregory Allan Cox. Thank you very much!!

    Reply

    • Don’t thank us, Cox, because we cannot disconnect your free government cell phone service. We’re a website, not an internet service provider. You’ll need to contact your service provider’s customer service team to get your account disconnect.

      Reply

  240. I have an access phone that I want to turn on, I have a free government phone thru assurance but my access phone is a better phone. I can’t find an access phone outreach and food for less knows nothing about it, I go to the web site and they don’t tell you anything about enrollment in there program. HELP

    Reply

  241. i want to know im with virgin mobile but i heard you’ll be takeing over their service. it will become assrance wireless. when is it going to happen? if so can i get new phone with you? had my virgin mobile for a while.

    Reply

    • You have your facts kind of mixed up, Vera. Virgin has always owned Assurance. The actual story is that Assurance and Access are merging and will begin going under the Access name very soon.

      Reply

  243. I currently have a safelink phone with another provider but the phone I use the numbers are to small and can’t read texts it’s also hard to text as it’s t9 .my question is can I switch providers and do you offer a better phone?

    Reply

    • Many of the companies offer multiple plans (some with data, some without) in each state. For example, we recently did an article about California that shows a huge list of different plans. You’ll need to look up your own state to answer your question.

      Reply

    • Sorry, but we cannot help you activate your phone, Jose. This is an independent website that has no affiliation with any free government cell phone company. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team directly.

      Reply

  250. How do I find a assurance rep who is handing out the cell ph. in las vegas someone must know how to get ahold of someone

    Reply

  251. My name is Tresea Rohrer. I had a replacement phone that was shipped and I never got it. I signed the slip on my door and never got it. I called to report it lost or stolen and they shut down the only way I had to ever text. Thank you: Tresea Rohrer

    Reply

    • This is, unfortunately, a very common problem, Tresea. We hear it frequently in the comments here at FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net. How long ago did you supposedly get the phone? It may make a difference in the answer we give you.

      Reply

    • Go to the Assurance website and look for the “Check Status” button at the top of the page. Click on it and you can find out exactly where your application stands.

      Reply

  253. My Name is Dennies Andal
    My cell number is 619 867 ****
    My service is disconnected
    I can’t use my phone
    Please call me to this number 619 512 ****
    Thank you

    Reply

    • We are not your service provider.
      We are a website.
      One that’s unaffiliated with any Lifeline company.
      Call customer service.
      You are welcome.

      Reply

  254. Can you tell me which company provides the ZTE Firefox OS cell phone out of the ones in California that cover Lucerne Valley (that’s in San Bernardino County)

    Thank you so much!

    Reply

    • Sorry, Paul, but it’s impossible to know which companies are giving away which phones on any particular day. They all offer multiple phones and hand them out randomly.

      Reply

    • We don’t have the slightest clue, Antoinette. We don’t know what make and model of phone you have and we are not your service provider.

      Reply

  258. While in hospital (long stay) my phone has been disconnected. Is any possibilities I can return to service and keep same number as assigned before?- or
    what I should do now to receive service with you ( if possible)?

    Reply

    • One of the rules of the program is that you must make or receive a phone call or text at least once every 60 days or your account will be cancelled. Sounds like that’s what happened. If that’s the case, it should be simple for you to re-apply and get a new phone. That’s the simple part. Getting your old phone number will probably be impossible, though. It can’t hurt to ask if that number is still available when you apply.

      By the way, there are a number of free government cell phone companies in every state, so you might want to check them all out to make sure you are getting a plan with the most minutes and texts possible. You can find all the companies in your state by going here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  259. How to recertify for Lifeline Basics… where do I go & what do I do? I called & talked to ab Assurance Wireless last week & he told me at that time that he could see everything was in order. Yet I am still receiving messGes stating:. “Assurance is becoming part of Assurance Wireless but you must still certify for Lifeline eligibility.”. I am 73, receive SS cks, food stamps. What else must I do?

    Please send reply to *****@gmail.com

    Reply

    • It sounds like you’ve done everything necessary, Jeanette, but you might want to contact customer service just to make sure. If you visit the Assurance website you’ll find a button called “Current Customers Annual Certification.” Click on it and then call the phone number listed.

      Reply

  261. How can I find the status of my application. Which was done bout 2weeks back. The name on the account is Gina gonzales my D.O.B. is 4/6/**** the last four digits of my S.S. is ****. Please.

    Reply

    • First of all, Gina, NEVER leave your personal info on a public website like this. There are scammers out there just waiting to take advantage of you and making that information public makes their eyes light up.

      In answer to your question, if you visit the Assurance website, you can simply click on “Check Status” near the top of the page.

      Reply

  262. Can you please tell me how to block a person from CALLING me i already know how to block texts its blocking calls i cant figure out the woman i spoke to over the phone said it can be done onlone but have very vague instructions i have not been able to decipher thank you, Katrina

    Reply

    • No way for us to know, Katrina. Depends on your phone make and model. Here’s a suggestion: Google your phone make and model and the words “user manual.” When you find the right user manual you’ll be able to look up how to do it.

      Reply

    • Denise, Denise, Denise. Why didn’t you write it down? There’s no way to find your old password if you don’t remember it.

      Do any readers have any suggestions?

      Reply

  265. I believe my phone was stolen by a family member. I don’t need the assistance now. But I just saw on my new phone that pictures on my new phone were derived to what I believe was mt my free disability phone number which was (502) 250-****.
    That means to mean that the he gave the phone to his child’s mother.
    This will be a taken legally, since he has stolen ove $30,00.00 worth of stuff from our home and the police are aware and have identified that some of the objects are in the pawn shop.
    We are both disabled and he totaled our car.

    He has a heroin problem and will definitely pay for what he has done to us. I will send back what happens. If this is not the carrier please send me an email so thar I may find the right one. And if you are the carrier, shut the phone off immediately. He stole that also and it has been in use illegally since December of 2015 when my husband received his disability!
    B. Thank you very very much, I await your response!

    Reply

    • We are definitely not your service provider, Robin. We are an independent website that is not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies.

      We can feel your pain in every word of your comment. But you need to contact the service provider directly in order to solve your problem. In the meantime, if you’re serious about punishing your family member, you should report him for fraud. Here’s an article that tells you how to do it:

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

      Reply

    • Call 6-1-1 (that’s the universal customer service phone number) and ask your service provider to change your number. Should be a simple process.

      Reply

    • Maybe. Most of the Lifeline companies have BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone) or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) programs that allow you to use your own phone. However, you’ll need to check with your chosen Lifeline company’s customer service team because not all phones are compatible with all cell networks. If your phone is compatible, you should be able to use it. But even that is not 100% for sure. Check with customer service.

      Reply

    • No way to know, TJ. The stands are usually operated by independent contractors who work for companies that have been hired by the Lifeline companies. They set their own schedules, so even the Lifeline companies generally do not know where and when stands will be set up.

      Reply

    • Yes. But make sure you tell the agent that you want to port over your current phone number on the initial phone call.

      Reply

  272. How do I get my phone deactivated? I was given an assurance wireless phone and told I wouldn’t have to pay nothing and wasn’t giving anything saying I would have a bill , can someone help me, get me a number or something. I tried 1-888-898-4888 and the number it gives you and it takes you to the same plc, automated service plz help me

    Reply

  274. Let me first say THANK YOU so much to the creators, investigators, writers, and most of all the customer service people, who have to answer the same ignorant/lazy questions over&over&over. What you have here is a very informative and oh so helpfull website for everything you need to know about free government cellphones and for that I’m thankfull.
    Best regards, Neah Merritt.

    Reply

    • Awwww, c’mon, Neah. You’re embarrassing us with your praise. But we must admit that it’s nice to have our hard work appreciated.

      Reply

  277. LET ME GET THIS CORRECT, IN CALIFORNIA YOU GOOD FOLKS ARE OFFERING ; UNLIMITED TALK AND TEXT FOR FREE, NO MONTHLY CHARGE, HOWEVER, I MUST QUALIFY FIRST! IS THAT CORRECT? NO DOUBLE TALK PLEASE.

    Reply

    • We don’t particularly like the term “Obama Phone,” but we know it’s become a catchy slang phrase. That being said, all the free government cell phone companies hand out their phones entirely at random. It’s as if they have a giant bag of phones and they reach into it blindfolded every time a new person enrolls. So the person who enrolls just before you might get one phone, you might get another one, and the person after you might get a third make and model.

      Here’s an article that tells you about each of the companies and their smartphone policies:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones

      You should also know that virtually every company will allow you to upgrade for a small additional fee (usually somewhere between $40 and $75).

      Reply

  280. Can we use our current cell smart phone that we have already bought and still get the free service from freegovernmentcellphones? Pls and thank you

    Reply

    • We’d love to give you a clear yes as an answer, but we can’t. It all depends on the specific make and model of phone you bought and whether it’s compatible with your service provider’s network. Only your service provider’s customer service team can answer your question accurately.

      Reply

  282. some how got a phone when i was drunk…Your rep knew or should have known; Here in MA.the contract is not legal nor binding…the phone was stolen immediately; I told the rep the next day but she did not give a s***…Please take notice now…
    Richard McCoo

    Reply

    • We are not Assurance Wireless, Richard. You must contact the company’s customer service team to solve your problem.

      Reply

  283. Oh My Gosh! I was scrolling down the Q & A’s and I cannot believe that most of the questions came from people that live on Earth! So I’m not smooth when it comes to technology but D*>M!

    To the customer service dept. that has to deal with the ignorant questions: YOU HAVE MY UTMOST RESPECT!

    WOW

    Reply

    • C’mon, My, let’s cut people a little slack. We’re not saying that we don’t sometimes get frustrated answering the same question for the millionth time, but we’re always happy to help our readers get their free government cell phones.

      Reply

    • There’s really no way to know which cell phone you’ll receive, Cassie. The Lifeline companies buy refurbished phones in bulk and hand them out randomly as new people enroll. You will probably get a completely different phone than the person who signs up just before you and the person who signs up just after you.

      Reply

    • We need a little clarification, Olga. Are you saying you already have a non-Lifeline phone and you want to change that number to a new Lifeline phone?

      Reply

  287. I put in a request and you said the name or s.s. on this person doesn’t exist. I am 49, been on ssd and Medicare all my life with the same name and ss#. I have safelink but they are not good and I don’t want to go back.
    My name

    Reply

    • We are not Assurance, Jack. We are an independent website. You need to contact Assurance customer service directly.

      Reply

  288. You may not know the answer to this, but its says you can add more minutes with virgin moble cards. So can you switch your phone to a virgin moble prepaid phone?

    Reply

    • That’s an answer that can only be answered by Assurance’s customer service or tech support team. We assume the answer is yes, because Assurance is owned by Virgin so the phone should be compatible. But that’s just a guess. Check to make sure before you buy a phone.

      Reply

    • Do a Google search for the make and model of your phone plus the words “User manual.” Find the manual and you’ll find the instructions.

      Reply

    • Most companies tell customers it will take two weeks or so to receive their phones. Our readers tell us, however, that it often takes considerably longer.

      Reply

    • It’s impossible to give addresses, Chander, because the people who hand out phones at street booths or tents are independent agents who set their own schedules.

      Reply

  293. How to delete sent messages from a free Assurance.
    My free cell phone has all the numbers I have ever sent a message to stored. Nothing I do will delete them.
    This is found under; Massaging – [2] Send Massage

    Reply

  294. I DO NOT KNOW HOW TO SPEAK TO A PERSON. CAN U ASSIST? NO TEXTING OR E-MAILS BACK & FORTH LIKE THIS. I NEED TO TELL U THIS STRANGE STORY UPON RECEIVING A 2ND PHONE!! WOULD U PLEASE MAKE THIS ONE OF YOUR TOP PRIORITY FOR THURSDAY, JUNE 30th? THANK U VERY MUCH,
    KRAIG PARKINSON

    Reply

    • Your problem, Kraig, is that it’s illegal to get a second free government cell phone. So we fear that your intriguing “strange story” will never be told.

      Reply

  295. I was reading on here that it said” All companies are required to offer smartphones” So my question is if i apply for a Assurance phone will it be a smartphone since it’s required?

    Reply

    • No. Many companies offer smartphones only as upgrades and most of them do so at a reasonably reasonable price ($40-70 range).

      Reply

  296. My name is Lauren I applied or signed up on line through safe link it has a tracking number but i don’t know how to track the cell phone. I dont know if it’s being shipped or not!!? I sent proof of documents through on line and everything says approved. I need help!

    Reply

    • It’s pretty simple, Lauren. Go to the Safelink website and click on the “My Account” button. Look down the drop-down menu and click on “Check Enrollment Status.” Easy peasy.

      Reply

  297. Hi my name is Janie Orozco. I have a phone with your company I received threw welfare office. I lost my phone about 2months ago. What is the process to replace it? You can call me or leave message 408 854 ****

    Reply

  298. I have a plum cel phone, don’t have any contact details for support??
    cel is locked now and reads EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY!!!!!
    PLEASE HELP

    Reply

    • In most cases, it depends on the model of the phone. You should contact the Assurance customer service team to get an accurate answer.

      Reply

  300. The phone I received ISN’T A SMART PHONE! It’s a POS generic cheap phone. I want to send this back and get the SMART PHONE that I was promised! So how do I do that?

    Reply

  301. I dunno my vendor provider?
    (totally lost my initial paperwork)
    ** DESPERATELY NEED VENDOR CONTACT# !!!!
    “Lucky Me”
    …MY DUM-@** managed 2 recieve a “ENTER ‘PUK’ LOCK CODE”!!!!
    ULTIMATELY LOCKING myself out!!
    I’ve searched hi n lo, via net & not a ONE the #’s provided are/is the number I need.

    Keep in mind this email address is not mine I’m using a friend’s email address to write this to you..
    Thank you for your attention to this matter I do appreciate it. Susanne

    Reply

  302. Does assurance wireless offer smartphones for purchase or can I upgrade from my current phone that has no cramera or good internet capabilities

    Reply

  303. I had assurance wireless service in Kansas and just moved to utah. The rep said there was no availability of coverage in utah . Is this not correct?

    Reply

    • Here’s a list of all the Lifeline Assistance companies offering free government cell phones in Utah:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/utah-government-cell-phone-providers

      Note that Assurance is listed, as is its recently announced merger partner, Access Wireless. In addition, Utah is listed on the Assurance website. Do you think the representative may have meant that service was not available in your zip code? It’s not unusual for a company to have service gaps — places where its network is unavailable — in a state.

      Reply

  304. Dear assurance wireless please renew my cell phone please because my dad is in the hospital with cancer he need to get hold of me if anything happens to him please Tku velvet Rock please write me back if you got my message assurance wireless

    Reply

    • You and your dad are in our thoughts and prayers, Velvet. However, we cannot renew your cell phone account. You must contact your service provider directly. Best of luck.

      Reply

  305. I have a assurance cell. want to up date with a newer one! which cell can I get at the store to transfer over?

    Reply

    • We have no way of knowing which phones Assurance is offering day to day. The only way to know for sure is to contact Assurance.

      Reply

  306. Im thinking of using this company but what kind of phone do yall have i wear glasses but its still hard for me to see small screens is there any androds in stock

    Reply

    • iam currently a assurance customer..i want an up to date phone. touch screen internet google chrome maps messenger..all that stuff how do i get one

      Reply

    • You need to contact Assurance customer service directly, Michelle. We are an information and news website dedicated to the Lifeline Assistance industry, but we have zero affiliation with any of the free government cell phone companies.

      Reply

  309. In Columbus,NM,it is very difficult to get a free phone because ,either the address does’nt exist or because we do not have home delivery to our homes,we must suffer. this is totally unfair! We just want to get help like everyone else.

    Reply

    • We hear you, Vicky. This is one of those situations were needy people falls through the cracks. You should call your potential service provider and explain the situation. Ask to speak to a supervisor and ask them to help you solve this problem.

      Reply

  310. Hi I can’t get any signal on the Alcatel one touch phone do you have any better phones or what about the lg 200 can I get that phone

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance, Cody. You need to contact the company directly by using he contact info you’ll find in the article above this comment.

      Reply

    • That’s a complicated subject, Lydia. The Federal Communications Commission requires that all phones be capable of being “unlocked” (meaning that they can work with other companies). For technical reasons, some phones cannot be unlocked and your service provider is supposed to provide you with a replacement phone that can be unlocked.

      All that being said, it may be that your phone cannot be unlocked. If not, your original company (Assurance) will be required to give you a phone that can be unlocked, but if you take your current phone to a new company it has no obligation to unlock it.

      Make sense?

      Reply

  312. I have been trying to get a phone for 2 months. I checked today to see I’ve been rejected without a message of why. I sent a copy of food stamp card and of my SS card. I didn’t understand the other I was to send n I asked but was never told. Can’t apply for any other coz it keeps going back to safelink. 1498*****

    Reply

    • Call back to Assurance, Linda, and ask to speak to a supervisor. Tell that person your issue and insist that they check the “NLAD.” That is a national database that is supposed to eliminate exactly the problem you’re facing.

      Please let us know what happens.

      Reply

  313. Hi am requesting if you can send me another application to fill out for the safe link cell. I got one on mail but I lost it. I no am qualified to get a cell. But I need the application to fill out and send, if you came I would be very grateful. Thank you

    Reply

    • We cannot send you a form, Ruth, because we are not Assurance Wireless. We are an independent website and have no affiliation with any of the free government cell phone companies. You will need to contact Assurance by using the contact info shown in the article on this page. Good luck.

      Reply

  314. Hey this is Connie Rice
    I have been trying to get a phone for a month now every time I sent the rapper back to you I got turn down eveytime my home address **** Durham RD.

    My home phone (864)614-****
    My email connieshifflett2014@*******.com

    Reply

    • This is an independent website, Connie, that’s not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. You need to contact Assurance directly.

      If you can’t get any response from Assurance, click on the “Providers” link at the top of this page. There are many other service providers available.

      Reply

  315. Where is the closest assurance wireless representative to me, where I can apply & receive phone the same day? I do not have transportation & and walking is limited, it needs to be close.

    Reply

    • Take our advice, Kathleen, you’d be far better off applying online or by phone.

      Reply

  317. I’m currently living in farmington Missouri I was living in Redding California and had a phone through u but I have lost that phone and no longer have it I am trying to get one here where I am living now 417 *****, Farmington Missouri 63640

    Reply

    • Now that you’re living in a different state, Racheal, you’ll probably need to apply all over again. Plans and Terms & Conditions differ from company to company and from state to state.

      Consider yourself lucky, because Missouri has far more Lifeline Assistance free government cell phone companies to choose from than most states. You can find them all by going to this link, which lists all the companies:
      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/missouri-government-cell-phone-providers

      We’re recommend clicking through all the companies to find a plan that works best for you (the most minutes, texts, data, smartphones, etc).

      Reply

    • Yes, it is theoretically possible to block calls on any phone. The problem is that it depends on the phone’s operating system and the type of phone you have. Try Googling “block cell phone calls.” You’ll find exactly the info you need.

      Reply

  320. IF TRANSFERING SERVICE TO ANOTHER STATE CAN I GET AN UPGRADED FON SUCH AS A SMART FONE BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR A FEW YEARS

    Reply

    • Do you know if Assurance does business in your new state? You don’t say which state you were in nor which state you are moving to, but you may need to re-apply in the new state. The plans vary by state, which means the number of minutes and texts you are given varies.

      Readers have told us both sides of this story. Some have said it was easy to transfer their service to the new state, but others said it was impossible. It may just be easier for you to re-apply with a new company. Here’s an article that tells you how to switch providers:

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

      Reply

  321. Assurance Wireless aka. Sprint should be removed from the program. Simple app has been rejected several times over the past year year and a half! Each time a different reason given and advice to reapply. Customer Service? In foreign country (accents incomprehensible).

    Reply

    • Yes, siree Bob, Mike. It’s absolutely free. However, we urge you to click on the “Providers” and “States” links at the top of this page. There are many providers and you should look at them all to see who offers the most minutes and texts in your state. Each company offers something a little different. Some also offer smartphones.

      There are some companies that charge small fees, but there’s generally no reason to enroll with them when so many other companies offer the program for free.

      Reply

  324. Can I transfer my cell phone service from another phone provider to Assurance Wireless? If so, how can I do it? Please send me an email with your response. Thank you.

    Reply

  325. Why can’t I get a touch screen phone that is compatible with assurance wireless paylo, budget wise I am able to get a paylo card $30 for unlimited data and voice, but a touch screen phone would be much more convenient and quicker to use in case of some kind of emergency, besides it is the year 2016 and technology only keeps growing faster each day. Please help me understand better, I am perplexed! 🙂 Thanks for your assistance to all the questions here you are cool great. Robert

    Reply

    • Far be it from us to speak on behalf of the free government cell phone companies, Robert, but we’ll go ahead and do it anyway.

      Keep in mind that these companies must make a profit to survive. That’s why they give away older, refurbished phones instead of the newer models of phones that you want. The newer technology phones are still expensive and the companies would lose money on every one they give away.

      We assume they will eventually give away those newer technology phones as time goes on and more of those pre-owned phones become available, go down in price, and can be refurbished for their purposes.

      We know it’s not the answer you wanted, but it’s reality.

      Reply

  326. I have a phone with assurance now I can’t use it it says I no longer qualify I still have asitance food stamps and medical my # is 714 365 **** can u please tell me what has happen to my account why I can’t use my phone

    Reply

    • Margarita, we are an independent website that is not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone providers. You must contact your service provider’s customer service team to get an accurate answer.

      Reply

  327. In the description it says 350 minutes/month and unlimited text. Does it vary by state? I have assurance and mine is always 250 minutes unless I add another $5 on for the month.

    Reply

    • Each company offers slightly different deals, Rochelle. You need to check with each company to determine what they offer in your state.

      Reply

  328. I live in Michigan city Indiana. Is there somewhere that I can apply for assurance in person?

    Reply

    • We are unaware of any Assurance corporate stores. And we do not recommend enrolling at street tents. In other words, it’s best to apply by phone or online.

      Reply

  329. What is the correct number for assurace direct line? I like to report my phone lost and disconnect the acct. I tried call8ng 3 different numbers they all lead me to sprint rep.

    Reply

  330. My roommate applied and received a letter stating that she was active as of 5/4/2016, but we haven’t received any additional information. The customer service line doesn’t link to a human, and the website states they couldn’t find my account.

    Can you help? How long does it take to get the phone in the mail?

    Reply

    • Most companies say you’ll receive your phone within two weeks, but it varies. When did you apply, Lori?

      Reply

    • It’s really good, really good to hear from a satisfied Lifeline Assistance customer.

      Reply

  333. I want to change my phone number but have no money to pay for it is there any way I can do that

    Reply

    • There should be no charge to change your phone number. If there is, changing to a different Lifeline Assistance cell phone company is free and you’d get a new number, too.

      Reply

    • Then you should do it, George. But you can’t do it at this website. You must contact one of the free government cell phone companies directly.

      Reply

  336. MY PHONE JUST STOPPED WORKING TODAY…IT SAYS UNFORTUNATELY LAUNCHER HAS STOPPED. DID I GO OVER MY MIN….I GOT THE PHONE APRIL 1ST 2016….DO I WAIT UNTIL MAY 1ST FOR IT TO GIVE ME BACK MIN..AND TEXT

    Reply

  337. Can you tell me where they are doing this program in person? I’ve seen tables set up with workers handing out phones in my area, zip code 95843. But now when I need them, I can’t locate them. Can you help?

    Reply

    • That’s one of the problems with the independent contractors who man the booths, Lori. Even the free government cell phone companies don’t know where and when they’ll be open.

      We recommend applying online or by phone (if possible).

      Reply

  338. Hi. I recently move out USA, having with me my small phone. Obama’s phone” Is time to my annual certification and I do not want to loose the service, I received help from the government like social security and food stamp. I will like to continue with the service and continue with the same number. I am having difficulty to re certify again. This is my Email address if you need my personal information. MARTINEZ_EDICTA@*******.COM Thanks.

    Reply

    • Sorry, Maria, but you’re limited to one free government cell phone per HOUSEHOLD. There has been a huge problem with fraud, waste and abuse in the past, but the Federal Communications Commission has done a great job of cutting off the crooks.

      Reply

  340. I have a government phone and I can not get data with this phone which is crucial to me getting a job? how do I get a SIM card for my Coolpad?

    Reply

    • Technical questions like this are above our pay grade. You need to contact Assurance tech support or customer service directly.

      Reply

  342. Are these phone monitored by the government or anyone else who should not have any access? Reason I ask, I have been a customer and I get a monthly review that I get a test notice of. After this last one yesterday, some of my text messages have disappeared. I called the company but they said it is not normal and could not tell me who did this? Any others have this type of complaint?

    Reply

    • We realize that a lot of people are worried about the government listening in, but it’s just not something we are concerned about. Maybe they do listen in. We don’t know. But if you’re not doing anything illegal, you should have nothing to worry about.

      That being said, these are called free “government” cell phones because the government pays for them. But they are refurbished and handed out by private companies, so that puts the government ears one more step away.

      Reply

  343. How do I talk to a real person with assurance I have tried three different numbers and all I get is the same non human?

    Reply

  344. Hi, I dropped my phone in the sewer an hour ago. Can you cancel my account, 414-792-0579? Contact me with the next steps please, thanks.

    Reply

  345. I am currently with Reachout, but they have informed me that after May 21, they will no longer carry my service. My husband is on Social Security Disability, Would he be eligible for free phone service with your company and we already have a Samsung phone.

    Reply

    • Here’s how to find out:
      1. Click on the “Do You Qualify?” Link at the top of this page. It will show you all the federal programs.
      2. Click on the “States” link at the top of the page to get a complete list of service providers in your state. That page will also tell you which additional state programs help you qualify in your state.

      Reply

  346. I got a free phone and it worked fine until yesterday phone froze have no ideal who my carrier is or how to contact them for assistance. I ordered through Sacramento lifeline can anyone tell me who to contact my number is 209270****

    Reply

  347. my grandfather says he keeps getting a text saying that his lifeline service is about to end. Wouldn’t they send him a letter by mail if this was the case? He sent in his renewal form 3 months ago.

    Reply

  348. How can I get the benefits of Ilfeline service and still keep my current phone? The refurbished ones are inferior to the Samsung Galaxy i am currently using.

    Also, as I am a Reachout customer being forced to switch, how do I keep my current phone #? The texts Reachout sent said that SafeLink would let me do that, but the recording on SafeLink’s phone line says I will get a new number, and I’d rather not. Thanks

    Reply

    • ReachOut is the first major Lifeline Assistance company to leave the business, so this is all kind of murky, unexplored territory, Dan.

      Can you keep your own phone? Depends on which service provider you select. Some companies permit BYOD (Bring Your On Device) or BYOP (Bring Your Own Phone), but others don’t. You will need to check the websites of any companies you are considering. You can find all the companies in your state by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page. Then click on your state and click through all the companies.

      You should be able to keep your own phone number by asking your new company to “port over your phone number.” However, ReachOut’s departure from the business is very unusual, so you should double check that with any company you speak to.

      Good luck. Please let us know what happens. Many of our readers are undoubtedly finding themselves in the same situation and could learn from your experience.

      Reply

  349. Hi. My name is peggy mckinney . My lifeline phone isn’t working . I must have missed my text or my husband erased it. But I can’t get in touch with you I still want my phone . My phone number is 208 922 **** . Thank you so much .

    Reply

    • You need to contact Assurance by phone, Peggy. This is an independent informational website that is not affiliated with any of the Lifeline Assistance companies.

      Reply

  350. will my phone have access to the internet? please ? clarencemason22dan10@*******.com thank you.628 223-**** please upon activation thank you **** eddy street san francisco ca 94102.

    Reply

    • The free government cell phone companies typically purchase many different refurbished cell phones in bulk and hand them out to new customers on a random basis. There’s no way to predict which make and model you’ll be given. If you need a smartphone with Internet access, you may need to pay a small fee to upgrade your phone.

      Reply

  352. where can i get a phone in ventura california? i can not find it on this site! my ex husband has stollen my phone and sold it for money! I have left him for good. It was called into the police! Please help! homeless! this is my sisters email address

    Reply

    • You do not need to go anywhere to get a free government cell phone, Shannon. You can apply by phone or online. You can find a list of all the companies offering this Lifeline Assistance service by clicking on the “States” link at the top of this page, then clicking on “California.” Good luck.

      Reply

  354. Will I be able to keep my same phone number? I have been with Reachout Wireless for approx 5-6 years but they will not be offering this service after April 21, 2016.

    Reply

    • Tell your new company that you want to “port over your phone number.” It’s a common procedure and should be easy to do.

      Reply

    • You have two ways to cancel.
      First, you can contact the Assurance customer service team by phone or online.
      Second, you can leave your cell phone unused for two months and the service will be automatically canceled.
      If we were you, we’d go for option number one.

      Reply

  358. Not happy at all with your customer service. After my phone died I called was told I would receive a new phone by some girl that spoke bad English the phone was never delivered. I called back only to speak with another person speaking terrible English and was told the order was not placed for no specific reason but would be.Currently looking at other options.

    Reply

    • Unfortunately, Terry, Assurance will probably not see your comment because this website is not affiliated with Assurance Wireless nor any other free government cell phone company. We are an independent source of information on the Lifeline Assistance program. Since you’re not having any luck with the Assurance phone representatives, we’d suggest you approach it from a different angle and try to contact the company online.

      Reply

    • The minutes should be added to your account automatically, Janelle. If that doesn’t happen, you need to contact the Assurance Wireless customer service team by phone or online.

      Reply

  360. I have been trying to contact assurance wireless to reactivate my cell phone however the toll free numbers which are provided will not let me talk with an assurance wireless representative. Thise numbers are to other phone companies. How can I talk to a live Assurance wireless representative so I can reactivate my assurance wireless phone ?

    Reply

    • We take our readers’ complaints seriously, David, so we attempted to call Assurance. We can’t imagine why you’re having trouble, because the Assurance Wireless number worked perfectly for us.,

      Reply

    • We assume your question means that you’re looking for a street vendor who will provide a free government cell phone. Our advice is to apply online or by phone instead. You won’t get your phone immediately, but the transaction will be safer.

      Reply

    • Each of the free government cell phone companies have a roster of different cell phones. Each new customer’s phones are chosen randomly. The only way to get the phone you want is to pay a small upgrade fee.

      Reply

    • I joined the program in 2013 through Assurance Wireless at that time they were giving out the Kyocera like those small phones, no camera capability. I have used that until last month when I called them after finding out that they were giving smartphones to their new customers. So I was able to upgrade without any fee. Assurance wireless customer representatives are very helpful. I now have the ZTE Reef (2013) and with 500 mb data. I have wifi through my internet provider so I use the wifi on my phone.

      Reply

      • I would like to add something to this too. I am senior and retired and I am blessed because in California Assurance wireless offer unlimited free talk and text through the California Freedom Plan.

        Reply

        • We love to read good reviews of free government cell phone companies. All too often our comments section turns into a forum for unhappy customers. We understand and do everything we can to help our readers solve their problems, but positive comments make our day.

          Reply

  363. I would like to upgrade my free phone to a smart phone. My hands/fingers do not work well and hitting the keys 1-3 times to type a letter is painful, and it takes so long to text that way I forget what I am trying to say after counting it letter out. I live in WA state is there any way I can upgrade my phone?

    Reply

    • You must call the Assurance customer service team directly. Odds are good that you’ll be able to upgrade for a small fee.

      Reply

    • We’re inclined to say yes, but you should confirm that with your service provider. Contact its customer service department.

      Reply

  365. Is there a company whom provides FREE cell phones that will allow you to use my own phone. My kids gave me a very nice phone a year ago, smart phone.
    Lyn

    Reply

    • Many of the companies allow you to bring your own phone. The only way to confirm, though, is to contact customer service at each of the companies you are considering.

      Reply

  367. I had a phone with assurance wireless and someone stole it. I need a new phone and different number.

    Reply

    • The way we understand the smart phone situation at Assurance, you cannot use an iPhone and Android phones are only available in California.

      Reply

    • Yes. Phone numbers are transferable, but you must ask your new company to “port over” your number. If you don’t request that, you will be given a new, randomly-assigned phone number.

      Reply

    • You can apply with any of the free government cell phone companies that do business in your state. Find them by clicking on our “States” link at the top of this page.

      Reply

  371. Hi iam already assurance wireless customer so my phone number is 646 281 **** so currently my phone is out of order and no minuts left and I want to keep same phone number so my request is please continue I need the service and same phone number thank you very much and have a grea6tday

    Reply

    • You must contact the Assurance customer service department directly. You can find its contact info by clicking on our “Providers” link at the top of the page.

      Reply

    • I received an email with my pin etc… and checked my status – which is probably what you did – it said it was activated (but it truly isn’t yet) It just means you were approved – my phone arrived about a week after that and then I activated it with the pin that was on my letter (and also in an email they sent). Also, here is a tip – don’t try to activate after hours – like after 5 pm – it won’t work – so just charge your phone and then turn it on between the hours of 9 to 5 – you can then activate with no problem. I know there have been those that complain etc…, but for me this has been a true gift. I worked hard all my life and a forced retirement cut my income a great deal – so having this phone without cost is amazing.

      Reply

      • Want to know who censors comments, Rhonda? We do (the Editor and Administrator of this website). This will be the last of your comments that we approve because you’re starting to sound like a broken record. Come back and leave another comment when you have something new to contribute.

        Reply

      • Freedom of speech means you can speak your opinions such as criticizing your government without fear of persecution. Like all rights to freedom of speech comes with regulations. For example you could get in legal trouble for shouting “fire!” in a movie theater when there is none. And businesses, such as that theater have the right to throw you out for disturbing the peace. An adult can get in trouble for soliciting a minor online. In this situation you did post your comments but that doesn’t mean they get to stay up forever. But nothing is stopping you from asking your questions to people in person or trying to ask your questions or post comments on another site. And you’re not being arrested. I hope this clears up freedom of speech for you.

        Reply

    • Sorry to disappoint you, but Assurance Wireless has no control over what we publish nor what we do not publish. We approve every complaint that seems legitimate. Take a look at the comments on this page — there are plenty of negative ones.

      Reply

  375. The folks over at Assurance Wireless were such a help to me. I had to call this number 1-888-898-4888 (writing a message on this website won’t actually put you in contact with someone that could help you) and I didn’t wait long on hold at all. My phone has been glitching and freezing since the day I got it, about a month ago. I finally called and found out that:
    1.) there is a way to reset the phone (but not factory reset where you loose all information) that they walked me through to see if that would correct the problem,
    2.) my phone is covered by warranty for a year from when they shipped it to me,
    3.) they offer the solution of trying a factory reset, which I can’t do because I’d loose important numbers for work, so they just skipped that option and went right into sending me a new phone
    4.) that they will send me a replacement phone and once I get that I can send them my glitchy phone in a prepaid envelope (meaning I don’t have to pay to send the broken phone back),
    5.) if the new phone has problems as well I can keep sending them back for the entire year warranty, and
    6.) that the new phone should arrive in 3-5 business days.

    The customer service people were so nice and helpful, and when my phone call dropped they actually called me back, which has never happened before! I am so happy with this service overall. Having a glitchy phone isn’t as annoying when you know there are folks working to correct the problem and offer solutions.

    Reply

  376. I would like to have my phone number change to a 859 area code. i need a Lexington Ky number. How can I get my number changed?

    Reply