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Free government cell phones program expanding into internet smartphones

Lifeline Assistance, the program that’s become famous for giving out free government cell phones and infamous for handing out ObamaPhones, is expanding and upgrading. And that’s very good news for its current and future customers. Because instead of giving its customers basic cell phones, Lifeline companies will soon begin offering internet-capable smartphones.

Although Lifeline has now helped an estimated 20 million low-income Americans, there have been complaints — lots of complaints — that the refurbished phones have been cheap, relatively “featureless” models. That’s to say, they allowed its users to make phone calls and send text messages, but didn’t offer any internet capability that’s become so vital in today’s increasingly wired world.

What brought about this significant change? Like any good consumer goods company, the Federal Communications Commissions (FCC) took a close look at what its customers want, need, and request most often. They analyzed the results and voted that the Lifeline program should begin offering internet-capable smartphones and mobile internet plans. They also ruled that the program should begin in 2014 (or as soon as practically possible). As a result, some people say that the free government cell phone program should be renamed the free government internet phone program.

The simple fact is that everyone — absolutely everyone — who qualified for a Lifeline cell phone will now qualify for a government internet-capable smartphone.

We can already hear some folks saying, “Sure, I qualified for a free government cell phone, but I probably won’t qualify for one of these new internet smartphones.” We completely understand why you might think that’s the case, but it’s not true. The simple fact is that everyone — absolutely everyone — who qualified for a Lifeline cell phone will now qualify for a government internet-capable smartphone.

And just to review, you qualify if your household earns less than 135% of the U.S. poverty level (or 150% in some states). Others who may qualify include families who currently participate in another government aid program such as the following, or many state-specific programs:

  • Medicaid;
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (Food Stamps or SNAP)
  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  • Federal Public Housing Assistance (Section 8)
  • Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  • Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF)
  • National School Lunch Program’s Free Lunch Program
  • Bureau of Indian Affairs General Assistance
  • Tribally-Administered Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
  • Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR)
  • Head Start (if income eligibility criteria are met)

Is the upcoming government internet-ready smartphone program a sure thing? A simple analysis of the FCC’s recent moves says an emphatic yes. Here’s what we mean:

Step One: Back in 2012 the FCC revealed their blueprint for the program’s expansion.
Step Two: As you read this, a pilot program is underway in which the leading Lifeline cell phone companies are testing free smartphones and free to very low-cost internet programs in test markets.

In other words, get ready. Here it comes.

How we got here

Back in 2008, Lifeline Assistance rolled out its Lifeline program in Tennessee. Over the course of the last eight years the program has gained momentum and customers and partner companies and it now serves 44 states, Washington DC, and Puerto Rico.

Critics say the program grew so quickly that it outstripped the FCC’s ability to prevent fraud and waste. As a result, this remarkably successful program has earned more than its fair share of critics who demanded reform, and enemies who demand an end tothe program. The FCC reviewed the progam and approved the Lifeline Reform Order (http://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-reforms-modernizes-lifeline-program-low-income- americans-0%0A) in an effort to eliminate fraud and reduce costs by nearly $1 billion per year. (To be strictly accurate, the savings are estimated at $2 over three years, but we’re comfortable with rounding off to the nearest billion when the numbers get this big.)

That’s where the FCC had a stroke of genius (something critics of government would call an oxymoron). They announced that they would redirect those dollars to test the concept of evolving the government cell phone program for needy Americans into a government internet program.

The relevant section of the FCC order said:

“Consistent with previous efforts, we act here to eliminate waste and inefficiency, increase accountability, and transition the Fund from supporting standalone telephone service to broadband.”

Broadband — the magic word in the FCC’s vocabulary. There’s nothing they want more than to bring high-speed broadband internet service to the masses. As the French say, it’s their raison d’etre, their reason for being.

The FCC is already working on other programs with a similar goal. Programs such as Internet Essentials from Comcast, Internet Basics from CenturyLink, and Connect2Compete from an association of public, private and non-profit organizations, has been up and running for more than a year now. All three programs (not to mention numerous other regional and local programs) has been similar to this new FCC initiative – to bring high-speed internet to low-income Americans. The biggest difference is that those programs charge customers a nominal fee each month, but the LifeLine internet-capable smartphone and service has the very likely potential to be free.

But let’s go back to the FCC order, because it clearly spells out what the public can expect from the expanded program:

“Using savings from the reforms, the Order establishes a Broadband Adoption Pilot Program to test and determine how Lifeline can best be used to increase broadband adoption among Lifeline-eligible consumers.”

Allow us to summarize: Root out waste and fraud in the current Lifeline cell phone program. Use the savings to expand that program. Provide internet to needy Americans who already qualify for free cell phones.

Any questions? Could it be any clearer?

Although we’re absolutely certain of the FCC’s intent, one thing is still in doubt: the final cost to the customer.

The test is still under way, so there’s no way for the FCC to “guesstimate” the final cost of the expanded program. But we have no doubt that the program will offer limited-use, high-speed internet plan at no cost, but also offer higher speeds and higher usage plans at additional, affordable rates.

The FCC’s pilot program and what it means to you

Let’s delve a little deeper into that pilot program we mentioned earlier — the one that’s testing the efficacy of free and low-cost internet smartphone programs.

The $13.8 million pilot project has been officially dubbed the Lifeline Broadband Pilot Program. It’s scheduled to be wrapped up by November 1 of this year.

The goal of the program is to test different programs in different markets to determine the most efficient, most effective way to bring cheap high-speed internet to low-income Americans. (A word of caution: They are also testing heavily-discounted programs, and while we believe a free plan will be available, it’s possible that there could be a low monthly cost. Regardless, we feel confident the smartphone will be free.) If you’re interested in more details, we explain the various options being considered here.

As the $13.8 million price tag implies, this is no insignificant test. The FCC and it’s privately-owned partners are taking a close look at 14 different projects in 21 states and and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. They’re testing both wired and wireless internet concepts, cable internet and DSL.

No matter which program wins, we predict the needy will also win

People who’ve heard of the pilot program often ask us for our predictions and we’re happy to oblige.

The way we see it, the simplest way to provide high-speed internet smartphones to needy Americans is to work with companies that already know the cell phone business, already know the market, already know the customers, and most importantly, already have the infrastructure in place to roll the program out quickly.

lifeline smartphone pilot trials

Two of the biggest players in the Lifeline free cell phone program — Safelink Wireless and ReachOut Wireless — are participating in the FCC’s pilot program. Both companies match up with the criteria we outlined in the previous paragraph, so we expect both of them to come up aces in the pilot program.

When we look into our crystal ball, we foresee a day in the not too distant future when America’s needy are given free government internet-capable smartphones and mobile internet service. It doesn’t take Nostradamus to see that this is a cost efficient evolution of the current LifeLine Assistance government cell phone program.

And since we’re making predictions, let’s make another one. If we had to guess, we’d bet that the first mobile internet package will include a no-cost smartphone (probably an Android) with unlimited talk and text and, a usage limit of 1-2 GB of data per month either for free or under $10 a month. Of course, if you need more gigs per month, we assume that users will be able to purchase additional gigs at a very reasonable costs.

The future is here

We don’t expect the government internet smartphone landscape to look much different than the current free government cell phone landscape.

The same companies that dominate the “old” cell phone business will continue to dominate the new smartphone business. National companies like Tracfone, Nexus and Virgin will be the biggest names, but smaller companies will prosper regionally.

Our advice: Get ready, because the free government internet smartphones are coming. And they’re coming within the next year.

Find out more at CheapInternet.com, the world’s leading authorities on the free government cell phones and the upcoming free internet smartphones.

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Comments

  1. I live in a Senior Citizen complex. A large number of the residents here receive SNAP and/or Medicaid. I have spoken to groups of them about the many programs and benefits that can be receive from being in either of those programs.

    I have researched and help others sign for discounted phone, internet, streaming services, and other discounts which being apart of these government extends them. Because I do not have either SNAP nor Medicaid, many here decided that I am lying about what they can get and that I am trying to scam them (get I mind i’ve never asked for money). A few of the folks have shared with me, one has allowed me to tap her internet.

    Because what I say is not what is being say be “dem” and “dos” people, or what they what to hear; they are missing out. This is why I enjoy this site; It’s like being at home!

    Reply

    • All the information you need is right here on this website, Diane. Just click around, read a few articles and you’ll know exactly how to pick the right plan and enroll.

      Reply

    • I am on disability and would love to have a phone. Mine is old and drops calls where I have to call them back. No one wants to talk because my phone dies. It’s an AT&T phone I’ve had for over 2 years. Would you consider giving me a phone , cause I have no way of talking to anyone ! Thank You !

      Reply

      • We can’t give you a phone because we are NOT a free government cell phone company. This is an independent informational website. Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline companies and their free plans in your state. Find the one that fits your needs best and enroll with that company, Beverly.

        https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

        Reply

    • Click around this website and you’ll find everything you need to know, Sandra. It’s not quite as easy as leaving a comment on this website.

      Reply

  7. Hi I had SafeLink phone was stolen reported it still says I’m active.I really need a smartphone because I have eto do everything on it with kid’s school and I’m a single mom.So do you get good smartphone like lg stylus or Samsung s8

    Reply

    • Check out your service provider’s website to see what kind of phones they offer. You will probably need to upgrade and pay a fee to get one of the phone you mentioned (if they are offered by your service provider).

      Reply

  9. MY NAME IS JEAN DIXON, I LIVE IN BIRMINGHAM, MI. 48009, MY PHONE IS NOT WORKING OR IS NOT WORKING I CAN NOT RECIEVE OR MAKE CALLS DO NOT KNOW IF IS ACTIVATED JUST RECIEVED IT 3 DAYS AGO

    Reply

    • Have you attempted to enroll with any of the companies offering free government cell phone plans in your state?

      Reply

    • It depends on which service provider you’re talking about, Anna. And since you didn’t specify, we’d suggest that you check out the Terms & Conditions of the company you want to enroll with. You might also want to speak to customer service to make sure they say the same thing the T&Cs do.

      Reply

  12. I am interested in getting free Smartphone, and I need to have a Smartphone that has a 5″ or even a 6″ screen that is because I have trouble with my eyesight.

    Reply

  13. I was with assurance first phone was dropped I had to pay for the replacement it’s battery was defective and after3 months I brought in2 more phones and was told that they weren’t compatible that I would have to buy another from them I receive snap can’t afford that will I be eligible thru another company

    Reply

  14. I qualify for the free plan but trying to make it happen is like pulling teeth on the Safelink application. Thumbs Down

    Reply

  15. I have read everything here, but still don’t see where i apply for a phone. Can you assist me in this or do i need to have it mailed?

    Reply

    • We provide contact info for each of the free government cell phone companies, Tina. Just look for them under “Providers” at the top of this page.

      Reply

  16. I already have a government freeline cell phonw, I am older and my eyesight is bad, I need a larger cell phone. I heard that you are providing
    a bigger sized (5 inches) cell phone. How and where can I upgrade it.
    Please kindly provide information. Thanks.

    Reply

  17. My cell phone was turned off 7/18/2018. I have a government cell phone. My phone number is 442 218-****. Please let me know why I do not get service anymore. I made calls and texts and do not understand why the phone doesn’t get any service. Sincerely, Christine Cocolotta

    Reply

    • There’s no way for us to know what issues exist between you and your free government cell phone service provider, Christine. You need to contact that company’s customer service team to get your question answered.

      Reply

  18. I have one of the SafeLink phones, ZTE Jasper. I need a phone that’s got more than 8gigs of memory and is not pre-loaded with stuff from my other phone. I’m on disability, & a senior on a fixed income. Can you please help. I REALLY need a decent free phone. I didn’t even order the Jasper.

    Reply

    • You can always check to find out if your service provider offers upgraded cell phones, Karen.

      Reply

  19. I need a a cell phone that can give me information and be able to contact my doctors and stuff I’m on Social Security Disability disabled if you can call me back I’d be appreciated

    Reply

    • That’s what this website is all about, Thomas. Just click around and you’ll find all the info you need.

      Reply

  20. I have just recently been released from prison after serving 10 years on everything is so noon to me I just really and desperately could use one of the phones that you are educating people about it would be so useful and resource full that would really help me out and like I said I don’t have a job yet but I will and I need communication so I don’t know if I qualify but it would be so greatly appreciated if I did qualify for a phone I don’t know where else to go I don’t have any family to ask help for just my friend here and she’s the one helping me with this website I don’t know if I told you that my name is Sean Thomas and this is my friend’s phone so I’ll have to use her email for the time being too I guess communicate with you which is ********@gmail.com and as I said it would really be greatly appreciated thank you and I hope I hear from you soon

    Reply

    • We hope you are eligible because you participate in one of the federal government aid programs. If so, check out all the plans available in your state and enroll with the one that fits your needs best.

      If you don’t participate in one of those programs, you are about to run into one of the greatest stupidities of the free government cell phone program, Sean. The FCC and USAC have no way for people to prove that they have no income. Crazy, huh? Unfortunately, that means that if you must qualify based on income rather than on participation in one of the federal programs, you can’t enroll because you can’t prove that you had no income.

      We with we had better news for you, Sean. We’re keeping our fingers crossed in hopes that you particpate in one of the programs.

      Here are a few articles that may help. The first one will tell you all the ways you can qualify:

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

      And here’s another article that tells you ALL the companies offering plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • You need to enroll with one of the free government cell phone companies, Reg. You can’t do that by leaving a comment on this independent informational website.

      Reply

  22. Why is this so ridiculously difficult to obtain an Obama phone or phone for elderly that is qualified to have a free phone? I am trying to obtain a phone for my mother who has had this phone before because I cannot afford to pay for her phone when she qualifies due to her limited income and disability.

    Reply

    • It’s usually a pretty simple, straightforward process, Dorcas. What difficulties have you run into?

      Reply

  23. Is there a website where you can read reviews for the government cell phones. I have an assurance wireless phone that quit letting me answer my calls. Talked to a rep. who 1st language was not English. I followed their instructions while on the phone and it broke. They want me to pay $6 for a replacement and I figure it will be easier to just get another phone from another free government phone provider. I registered with QLink and I have been approved and have been waiting for a month for the phone. Send email and website says 5 business days to respond and when I call no live rep.

    Reply

    • You need to get a friend or relative to let you use their phone, Bernice. Then contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  26. Are the free internet smart phones available here in WV yet . Could you please send me an application to apply for the government free phone?

    Reply

    • You need to contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team, Marilyn. Can you borrow someone else’s phone?

      Reply

  28. I am trying to get a government phone for my mom, she is in a tight budget and had to discount her landline. She is in 92 years old, she doesn’t have a cell phone for programs that you have. She need a cell and minutes please help
    Thank you
    Rosie M. hicks

    Reply

    • If mom is getting a Lifeline discount on her home landline, she is not eligible to get a free government cell phone. Only one Lifeline discount is permitted per household.

      Reply

  29. I have two family members with government issued cell phones. The problem they are having is the screens are too small for their poor eye sight. Any suggestions on how to return current small scree phones and get larger screen phones? I’m very serious, their eye sight is extremely poor which is causing them both to not want a cell phone which is their only way of contacting me and state emergency personal if needed. HELP! Any advice you can give will be extremely appreciated so I can forward information onto my two family members. 🙂

    Reply

  30. I would like to download the application for the Assurance Gov.Phone program. I have Medicaid and Snap. Can it be sent to my email address above. Thank you. I live in Ct.

    Reply

  32. I would like to have free minutes on a flip phone a smart phone make me nervous, I am 71. I don’t know why it would matter which type of phone to load. I would even pay for the phone, a samsung flip phone is what I had, It fell apart, I would like another one that free minutes could be loaded on.

    Reply

    • Have you contacted your service provider’s customer service team or visited its website to see what makes and models they offer?

      Reply

  33. MY PHONE BREAKS DOWN ABOUT EVERY THREE WEEKS, I HAS GOT ONE REPLACEMENT PHONE ALREADY, BUT NOW IT IS NOT WORKING ALREADY.. I HAVE CALLED ASSURANCE ABOUT SIX TIMES FOR THE SAME PROBLEM AND THEY TELLS ME THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO, I HAVE WAITED AS LONG AS SEVEN DAYS FOR SOME HELP WITH NO HELP, WHAT I I DO?

    Reply

  37. I recently purchased a replacement cell phone because it is the second time the phone I had broke. As it ended up I purchased a Straight Talk Smart Phone from Walmart.com. The first day I called and Tracfone transferred all and deactivated my SIM card because anew one came with the phone. On day 2, my phone didn’t work and I was told that the new Phone wasn’t compatible. I finally received the new SIM card today to reactivity my old phone. I will call customer service tomorrow for help, but my question is “How do I get a new phone that works properly? I still have to return the other phone to Walmart. I want one that I know is going to be compatible. My cell phone number is 862-803-****. Any advice or can I purchase one directly from you? It has been awful not having a phone. I can only be reached by this email. Tomorrow I will go use my Son’s landline. My old cell phone only works for text messages. Thank you

    Reply

    • If you give your service provider the make and model of the phone you want to purchase, they should be able to tell you if it is compatible or not.

      Reply

  38. My name is JOANNE FRASHER I have a cell phone BUT MY PROBLEM IS I RE APPLIED I HAVE PROOF OF EVERTHING BUT MY CELL PHONE WAS NOT SENT THE MINUTES . I HAVE 298 MINUTES BUT CELL PHONE IS OFF AND I CANT MAKE ANY CALLS . PLEASE HELP……

    Reply

  39. Thank you for the invaluable information regarding the Lifeline phones transition to government internet-capable smartphones. Though, I have to admit, I am more impressed by the patience of the admins answering some of these comments. You are my hero(es).

    Reply

  40. I’m trying to get intouch with safelink to report my phone is broken. I don’t have a landline phone to call from. My phone will not turn on, the battery is fully charged. Tried everything. I haven’t had a working phone for 4 days now. I need a new phone. This will be the 1st time I’ve had to replace my phone.

    Reply

    • Maybe, maybe not, Lee. Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell networks. So you need to speak to customer service to see if those phone you already own is compatible with that company’s network.

      Reply

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

      Reply

  44. I work with the homeless and many have old tracphones and want to upgrade to a smart phone now in 2017. However, finding the name of therir carrier on or in the phone seems to be impossible. The original packaging is gone. How do you find out the name of their carrier and then upgrade?

    Reply

    • Simple, Brenda. You can reach the service provider’s customer service team simply by calling 6-1-1 on the free government cell phone.

      Reply

  46. I live in SC and am disabled, my daughter lives with me and she attached this past weekend. She is currently in jail and I am afraid she will come back and no telling what she will do. I need a phone for protection.

    Reply

  47. Yes finally I need a Emergency cell phone smartphone with internet access as I am home bound with many health issues and with this recent Fire I needed the internet access for emergency situations to be notified and to reach ppl that could help me!! Glad to hear it’s finally getting to a new level!!

    Reply

  48. I really think it is unfair that Safelink refused to replace my phone that I laid on my car and left it and it fell of and got ran over !!! It isn’t like I did it on purpose and to top it all off they are very rude at Safelink and very unconciirete . I am disabled and barely have been making it on what I draw each month . Thanks a lot Safelink. Glad I am not y’all costumer any more !!!

    Reply

    • How many free phones should they supply you with, Tammy? If they gave you a second one and the same things happened, should they give you a third free phone? A fourth one? An infinite number? C’mon, Tammy, we sympathize with your situation and problems, but it’s not the responsibility of the phone company to compensate you for your own mistakes.

      Reply

    • Sorry, Robin, but the free government cell phone program is only available to residents of the United States.

      Reply

  50. I have a safelink phone that is old and broken. How do I get it replaced? I have called safe link and keep getting the run around.

    Reply

    • First thing you need to do, Laura, is to call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. That will connect you to your service provider’s customer service team. You’ll probably be required to pay a relatively reasonable upgrade fee, but you may get lucky and get one for free.

      Reply

  52. My mom had a stroke and can’t really use the smart phones…she was using one that had big numbers and was not a smart phone but now that company that gave her the phone is telling her that that type of phones can’t be obtained through government aid…is this true…?

    Reply

    • We cannot tell you the policies of all the free government cell phone companies, Sammy. But you should ask your service provider (or the one you want to enroll with) if you can bring your own phone (BYOP). If so, you can go out and purchase the make and model your mom needs and use it with the free government cell phone program. Good luck.

      Reply

  53. Which government lifeline service in New York provide a basic flip phone? My mom is a senior citizen and doesn’t need text messaging nor Internet access. Just a basic phone for incoming and outgoing call. Assurance Wireless has none available. It’s not available at stores and almost all basic phones are not compatible with their service.

    Reply

    • Phone models offered change all the time, Suzanne, so there’s no way for us to know what any of them are offering on any particular day.

      Reply

  58. Could I get government free smart phone if I qualified for that but in my apartment I use home phone company Verizon with Life Line Discount ?
    I and my wife get SSI money and food stemps.

    Reply

    • Sorry, Mikhail, but you can only have one Lifeline discount per household. You have to choose between a landline discount or a cell phone discount.

      Reply

  59. I would like the most current data available, in regards to New Mexico, as how many enrollments in the Lifeline Program.

    Reply

    • You can find that information on the USAC.org website, Catherine. It takes some calculating, because they only list each company by “income.”

      Reply

    • We are not your service provider, Irene, so we cannot correct your problem. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  61. I got a free phone and service but when phone got here was told there is no service in my area so I had to cancel I got plan through assurance wireless…. Need help to find what company has free cell phones and service for 98640. Ocean park WA

    Reply

  62. I am on your Free Gov.t Program. I received a text saying “your device is outdated and will loose service soon. Please call 1/866-667-6437 to request free phone upgrade. I phoned this number and was told to go on line to see the eligible phones. I wld like to buy a phone from y’all that will allow me to stay on the free program. I can’t see well and wld like as large a screen as I can afford. Pls furnish me w/the LG Models that I qualify for. Thank u so much. I’m an old lady trying to keep up in your young peoples world. Thank u, Marcia Hill

    Reply

    • We are NOT your service provider, Marcia. This is an independent informational website. You need to contact customer service by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  64. My free phone from q link wireless has been broken for 3 months. It was not a smartphone and they will not send me a new one without charging me. Yet they are keeping me enrolled as they see I’m not using the thing , so are still receiving money from the government for keeping me enrolled and who should I report them to

    Reply

    • A couple questions, Jason. How long have you had your account? The rules were changed on December 2, 2016. If you have an account with voice and data only, you should be able to switch service providers after 60 days. If your account also has data included, you can only switch once every year. That being said, you should be able to cancel your account at any time (but you will not be able to move to a different service provider unless you meet the regulations mentioned above).

      Reply

  65. I had a government phone that was verizon. It says that I still have this phone but it never had any access to the internet and said there was no account. This phone number worked for calls and texts temporarily then stopped. I can’t change carriers it says but I can’t get any phone access to use it. ss#42971****

    Reply

  66. I would like to sign up for this free phone and service . Could you please let me know how I can do that . Im on disability and could really use this program. I need your HELP please !! I want to sign up !! Thank you ….

    Reply

  69. hi, looking at this. Lot of info. More just interested in what kind of phone we can get, how fast it is, and how poor we need to be. I’m not a history major, but I don’t understand fcc. I just need a galaxy phone. Yea.

    Reply

    • We strongly urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scenes of too much fraud and abuse. Do yourself a favor, Barbara, and enroll online or by phone.

      Reply

  71. Has a Safelink dumb phone, I could no longer push the buttons repeated times to send a number or many letters. Asked Safelink for an alternative phone and they decided to send me a smartphone. This smart phone never arrived. They shutoff my existing dumb phone and sent me an exact duplicate dumb phone, which I waited 2 weeks to receive, also, I cannot use this phone. Safelink said existing customers cannot receive a smartphone, they can only sent another original dumb phone, I asked them to cancel my service but as of yet I cannot get hooked up with another lifeline company due to my “existing” contract with Safelink wireless. So weeks later I not only don’t have my old dumb phone, nor the promised (Safelink) smart phone, but I have no mobile phone service at all. I am still receiving turn downs from all other lifeline providers is Fl. because of Safelink’s inability to stick to the promised smart phone. Any suggestions?

    Reply

  72. Hello, I am a very low income disable elderly woman. I’ve been a Safelink customer for long time. This year Safelink offered me to upgrade to an Android smart phone with internet connection. I’ve always wanted to stay connected and oriented even if I am outside or there is power outage. So I saved hard and bought their Android Samsung Galaxy express 3 LTE (samsung galaxy amp 2 in phone settings). It cost me $120. It came with an installed SIM card. It was supposed to be connected to 4G LTE wireless network. I hoped I could check weather and maps, report an outage. The screen apps include Google and Wikipedia. But it’s all a lie. After I’ve activated it, it’s no different than my old regular safelink phone. I can only make and receive calls and messages. That is all. The LTE is in settings. But it’s not active. There’s no signal. I called Safelink. They told me to activate Wi-Fi. I’ve activated xfinitywifi. It’s connected and it says it’s easy to get online but only if I buy WiFi on demand. I called Safelink again. They told me if I have minutes than everything is fine. I feel deceived and cheated. I only have $700 a month. After rent and utilities I don’t have much left to eat. They ripped me off.

    Reply

  73. I will be 70
    in Jan.2018.. I have an Obama old Flip phone. I Want to Up-grade to the new Smart phone. PLEASE. I am Low Income, with, Section 8, The Access Card for Food Stamps $ ( EBT)& Medicare Part D..

    Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team, Barbara. You can do that by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone. Your current provider may require you to pay for an upgrade. If you don’t want to pay, you can always switch to a new company. That will make you a new customer and all new customers are supposed to receive smartphones. Here’s an article on how to switch:

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

      And here’s where you can find info on every Lifeline company in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Dear Barbara. I am just like you low income elderly, wanted to upgrade from dumb phone to a smart phone. Turned out that I was the dumb one to become a victim of a scam. I paid $120 for a smart phone. First they sent me a different cricket version which is available on Cricket.com for $20. Safelink offered free standard shipping and a coupon, but they charged me for everything. The phone came with installed SIM card but it was disconnected from network. You could only go online if you sign up for xfinitywifi $3 an hour. With a lot of hassle and headache I finally got connected and could go online. But my happiness was shortlived. Safelink offeres 500 mb a month for free web browsing. It seems more than enough considering that average american uses 200 mb a month. And I am a basic user, don’t have facebook, twitter, email, pictures sending, downloading etc. I just checked a couple of sites like weather etc. and in one day i came from 500 mb to 100. It’s a scam. Now I have an expensive smart phone but no Internet. And I am thinking of switching to a dumb cell phone because for just making calls it’s more convenient. It shows service days, minutes spent and minutes left. My advice is to stay with your old dumb friend. You’d save yourself a lot of money and headache.

      Reply

  74. I have a free government lifeline cell phone 530 552 **** that was stolen and never shut off. people been having it and won’t return it. police won’t do nothing about it. I would like my cell phone for my use. The cell number is 530 552 ****

    Reply

    • You need to notify your free government cell phone service provider’s customer service team that it has been stolen, Elizabeth. They’ll take care of getting it cancelled.

      Reply

  75. I have assurance wireless UMX. It constantly is turning itself off because it gets to hot or for something else. I would like to get a free smartphone like a lot of people have in my area of Hemet, Ca. but I can never seem to find a place that has them. Can you help me.

    Reply

    • We urge our readers NOT to enroll at street events because they have been the scene of too many cases of fraud and abuse. It’s much easier and safer to enroll from the comfort of your own home by phone or online.

      Reply

  79. I’m a single 68 yo with an annual income of $8,000 (SSI).I have a little SNAP. I have a minimal phone 1 3/4 X 4 1/2 inches. (Calls and text only).If I had a phone that takes pictures, I could sell things on Craigslist ,etc. I know I must report any income to SSI. What are my options? I could pay.

    Reply

  80. I have assurance wireless from past residence and boost mobile. Neither of them work to make a call where I live now. I’m a disable senior citizen in Conestoga pa. I need a phone that will work to make calls.

    Reply

  81. I have a SafeLink but my roommate won’t give it back to me. She has one of her own so she has been getting her minutes and mine. She told me we had to leave so she kept my phone . Could I please get a new phone and disconnect the one she has? My phone number is 863/288-5236..

    Reply

  84. I need to change from access wireless because my phone doesn’t have good service. I would like to change to another cell phone

    Reply

  86. I have a Safelink Wireless government phone but even though I was told new phone will be able to access the internet, I can’t. I can only make calls /text.is their anyway,I can have minimal access to the internet,as I am a new york city resident?

    Reply

    • Quick question, JP. What does being a NYC resident have to do with minimal internet access?

      Reply

  87. Didn’t tell me how to get a free phone.no telephone number and I don’t use e mail. So I just won’t buy any more cards from Wal-Mart and shut it off. Have to go without.everything has gone way up since I turned 65 car insurance, home insurance, poartD nearly doubled. Food,etc. Will go without.

    Reply

  88. I’m an 84 year old disable Korean War vet and can no longer afford Verizon

    Thank you in advance for your help.

    Glenn Hautly

    Reply

    • You “may” be able to use it, Glenn. But please be aware that not all cell phones are available with all cell phone networks. So the only way to find out if your specific make and model is compatible with a particular Lifeline company is to speak to its customer service team.

      Reply

  90. Hi my name is Jaime Kalani and i need to reconnect my blue Jay wireless phone my number is 808 319 ****. I can pay for my activation after you turn my line on I got service to my funding online but I need you to activate it first and then I’ll be able to send you a payment thankyou you can get back to me at 808 498 **** Thank you Jaime Kalani1

    Reply

    • This isn’t Blue Jay, Jaime. This is an independent informational website. You’ll need to contact Blue Jay directly.

      Reply

  91. Igual sant yo ver a Freedom Cell phone but I know a personas who hace this Cell phone but its todo small. Imagino legalty blindado and I nerd a Cell phone with big numbers ir big Dize Cell phone.

    Reply

    • Your comment is Spanglish at its finest, Yadira. We (and Google Translate) think you’re asking how to get a phone with larger buttons. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  92. I have been waiting for my phone where is it its been over a month or longer. i did all the paperwork right

    Reply

    • Many of our readers say it takes three or four weeks or even longer, Amber. You didn’t mention which service provider you enrolled with, but you should visit its website to see if it offers a “Check Your Status” function. If so, you can look up your account and see where you stand. If not, contact the service provider’s custoer service team.

      Reply

  93. Plz. Can. U. Tell. Me. How. Can. I. Get. A. Free. Smart. Cell. Phone. What. Do. I. Need. To. Do. But. I. Would. Like. For. U. Plz. Send. Me. A. Picture. Of. All. The. Free. Cell. Phones. You. Have. On. Stock. Plz. And. Thank. U

    Reply

    • This is an independent informational website, Jojo, and not affiliated with any free government cell phone company. So we don’t have any phones. You can find many of them by checking the websites of the free government cell phone companies in your state. Here’s where you can find them:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

      • You don’t enroll by leaving a comment at this independent informational website, Linda. Here’s where you can find a complete list of the free government cell phone companies in your state. Check them all out to find the plan that works best for you (the most minutes, most texts, most data, best smartphone, etc) and then contact that company using the contact info we provide on each provider’s page. Here’s that link:

        https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

        Reply

  95. i am an old customer i need to know how i can get upgraded to a smart phone?? all i have now is an old flip phone. It’s for my mother

    Reply

    • Does “I am an old customer” mean you are no longer a customer? Is your mom a current customer?

      Reply

  96. My screen is cracked due to my disability. My balance is very bad i trip a lot, fall, and run into everything. It still works there I was wondering what I needed to do to maybe get another one.

    Reply

    • Sorry to hear about your issues, Angela. If you’ve had your account long enough, your Lifeline free government cell phone company may give you a replacement for free. If not, you may be required to pay a small fee. But you need to get all the details from customer service. You can call them directly by calling 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone.

      Reply

  97. I broke my Medi-Cal phone and now I don’t know how to get it replaced or where to go to get another one can you help me my zip code is 91750

    Reply

    • We had a little trouble interpreting your question, Ryan, so we went to our official Tech Guru for an answer. Here’s what he said:

      I think he’s asking if he’ll be able to create a hotspot with his phone. A hotspot creates a wifi network for devices (like his playstation) to connect to for internet. It would use his internet data package.

      So, it depends upon the phone. You can do it with smartphones, but not feature phones. I do it with my iphone when I can’t get a wifi signal for my computer if I am somewhere I have a cell signal but no wifi available. But the data usage would be pretty expensive in these Lifeline plans.

      Then he started getting all worked up about something or other and we stopped reading his response. But that’s the way it goes with the Tech Guru.

      Reply

    • That’s not how it works, Tom. You need to contact a free government cell phone company’s customer service team to enroll.

      Reply

  101. My phone is not working in my house after I dial a call most are being dropped after answered or they tell me sorry I can’t understand or hear you and text msg I have to go outside as well for them to connect can u Travis me phones it has basically done this since I got this phone. Thank you
    Linda Hammond

    Reply

      • This is definitely the wrong place, Linda. You can look up your service provider’s contact info on our “Providers” page in the navigation bar at the top of this page. You can also call 6-1-1 on your free government cell phone and you’ll be connected to customer service.

        Reply

    • There’s no way for us to troubleshoot your cell phone, Linda, because we are not your service provider. This is an independent informational website. You need to reach out to your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service team. If you’ve been a customer long enough, or if you get lucky and get a really nice rep, you may get a smartphone upgrade for free. More likely, though, is that you will be required to pay a reasonably small upgrade fee.

      Reply

  105. im interested in getting a smart phone im currently on food stamps in the state of florida i live in lakeland fla area. any info would be appreciated,

    thank you

    Reply

  107. Here’s a can of worms for you: What is VPN and the different variations of it – faster, slower, etc?
    Life Wireless has IPASS. Is that something worth looking into and comparing? Thank you.

    Reply

  108. I appreciate all of this information but I see very little regarding the ‘G factor’ – 3G, 4G, etc
    Tag Mobile claims to have unlimited 2G/3G data. What does that mean? Will that be a slow connection?
    Also, what is the ‘G’ rating for all of these others like those with 500 MB?

    Reply

  109. i would like to get a free smart phone i personally can’t afford to buy one since i am on SSI and i don’t really know were to look.

    Reply

  111. I was wondering, if you have to be 18 to obtain a government phone? I am 17 right now and in two months 18. Is there any government cell phone carrier that i can sign up at 17?

    Reply

    • Yes, but you may be required to pay a small upgrade fee. You may get lucky and get upgraded for free if you’ve been with Safelink long enough and happen to get a nice customer service agent.

      You do have another option if you’ve been with Safelink for more than one year. You can always switch to a different free government cell phone company. That will make you a new customer and all new customers are supposed to be given free smartphones.

      Good luck.

      Reply

  114. Hi ,
    I need a free phone for my mom , she is 91 year old , she always leave home with out telling anyone, we have to drive around The neighborhood to find her , so I think a phone will be good for us to find her .
    How can I get one for her ?

    Reply

  117. I have a phone from q link and it hasn’t worked since I got it ,I thought it was the battery but it still doesn’t work, so why should I have to pay for a new phone?

    Reply

    • You should not need to pay for a replacement phone. Have you spoken to customer service? How long have you had the phone?

      Reply

  118. I do not want to lose the minutes I have saved and bought. I see some companies want to throw our saved time away.I love my emergency phone it has helped me out. I lost my leg and have fallen a lot. I need my phone and minutes. Thank you

    Reply

  119. This roseanna budreaux from **** ******* sacramento California 95826 & my daughter Michelle budreaux from the same address &my mother in law dyane leal from *** ******* sacramento California 95826 & my daughter Alicia budreaux all applied for a phone through lifeline when they were out here but we haven’t received them yet and it’s been over seven business days

    Reply

    • You have a real problem, Roseanne. Only one free government cell phone is permitted per household. We would imagine that the four applications all got snagged by the National Lifeline Assistance Database. If that’s the case none of you will receive any cell phones. And even if you do, you’ll probably get caught eventually and lose your phones.

      Reply

  121. I currently have a free cell phone thru the government Safelink. I’ve been told you are able to exchange the one I have for a free smartphone. How do I apply for one?

    Reply

    • You may or may not be able to exchange it for a smartphone, Alberto. It probably depends on how long you’ve been a customer of the company (it may even depend on how well you are able to sweettalk the customer service agent). However, if you switched to a different Lifeline free government cell phone company, it would give you a smartphone. Why? Because the new rules of the program say that “new” customers are to be given smartphones, but those rules do not include current customers. We think it’s a crazy rule, but that’s the way the rules were written.

      Reply

  122. SafeLink is Liars they State they will give you a phone I have done everything they asked me to do it’s been over 30 days and I have still not received a phone what can I do about this

    Reply

  123. My assurance cell is not working my number I think is 857 492 **** could you tell me what going on with my phone

    Reply

    • We’re not Assurance Wireless, Violet, it’s an independent informational website. In other words, no, we cannot tell you what’s going on with your phone.

      Reply

  124. I am on desability, I have a phone with 500 minutes free I think, but the phone I have is to small, I need one of the smart phones to be able to have wireless services not paying a lot of money. Please let me know If I can get a smart phone from you

    Reply

    • No, actually, you cannot get a smartphone from us, Zola. Because we are an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone company. Depending on how long you’ve had your account with your current service provider, they may let you upgrade to a smartphone for free. Or they may require you to pay a reasonably inexpensive upgrade fee. If you can’t afford that fee, and if you’ve been with your current provider for more than a year, you are eligible to switch to a new service provider. And all service providers are required to offer smartphones to new customers. Make sense? In case you decide to move (or even if you just want to look into the possibility) here’s where you can find a complete list of all the companies offer free government cell phone plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  125. I have called and called even before now about the SafeLink phone i had and lost it, hopefully this time it will be a little better on the service. I have mis-placed my phone somewhere and i no longer have it and need to see if i am able to get a replacement phone. When i click on forgot Enrollment Number it still will not let me access my account or any of the information that is needed. The only thing i have is the phone number that i had on the lost phone. and that would be 502-668-****. I would be very thankful if u guys could hopefully fixed ASAP so i can be able to use my phone since that is the only other phone i had to use and have been out with it for more than a minute now.
    Thank you for your time: Shawn Stillions

    Reply

    • How long ago did you lose it, Shawn? If it was more than 30 days, your account may have been cancelled by now. Try calling your service provider’s customer service team to see what they have to say.

      Reply

  126. My,name Mr. Jimmy l Pruitt, and I receive ssi social security disability payments, I want to know how do I go on line to do an application from a phone for a free government phone? And do I have a choice on what kind of phone I want? I would like one of the biggest free government smart phone they have to offer because I cannot see very well, but there’s a problem I’m heving with life line, I gave them my correct addresse but they keep telling me that’s not my correct addresse and they want let me complete the application for a free government phone, but I would like to know what’s the big deal, about the legalarity of my address right now, because life line will see that is my correct address when they contacted social security, so if you have any other government free phone organization I can contact regarding a big free smart phone ASAP! You can call me at (209) 313-**** text me, or Email me at ********@gmail.com thanks…

    Reply

  127. I am 63 years old and have fibromyalgia and some failing joints. I have a very small government cell phone that I qualified for 4 years ago, I think. It is so small that I can’t do the numbers very well. It is hard to text a message, or click on the numbers. Is it possible to get a free phone again or at least a bigger one that I an see better and use more? Please let me know.

    Reply

    • Yes, you can upgrade. Depending on your service provider and how long you’ve had the phone, they may upgrade you to a smartphone for free. Or they may require you to pay a rather reasonable upgrade fee.

      Reply

    • Probably. But you should check your service provider’s website to see which phones are available. You should also discuss it with your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  129. I’m a a SafeLink customer I have a older phone. can I get it replaced with a smartphone and keep my number

    Reply

    • Yes, you can keep your number. Yes you can get it replaced by a smartphone, but you may be required to pay a reasonably small upgrade fee.

      Reply

  130. Can you please send me a smartphone insted of these tiny phones that have problems with the buttons please and thank you

    Reply

    • We cannot send you a smartphone, Brent, because this is an independent informational website, not a free government cell phone company. Contact your service provider’s customer service team to find out how to upgrade.

      Reply

  134. I had one through safelink and they stopped my service with no explanation, I’m not sure if they are a real qualified company, CSO I’m worried now. I am 70 years old and I need a phone with no charge. Is this company actually associated with the government? Please help..

    Reply

    • Are you saying that the name of the company was CSO? If so, we are unfamiliar with that name. But there are some Lifeline companies we are not familiar with because they are very small and operate in limited geographic areas. Can you give us more information?

      Reply

    • Just click around this website, Loretta. It will tell you everything you need to know.

      Reply

  136. Dear P,C,P. Person:
    You are a Saint. Or a couple of you are Saints to answer these questions, mostly written by people that don’t read even close to the entirety of the article. I am plenty sick, and no genius, but had the crap old version, happened upon on an ad for the smartphone, “clicked” on the databoxes they wanted filled, and did it because it was easy. I had already ****canned the bad one a good year ago, and nobody asked. The nice ZTE arrived in about 6 business days. The company kept me apprised of “received app, you are approved, tracking number, you should have it..” on my e-mail. It is not new, nut it is solid “good”. Sound quality is good. But, like the bad one, I have 1 bar of connectivity. I successfully made 2 phone calls, they were clear. I am not clear on the network they use, if it is proprietary. Do you know? To most of the readers: This site/article is NOT WRITTEN by the US GOVERNMENT nor any of the WIRELESS PHONE SUPPLIERS for people in poverty. I have only read one thing here, and they were explaining. I agree it is confusing because they are called “FREEGOVERNMENTCELLPHONES.NET” with that name it is confusing. I have not even seen this site. Maybe they sell cheap phone service and new or used phones to the frustrated people out there that have had the ultra-crap phone and are trying to get the other one (cool!). In the dizzying amount of yes, even crazy e-mails I read:they were nice. They did not try to sell anything. They were honestly answering questions like Saints. Maybe if they were called “Citizenshelpexplainhowgovernmentfreecellphoneswork” but shortened by A LOT, hell maybe I would end up with “APPLYFORFREEPOVERTYSMARTPHONE.COM”, keep an up-to-date database of providers by getting it from the Government , and and just a basic overview with “research and do it yourself” options, and a nice spot for “reviews”. And, if they. or someone else wanted to offer me a used decent Smartphone with service similar to the MetroPCS (with much better coverage than the free gives) that they now charge is it $30 / mo, for $25, I would take it. Or, if they, not a Government entity WERE NOT able to secure less than $30.00/mo, but COULD refurb with a 2 year (OK maybe 1, but 2 is gold) warranty, and I could get a halfway decent phone, outdated by a Millennial or Snooty Yuppies standards, but a “cadillac” 2-3 (even 4) years ago: hell yeah I’d be in the market! I just burned through my last Blackberry (old OS) I am a dinosaur. I want Flintstones stuff (except for that foot-powered car, give me the donkey pulling the BMW in Kazakhstan from “Borat” over that any day!” To the couple so polite and sweet, sending messages to “Big Brother” over a tablet, and asking these kind people to help you by leaving your number: “THIMK” as the 1970’s bumper sticker said. You are breaking my heart. I would help you. Shhh it’s taxpayer paid and a Bill is already trying to kill it, SO GET ONE NOW. Just “Fill it out, don’t worry if you have some other old one”. I threw the other pile away; no one asked! New-ish Smartphone: 6 Days. DON”T GIVE YOUR CREDIT CARD/ DON”T GIVE BANK ROUTING NUMBERS NO NO NO! YES I GAVE SS#. PAY FOR NOTHING ITS A FREE PROGRAM!!!. They do not know/do not care if you got something else from somebody else. I READ CONTRACTS: THE SMARTPHONE SAYS: IF you do not report lost/stolen, you are responsible for usage fees. If you do report, you are not, but you have to pay $25.00 for replacement (or, nothing, report and move on to another company). They will go out of business if they do not give enough smartphones/service away. They are payed by taxpayer dollars by the Federal Government state by state to each company to accomplish this. You will find them eager to give. Give=paycheck for them. IF you have troubles: Find out how/where the money is disbursed to each state by means of what they call a “Federal Block Grant” find/call the person in the Capitol City of your State who takes that money and gives it to all the companies that offer these free phones w/service. They will help you. Its either the Energy Dept, ot The FCC. Good Day.

    Reply

    • Bottom line for us: Orange Alert called us saints. We’be never been called saints before. As long as it’s not the New Orleans Saints. We hate those guys.

      Reply

  137. I had a lifeline phone more than 2 years ago and it was disconnected. We moved last September to a new state and my medical issues have become increasingly concerning to me needing a cell phone again. When I try to apply the company says I am in contract with another company till December 2017???? but cannot tell me how to find out who the other company is or any information on how to prove I don’t and have not had a phone for years through lifeline. The old company shows I was disconnected and am not in there service area to reconnect service.
    Can you assist on how to clear this up? I am in desperate need of a phone as I am now unable to drive and rely on public transit and have major medical issues.

    Reply

    • Call back to the new company you’re trying to enroll with. Ask to speak to a supervisor. Explain your situation and ask that they check the National Lifeline Assistance Database and correct it. That is a service they should provide according to the rules of the program.

      Reply

  138. Hi, I put a application for my wife yesterday and I would like to know the status on that please. her name is Leticia martinez we couldn’t sign because we only have a I-pad not a computer

    Reply

    • We can’t tell you the status, Carlos, because we’re not the Lifeline free government cell phone you applied to. Visit the company’s website to see if it has a “Check Your Status” (or something similar) function. If not, call customer service.

      Reply

  139. Called to report my phone was stolen but I called it and it is still activaded. Also I would like my one free phone..Bit I still haven’t heard a response back

    Reply

  140. i need a new cell now and fast with the same number or can put the same sim card in the phone so i can keepthe same number i need in now so really fast

    Reply

    • Fast is a relative term in the free government cell phone business, Nisa. Most companies say you’ll get your phone in two weeks, but readers tell us it usually takes three or even four weeks.

      Reply

  141. I have a Safelink free phone because I’m on ssi and food stamps, how do I upgrade to a smartphone?

    Reply

    • Good question, Donald. The new Lifeline regulations that went into effect late last year require the free government cell phone companies to give smartphones to all new customers, but don’t require them to give them to current customers. So you have two choices:

      1. Contact your service provider’s customer service team. Maybe you’re with a company that is flexible enough to give you an upgrade smartphone for free. Maybe they’ll require you to pay a relatively small fee for it.
      2. Switch to a different free government cell phone company. As a new customer, they’ll give you a smartphone.

      Reply

  142. Hello I have a government cell phone from access wireless it’s a regular cell phone not a smartphone. I have been with access wireless for more than 2 years. I was told by access wireless that they have a policy of haveing thier goverment cellphones customers wait a year before being able to qualify for a upgrade to a government smartphone.. though I have been with access wireless for more than 2 years and I have tried for the last year several times to see if I qualifyed for a upgrade to a government smartphone with access wireless ..Access wireless simply will not upgrade my regular government cellphone to a government smartphone. Though access wireless hands goverment free smartphones out freely for the last year or more and I have been with access for more than 2 years now..What can I do about this wrong practice by access wireless?

    Reply

    • First thing we’d do is call 6-1-1 and ask to speak to a customer service rep. The higher up you go, the more likely you are to find someone who can make an exception to policy. If that gets you nowhere, you can always switch free government cell phone providers. The FCC made a perverse rule that requires the free government cell phone companies to offer free smartphones to new customers, but doesn’t do anything to require them to take care of longstanding, good customers like you. We think it’s crazy, but that’s the regulation.

      However, if you switch Lifeline companies, your new company will be required to give you a smartphone. So you might want to consider switching. Crazy, huh?

      Reply

  143. I just typed a long comment only to be told I had already done this . I would rather you phone me than do this on line .

    Reply

      • Looking for a good government cell phone program with free unlimited data with unlimited talk and text out here in Redlands, Ca 92373
        Thank You,
        Kurt. S

        Reply

        • Ahhh, beautiful Redlands, California, the jewel of the Inland Empire. This comment moderator had a beautiful girlfriend in Redlands for many years. But that is neither here nor there.

          Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state, plus all their plans, and their contact info:

          https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

          Reply

    • Most companies allow you to upgrade to a smartphone. They may send you a new one for free if you’ve had your account long enough or if you happen to find a particularly helpful customer service agent. If you are required to pay for an upgrade, the prices are generally pretty reasonable. Depending on which service provider you are with, you may be able to Bring Your Own Device (BYOD).

      Reply

    • Your best bet, Diane, is to contact Safelink customer service to get a complete and accurate answer to that question.

      Reply

  146. Iwould be very interested in this program I only get $800 a month and I cannot afford a cell phone any longer to be able to have this phone would be life-saving my husband has had a stroke and I am on oxygen but unfortunately we live in Oregon and we don’t get to participate thank you

    Reply

  147. I’m on food stamps, Medicaid, cash aid. I need a free government phone. I am a low income Bridgeport Connecticut resident.

    Reply

  149. I do not have a signal on my phone. The call is dropped ,before it goes through.How do I get service.

    Reply

    • Is this a new phone or have you had it for a while, Tofe? Firs thing you need to do is contact your service provider’s customer service or tech suppor team.

      Reply

  150. Hi
    I have got life line phone I do not know how to set or reset voice mail could you help me on that please

    Reply

    • Since we don’t know what make or model of phone you have, it’s impossible for us to give you step-by-step instructions, Abolhassan. But here’s the easiest thing to do: Google the make and model of your phone with the words “user manual.” You will quickly find an online user manual and can easily look up the answer to your question.

      Reply

  151. I am currently a SAFELINK customer and they are dropping the free govt. option here in Oregon.
    I count on that because I am on SNAP, Medicaid and SSI. I really hope you can qualify me for your service as I live on a very limited fixed income…$713.00 a month. Please help! My application is in the mail to you today (4/4/2017).

    Reply

    • Your application isn’t in the mail to us, Eric, because we’re not a Lifeline service provider. Who did you send your application to?

      Reply

  152. I AM SIMPLY TRYING TO GET A NEW PHONE BECAUSE THE OLD ONE DOESNT WORK PROPERLY. THE NUMBERS ON THE KEY PAD DO NOT GO WITH THE NUMBERS I PUSH LIKE 1 I GET 2 ETC. IT GETS TIRESOME WHEN I AM TRYING TO TXT. CAN YOU DIRECT ME OR HELP ME IVE BEEN A CUSTOMER FOR A WHILE NOW AND IVE HAD THIS PHONE JUST AS LONG. THANK YOU FOR YOUR HELP MY PH # IS *********@GMAIL.COM PH# 520 220 ****

    Reply

  153. yes I am interested in a more updated cell PHONE for the low income program. i am thankful to have had one but it woukdnt ever pick up service at home. only in town.

    Reply

  154. I have a free phone from u. It is not working, stuck on talk.I called customer service.followed inst. It did not help. I am a senior citizen. Not good on the computer. My cell #321 245 ****. Please have someone call me at home#352 591 ****.

    Reply

    • No reason for us to contact you, Gloria, because we’re not your service provider. We’re an independent informational website. You need to contact your service provider’s customer service team by phone or online to solve your problem.

      Reply

    • We can’t send you a replacement phone because we’re not your Lifeline free government cell phone provider. You’ll need to contact its customer service team directly.

      Reply

    • Not true, Renee. As a judge once told me in court, “Don’t believe everything you read in the newspaper, young man.”

      Reply

  157. I need a smartphone. I have epilepsy , collect food stamps, the whole shebang. my sister set me up with safelink. I hate the phone. its hard to use and its not what I am used to using. thay had the nerve to try to replace the phone that they sent me a alcatel 257bg. its junk and I cant see the numbers. now I am looking for a new provider can you help me.

    Reply

    • How long have you been with Safelink, Shane? You must remain with your current provider for one full year before you can switch to another one (sorry, but that’s a new rule that went into effect on December 2, 2016). If you are now eligible to switch, here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone plans in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Check them all out to find the plan that fits your needs best (most minutes, most texts, most data, best smartphone). Good luck.

      Reply

  158. I need an actual application to fill out. No data, no internet, no web pages that go on forever,
    Just a form to fill out, and a SEND click, or envelope to stuff it in (I have that)

    Reply

    • Damanding, aren’t you, Bruce. Perhaps if you took the time to notice, we are not a free government cell phone company. We’re an independent, informational website. In other words, we are not authorized to snap to attention and fulfill your requests. You’ll need to contact one of the service providers in your state and demand that they fulfill your wishes. Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • We’re an independent informational website, Donna, and not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. Here’s where you can find all the Lifeline companies doing business in your state. You’ll need to find the plan you prefer and contact the company using the contact info we provide. You can enroll online or by phone:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  160. I have read several times on your web site that California doesn’t have unlimited anything. That is not true. I live in California and I get everything for free with Assurance. Once Access takes over I’m not sure what I will have. But that is probably still in negotiations. And there are several companies that offer free everything here.

    And just an afterthought, if President Trump gets his way, we might lose our Obama Phones to his tantrums as well. Just saying!

    Reply

  162. Need free cellphone ASAP. Hometown homebound can’t go anywhere please get back to me at your earliest convenience my name is Jason

    Reply

  163. I my Obama phone will not charge when I plug it in and I was wondering if I can please receive a replacement phone, so that my relatives can contact me.

    Reply

  164. Hi, I am qualified and do have a very small Tracfone by Safelink.. Please, will you help me to get a smart phone and internet service that is very cheap? I have looked everywhere. Thanks so much. lin

    Reply

  165. I need a new minute phone my phone got stolen and now I don’t have one can I please get one if it’s okay cuz I don’t got money like that thank you

    Reply

  166. I have Q-Link Galaxy S2. Ive had it for approx 3 years. Can I only get wireless or can I pay and get regular internet access? Wireless is handy when in wireless area but if not Im stuck.

    Reply

    • The Lifeline free government cell phone program only offers wireless service, Elaine. But there are other companies that are not part of this program that offer other low-income plans. You can check them all out at our other website, CheapInternet.com.

      http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet

      Check each of the plans carefully to make sure you find the ones for which you are eligible and the ones that are available in your area.

      Reply

  167. I currently have a qlink wireless phone. The prob!em i have is that i have no signal where i live now. It does me no good to have a phone if i cant use it. I have a microcell thats connected to my wifi. But its not set up to use my qlink phone. I dont know if i can even use it for that line? How can i find out what to do? Please contact mE. Thank you.

    Reply

    • We’ve heard this same complaint from many readers. How long have you had your free government cell phone account, Julia? If it’s been more than a year, you are free to switch to a different Lifeline service provider. If not, you’re stuck in this situation for a one year period.

      Reply

  168. I volunteer in a Nursing Home and Assisted Living Home in Oregon. Many seniors here are on Medicaid usually receiving only $60/ month to meet their basic needs, e.g. personal hygiene items, and personal care (hair cuts,) clothes, outings, some need pet supplies, snacks. These people cannot even afford the companies that offer low cost phones.

    Basic call-out phones is all they want and need, especially to stay in touch with family members or friends outside of the local area code. The facilities usually offer room phones, but only for local calls. Contact outside of their area is very important for those with limited social contact and sometimes could even be important for their health and welfare.

    Reply

  169. I have a access phone. I would like to report it lost. Can you please help me with this situation. Thanks.

    Reply

  173. I have a phone with safelink for more then a year, the phone has been acting up for a bout a month, i finally got a hold of somebody after calling three different days. safelink is going to send me a new phone, but they did not say anything thing about cutting my phone i can not get in to a network can not use my phone at all. my phone number is 657-253-****. i have to wait seven to ten days to get my new phone, can not get a hold of customer services. Thank you

    Reply

  174. I pay my way. Even if your poor everyone should pay something even if it’s $10.00. Alot of these People can pay something and should. Americans who pay Taxes will not be happy.

    Reply

  176. I have been with ‘safelink wireless cell phone; gov. program for years (2009). I have a ‘LG’ cell that they sent me. It doesn’t work very good. My son Mark gave me a Samsung chrome-book for X-ma. The cell phone has a camera that does work except for the ability to transfer any of these pics to my new laptop. I called safelink and they offered to sell me an upgraded better phone for a discounted price. I live on SSDI and in the poverty level income bracket. I am researching gov. programs and keep seeing “QLINK cell. Will they send me a free phone?? And is this a good choice

    Reply

    • I have Q-Link with a 3G free phone. It has been a mess! First of all, 3G is slow and I think the phone is part of the problem but not sure. As for “bars” that denote signal strength, I NEVER get more than 2 bars and usually it’s only one! I am in Minnesota just north of Minneapolis, so I would think the signal would be strong. I am in the process of cancelling this service. Even that is a hassle. I have to do it by calling them, which can be difficult in terms of quality of speech received-drops, break-ups, static–all cause me to have to redial and go through the process again.

      Q-link likely works better in some areas. It would have to for them to stay in business. You might be able to find out where the majority of their plans are in the U.S. Perhaps that would tell you how good reception is. Good luck!

      Reply

    • You’ve stumbled upon one of the areas of the free government cell phone program that’s most unfair, Pearl. New customers are given smartphones, but current customers are expected to pay to upgrade to smartphones. Completely unfair, isn’t it?

      Reply

  178. I am a SAFE LINK customer for several years. I would like FREE internet and a new smartphone when available. How do I go about this?Ju

    Reply

  179. I have safelink services and i lost my phone now i have to buy one i dont know where to start or what phone to buy. Is it any Trac Phone? I dont want to waste money that I really dont have. Please help

    Reply

    • Contact Safelink customer service to ask which phones are compatible. You can also check the Safelink website. Click on “Account” and then on “Upgrade My Phone.”

      Reply

  180. I have a phone but its to small cant push buttons or hardley see letter want to see if i can upgrade phone to more modern

    Reply

  181. I work for a local non-profit in CT. My supervisor would like to provide me with a company cell phone. Does your company provide free phones to Non-Profit agencies?

    Reply

    • First, it’s not “our” company, Julie. We’re an independent website, not a free government cell phone company. In answer to your question, no, the phones are only given out to individuals, not non-profit organizations. If you qualify, you can apply for your own phone. Here’s where you can find a list of all the Lifeline free government cell phone companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Each Lifeline free government cell phone company has an assortment of refurbished phones, Anthony. They are handed out at random, so you never know what make and model of phone you’ll get. You can buy the upgraded phone of your choice (from the ones offered).

      Reply

    • We try to stay completely neutral and don’t recommend one company over another. That being said, we do like the folks at enTouch Wireless and Blue Jay Wireless.

      Reply

  184. Which company has a different size Sim cards and which company is the best want to have overall in which company is the best want to work for? As in stopping people and asking do they want a free phone

    Reply

  185. Please help a very frustrated girl out….. I’ve had qlink wireless for a couple years and the phones are awesome… yep there’s a but here… THEIR CUSTOMER SERVICE ISN’T WORTH A … WELL ANYWAYS. …. I’ve been trying reach someone anyone human that is, to cancel my service… nothing, no one.
    I need a phone but how when I can’t cancel with qlink?

    Reply

    • Sometimes it’s necessary to work around the syste, Tia. Many companies make it far easier to sign up for service than they do to cancel it. But we’d suggest that you visit the Q Link website, click on “Help Center” and then click on “Contact Us.” You will find an online email form. Fill it out, send it, and let’s see if you get any response. Please let us know how it works.

      Reply

  186. I’m trying to find out if my mom qualifies for a free government phone she is on ssi the email I gave is mine my mom does not have an email

    Reply

    • No way for us to know, Phyllis, because we are not your service provider. We are just a humble independent website with no affiliation with any of the free government cell phone companies.

      Reply

  188. Ok I called to upgrade mine I had it for 8 years an only ever needed a new one 2 times . An the lady on the phone told me if I wanted to remain in the program I’d have to buy my own phone if I wanted that one !! Needless to say people around here are popping up with them !

    Reply

  190. I’M LIKE TO GET A FREE GOOGLE PIXLES SMARTPHONE WITH UNLIMITED EVERYTHING ALSO IN ARKANSAS AND YOU GOT MEDICAID TOO WITH FOOD STAMPS

    Reply

    • Well, good luck on that one, Robert. No one offers “unlimited everything” in Arkansas. You can’t even get unlimited everything in California, where Lifeline customers get more of everything. Here’s where you can check out all the companies and plans currently available in Arkansas:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Check them all out carefully, because some companies and plans give you more than others.

      Reply

      • Start by looking up at the top of this page and clicking on “How To Get One.” Read that article and go from there, Nadia.

        Reply

    • Smartphones are available now, Shirley. Every new customer is supposed to get a smartphone according to new regulations that went into effect on December 2, 2016.

      In regard to internet, it was also supposed to be available as of December 2, 2016, but it is rolling out very slowly. So far only four companies have been approved to provide Lifeline Broadband and as far as we can tell only one is actually offering it at this point. Check out the free government cell phone companies and plans in your state, because many of them have begun offering limited data plans. Here’s where you can find all those companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

      • Then you should apply for the Lifeline free government cell phone program, Lisa. You’re the kind of person it was designed for.

        Reply

  195. it is really not ever going to be much of a benefit for anyone, whether its with regular cell phones or smart phones, unless the companies that are providing the services stop providing nothing but junk, barely working and always malfunctioning phones

    Reply

  196. I lost or had stolen my safelink fla. Phone in 2008 and am wondering if is still activated. Could u help me shut off free minutes to my account?

    Reply

  197. Hi my name is Adrian Perryman. i signed up and was approved for a free gov. cell phone by one of your field workers on the street, but i drove off before i could get the phone. how can i get my phone?

    Reply

  199. My phone with safe link not working I called them n they told me to go buy phone cause they mailed one in June n I never received it. CAn you help me get new phone free. Wanda Broughton

    Reply

    • We’re not a free government cell phone company, Wanda, so we can’t help you get a new phone. Replacement phones are typically not free. Most of the companies charge a small fee.

      Reply

  200. I am trying to get a free phone from y’all but every time I try to get one it keeps taking me back to the main screen. It says to submit and I did. Now it won’t tell me if I got the phone or not. I’d really appreciate it if I could know something.

    Reply

    • It’s not “us” you’re trying to get a phone from, Amber. We’re an independent website that’s not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. If you can’t enroll on the internet, try calling customer service.

      Reply

  201. My # ia 231 580 ****. I lost my phone. I lost all information on my phone. I need to talk to a person to get another. Yes I will pay.

    Reply

    • Well, you’re right about one thing, Theresa. You DO need to talk to a person and that person is a customer service rep at your service provider. Contact them by phone or online.

      Reply

  203. I would like to get emails for free government cell phones for Missouri only. The phones that I maybe eligible for as in a android or smartphone only touchscreens only.

    Reply

    • Sorry, Felicia, but our email newsletter system is not set up to handle mailings on a state-by-state basis. But you really should sign up for the full service, because you’ll receive tons of great info on the Lifeline free government cell phone program.

      Reply

  204. I have a access wireless phone which I am not pleased with. I had a complaint for nearly a year but, I got no resoonse from it.. Can I change.

    Reply

  205. I a a Safelink customer. I just upgraded to a smart phone. I read in your news blog that all lifeline carriers would would start giving their customers 500 minutes starting in December. Well I had to call anxd get my minutes and they said that Safelink customers with a smart phone would only get 350 minutes. Can hyou look into this?

    Reply

    • The new FCC regulations say that customers must receive either 500 minutes or 500 MB of data, but not both. Since you have a smartphone, we assume you are getting the 500 MB of data.

      Reply

    • You can’t represent us, Sam, because we’re not a free government cell phone company. We’re an independent website.

      Reply

    • How do I apply for the free fone offer with the free upgrades like I said I receive social security foodstamps Medicaid and Medicare I also am mostly homebound due to sickness.i would like to know my options. Thank you and Merry Christmas.

      Reply

      • You can apply online (Tracfone or Assurance wireless). One per household. Not sure if these programs will be eliminated given posesion of our new president…. Good luck!!

        Reply

  210. I hope you can help me here. I have a free phone through a life line company, but I can not find who they are, my phone is a small flip phone, no access to internet, only used for incoming and out going calls, I can send a text if knew how though, but any how, I went to make a call from my phone and a message come across that my account can’t be validated, please contact customer service, and it doesn’t leave a #, and I don’t know who to contact!! I had it for years, and at least once a year I renew it, and I am contacted by whom ever, but this time I wasn’t, so what happened? I have a phone that I can’t use right now. by the way, my # is 443-754-****

    Reply

    • You might not like this answer, Jeanette, but there’s really one way to solve your problem. You need to go down the list of free government cell phone service providers in your state one-by-one and contact each of their customer service teams to ask if they’re your company. They can tell by your name or address or social security number or phone number. You can find that long list (it’s about 15 companies) here on our “States” page:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  211. Hi my name is Elba. I am on your website trying to locate the application to apply. It doesn’t give me the option. Please email me the application or where I can apply. Thank you and happy holidays.

    Reply

    • This is an independent website, Elba, and we’re not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies. So we cannot offer application forms. You need to contact one of the service providers directly in order to enroll.

      Reply

  213. I’m trying to update my old government phone cause the one I have is not working and I need another one could you please send me some information on where I can go and get another phone. I have tried to get on the safe link website but can’t get in is there a number where I can talk to a live representative

    Reply

  214. I have a lovely lg Optimus S sitting around that ran on sprint when I had a life and job. Can I use that with assurance wireless soon to be access wireless? It’s better with texting

    Reply

    • Not all cell phones are compatible with all cell phone networks, Chris. You need to contact Assurance customer service or tech support to get a definitive answer on your particular make and model of phone.

      Reply

    • Contact your service provider’s customer service or tech support team online or by phone, Moon.

      Reply

    • I apply already. no sent me the phone. my address is ************ miami fl 33174. i needed the phone no have one. i get food stamps and medicare too. socoal is 58227****. please send me the phone

      Reply

      • How long ago did you apply, Sandra? Our readers tell us that if often takes three or four weeks or even longer for the phones to arrive depending on which company you enrolled with.

        Reply

    • i just need a cell phone. i been out of work a long time and my job requires me to have a phone. help me help myself please. **********, glendale az 85022

      Reply

      • There are a number of great free government cell phone options in Arizona, Jerry. Check them all out very carefully to make sure you find the plan (most minutes, most texts, most data) that fits you needs best. Then enroll with that company using the contact info we include in the company’s listing page.

        Reply

  223. I have been trying to get a free smart phone for my mom who is qualified under medicare/medical but not been able to. I have called and the operator has said they have sent the application and none has been received.

    Reply

    • Read our answers to similar questions below, Rosslyn, to see why we recommend against enrolling for a free government cell phone at a street tent or booth.

      Reply

  228. I have lost my cell phone-safelink pls de activate it and sent replacement to Marilynn Olsen, ********** Kenosha, WI 53143 Phone number on lost phone was 262-344-**** and the old address was **** St. Kenosha, WI 53143 email me @ **************@yahoo.com Thank you

    Reply

  229. I’m trying to get my friend signed up with Safelink..She has such an old cell phone, it’s threw Assurance Wireless..I told her about Safelink & that you get 500 min. a month now also free txing & the minutes that’s not used is carry-over..She’s been on the LIHEAP PROGRAM for yrs too..Also I had shown her my cell that I love, you don’t have button’s to push that you can hardly see, & it holds a SD Card, so she can save her pictures of there family get togethers too..She’s in her early 60’s, also lives alone..We usually have a tent that’s set up once a month in Rogersville, TN. I had his phone # so I could help people, but lost it..You wouldn’t know who’s over Safelink in Rogersville, TN would you? If so would you please send me his #, & dates..Tk you so much…

    Reply

    • First of all, Judy, thanks for helping your friend. That’s very kind of you.

      In answer to your questions, we do not recommend enrolling at a street tent or booth. They have been the source of too much fraud and abuse and we would hate to see your friend get herself in trouble that way. Instead, she should enroll directly with customer service online or by phone. Here’s where you can find a list of all the free government cell phone service providers in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • Are you asking if you can use your EBT card to prove your eligibility? (If that’s the case, we assume you can, but you should check with your chosen service provider’s customer service team. They will be able to give you a quick, accurate answer.)

      Or are you asking if you can pay with it? (If that’s what you’re asking, the free government cell phone is abasolutely free and there’s no need to pay for anything.)

      Reply

  231. HELLO, I NAME IS PEDRO BAGGIO IF I HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT IS NOT SO THAT ONE OF THE SIDE IS GIVEN AND MAKE ANOTHER TELEPHONE TO WHO DO NOT GIVE THAT BREAD THAT?

    BUT I DENIED A TELEPHONE THE SUNRISE lG l15g TODAY I WILL TALK TO TRYE CONNECT IF I DO NOT BUY THEM BUT BUT I CARE MUCH MY SOCIAL AND MEDICAL INSURANCE MY NAME IS PEDRO BAGGIO LAST FOUR

    Reply

      • I think Pedro might be saying will he lose his phone if he gets another phone for someone else. Because he needs his government income.

        Reply

  232. Also I heard that there was a change and that I may could get 500. minutes. Is this true. I have ssi way poor woman alone with help with housing and utility assistance. I am sure I draw the minimum of SSI. do I qualify for a better phone? Don’t get very good reception. But I am just happy to have a phone.

    Reply

    • You didn’t mention which company you’re with, Carie, so we can’t tell you if your minutes have been increased.

      It’s not guaranteed that you’ll get better reception if you get a different phone. You may just live in a zone that has poor signal strength. Do you get better reception when you travel to other parts of your area?

      Reply

  233. Hello I’m Carie Bundy
    Last month I lost my phone or rather my grandson 3 hid it. I didn’t try to redeem my min. because I thought I couldn’t until the 1st. So I contacted support and tried to redeem my min.
    I never got to talk to a human. So didn’t get min. So now I’m cancelled. I was good until 1/31/2019. I would like to find out about some other advantages that I may be eligible for also. So now I have to borrow a phone. Why did I get cancelled and why can I never get to talk to a person. This is very annoying. I have been trying for a couple of days now. Please help.

    Reply

    • First of all, you cannot have “been good until 1-31-2019 because every free government cell phone customer is required to recertify annually. Is it possible that you got cancelled because you did not recertify?

      If you’ve been cancelled you can re-enroll with any free government cell phone company that does business in your state. You can find that list here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

    • That’s a complaint we’ve never heard before, Jasmine. You should be able to call ANY phone from your free government cell phone. Maybe you should contact your service provider’s tech support team.

      Reply

  239. I have straight talk service that ends in five days I will not be able to refill service I need to know if I can keep/use my current phone number upon signing up

    Reply

    • Yes, you should be able to keep your phone number. But you need to tell them to “port over my current phone number” during your first conversation. Apply for your free government phone and do not cancel your current phone service until after you receive your free government cell phone and it is up and running.

      Reply

  240. Are there any Lifeline providers that will allow me to use a Virgin Mobile Galaxy S3 (no sim card) in place of the phone that’s provided? I have a friend that is on government assistance, and I have a Galaxy S3 just gathering dust.

    Reply

  241. Hi, our son has a Safe link free phone. It quit working and he has had it almost 2 years. We spent a long time with tech support to correct the issues. They advised it was broken and to call Safe link and tell them. The answers given were so vague I have 0 idea what he is suppose to do. Sounds like he can buy a new phone at Walmart, or he can purchase a Smartphone. Can anyone explain to me what this is they are talking about?
    thanks,

    Reply

    • Since we didn’t hear the conversation, Tricia, it’s impossible for us to tell you what they were talking about.

      Reply

  243. Why did three Safelink phones I know of get 500 minutes yesterday (11-1-16) instead of 350? These are established lines, not recently added service. Not complaining about extra minutes, just wondering if it is a permanent increase.

    Reply

    • All free government cell phone companies are required to offer smartphones by December 1, 2016. Some of them already offer them. But you’ll need to contact each of your preferred service providers to ask if they can now guarantee that you’ll receive a smartphone.

      Reply

      • es, i just called safelinks and was told tat i would ave buy a smartpone. when i quoted what your page says about getting a smartphone by december 1,2016, i was told to call on december 1,2016 so they could address my request. i do understand if i can a smartphone how come they help wit tat

        Reply

        • Quirky and unfair as it sounds, Sharon, Safelink only offers smartphones in California at this time.

          Reply

  245. I’m trying to apply for a goverment cell phone online but im having trouble filling out an application on here.Yes I do qaulify but its not sending it out.
    Can i apply over the phone?

    Reply

  247. My Assist Wireless government cell phone was stolen on the bus. I’ve been trying to get another one for 2 weeks now. When I call the number to speak with someone to try and get me a replacement phone I’m on hold for hours. I don’t know if I’m considering this as a complaint or reaching out for help. Can someone help me?

    Reply

    • Have you visited your service provider’s website, Brenda? Check it out to see if it offers a way to email customer service or even do an online chat.

      Reply

  249. I live in a rural area of North Carolina which only has 2 choices of phone & TV service–a rural membership owned telephone company, Randolph Communications, & Time Warner Cable. My home phone has recently gone to $58 a month which I can no longer afford. We are on fixed minimum SS income–my husband is disabled & terminally ill. We cannot afford the phone company’s internet or phone service & had to cancel Cable TV but kept Road Runner internet. Initially the plan was $14.99 a month plus the modem rental which came to $24 a month. We could afford that – then suddenly we started having internet problems–loading, barely crawling speeds – talked to Time Warner & they suggested going up to the next level – I agreed to try it–now the new internet bill is $45 a month & service is by far worse. I then signed up for Safelink Wireless & got the free phone–however I was sent a gsm phone instead of a cdma phone–we only have Verizon service in my area – not AT&T. I have worked & worked with Safelink people trying to activate the free phone–will not activate. Instead of sending me a new cdma phone they sent a SIM card–phone still will not work. I have now had the phone for 3-1/2 weeks; cannot use it & every time I try to get it activated I’m told to give it a day or so & then call back. I am trying to get cell phones for myself & my husband so we can drop the landline phone & still have access to 911 but I also need the internet as I correspond back & forth with husband’s doctors that way & order his medical supplies. I was reading about the new internet service Time Warner/Charter will have out soon but you cannot have been a customer within the last 60 days to be eligible. Does anyone have any suggestions of anything I have not considered.

    Reply

  250. I already have a free Gov. phone but I would like the new phone. My phone is old and out of date. I don’t know how to get the latest free Gov..phone..Help!!

    Reply

    • Hi, I was in the same situation, just go back on the page and try to request a new line then it will ask for your info, once everything is submitted it will show that you already have a phone and it would ask if you want to upgrade.

      Reply

    • I already have a free government cell phone but the problem is that I do not receive calls or I can not make any cell call. I don’t have any service where I live. So is there anything you can do for me like a new cell phone or better phone service I no that version works for this. Location where I live. I live in Guerneville,Ca. 95446.

      Reply

      • It’s impossible for us to know what kind of service you’ll get from any particular free government cell phone company or any particular make and model of phone. All you can do is ask your friends and neighbors which cell networks they are on and when you find people who say they get good service from one particular company, enroll with a Lifeline company that uses that national cell network. Good luck. At least you live in a gorgeous part of the country.

        Reply

    • It’s a hit-and-miss proposition, John. Most companies distribute the phones randomly — so the enrolled just before and after you might get smartphones, but you might not. Most companies allow you to upgrade to a smartphone for a reasonably small fee. Here’s an article that tells you more:

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

      Q Link promises smartphones to all its new customers, but it is not yet doing business in North Carolina. And come December 1 (or thereabouts) all Lifeline companies will supposedly be required to provide smartphones to all customers.

      Reply

  256. MY PHONE HAS BEEN STOLEN and I HAVE NOT BEEN ABLE TO SPEAK WITH A HUMAN.
    SOME ONE PLEASE, PLEASE HELP ME WITH THIS MATTER. THE PHONE WAS A VERY IMPORTANT PART OF MY DISABLED SENIOR LIFE. HELP, HELP , HELP PLEASE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    THANKING YOU IN ADVANCE,

    Reply

    • Ahhh, south Orange County. This comment moderator lived in Dana Point for many years. Because we have an affection for the area, we’ll give you an extended answer.

      The place you should go to get a free government cell phone is online or straight to your phone. We no longer recommend enrolling at a street tent or booth because there have been too many cases of fraud and abuse coming from those locations. Don’t do it. PLEASE apply online or by phone.

      To make it easier for you, here’s where you can find a complete list of Lifeline service providers in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  261. I had a I phone and it had got stolen on Saturday night. I really need a phone for my daughter. she’s not doing well. also need it for her doctors, and school work. if there is anyway you can help me that will be great. I’m a single mother.

    Reply

  263. I have a government phone.Center with no charger and no information about the phone.I’m very upset cause this phone does not work right.I’m txt you on another phone.I called Q links and couldn’t get through so I e-mailed them.This phone was preowned 2yrs.ago ! Her Facebook account was on my phone!!They told me I could have another phone for 25.00!!!!That’s ripping off the government. I ENROLLED IN THE PROGRAM CAUSE I CAN’T AFFORD ANY OTHER.SO,WHY ARE THEY CHARGING FOR ANOTHER PHONE!!! I believe they send bad phones so they can charge for another.I have no other phone and now they want 25$which I don’t have.Do something about this please.

    Reply

    • We’re not the government, Charlene. We’re an independent website that specializes in the free government cell phone business. If you can’t get your service provider to provide help, you only have a couple options. (1) If you’ve had your phone for 60 days or more, you can switch to another provider. Here’s an article that tells you how simple that is to do:

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

      If you’ve had your phone for fewer than 60 days, and your service provider refuses to help you, your only remaining choice is to raise holy hell with regulators. Here’s an article that tells you exactly how to complain to the FCC, your state public utility commission, and USAC, the organizations that regulate the industry:

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

      Other readers have told us that it helps to complain to the Better Business Bureau. Hell, complain to them all, Charlene.

      Reply

  264. I have a gov phone and cannot use because no network avaidable. I TURN IT OFF AND BACK ON AND THE V is still in the left corner. will someone please tell me what to do.

    Reply

  265. Hello, I have right now safelink, would I be eligible for free internet board and service come Dec 1 ” , because I would rather have that than instead of paying TW for internet service,
    Thank you

    Reply

    • You would still be eligible for the programs with smartphones, if you are now eligible for the program. Eligibility will not change.

      Reply

  266. I am a widowed and disabled, do not have car or feel phone, therefore when I am all somewhere my panics attacks get worse. Having a phone it will help someday. M Lara Bisher

    Reply

  267. I am trying to cancel my lifeline service at Access and there is no phone number to speak to a representative. I have called customer service and canr get a rep. Also dialed 611 like it says and still no help.

    Reply

    • Are you cancelling because you no longer qualify or because you’re switching service providers? If you no longer qualify you can just turn your phone off so that it can neither send nor receive calls or texts and it will automatically be cancelled after 60 days of inactivity. If you want to switch providers, that company will take care of cancelling Access.

      All that being said, we get the same “I can’t get in touch with Access” message quite often. It must be incredibly frustrating for our readers.

      Reply

      • safelink advertise smart phones but they don’t send out smart phones 2 times they sent out the small flip phone you can hardly see the screen. when I called the and asked they said that there not available in all areas , buy yet the advertise that they have it now in my area Washington state.

        Reply

        • We’ve reported that Safelink only offers smartphones in California. Some of our readers, like you, have reported that they got smartphones in other states. It’s a very confusing situation that we’ll continue to update as we get more information.

          Reply

  273. I had free phone service through a company called REACHOUT WIRELESS, HOWEVER THEY DISCONTINUED THEIR LIGELINE SERVICE BACK I THINK IN APRIL OF THIS YEAR. I HAVE TRIED THE SAFELINK AND ITS USELESS HERE. ALL MY PHONE EVER SAID IS FOR EMERGENCY CALLS ONLY. WITH THE REACHOUT I HAD THE BEST SERVICE I EVER HAD THROUGH THE LIFELINE SERVICE. THERE ARE SEVERAL LIFELINE PROVIDERES ADVERTISING ON FACEBOOK LIKE QLINK AND DUGOUT BUT NONE OFFER SERVICE HERE IN THE MIDDLE GEORGIA AREA LIKE EASTMAN AND HAWKINSVILLE, GEORGIA AREA. WHERE CAN I FIND ANOTHER DECENT LIGELINE PROVIDER THAT WILL OFFER A FREE SMARTPHONE? THOSE PHONES THAT SAFELINK PROVIDE ARE THE MOST CHEAPLY MADE PHONES EVER MADE. NO INTERNET ACCESS OR PHOTOS. WITH REACHOUT I HAD ALL OF THAT.

    Reply

  280. Tengo hace muchos años el teléfono gratuito de Assurance, vivo en Florida (Miami) y me gustaría poder tener un smart Phone
    para poder tener acceso a Internet, ahora que me avisaron que a partir de octubre cambia el proveedor a acces wireles tengo oportunidad de que me den un smart phone?. Gracias por su respuesta.

    Reply

    • Safelink only offers smartphones in California. If you live in that state, contact customer service to find out how to upgrade. If you don’t live there, you’re out of luck in terms of a smartphone upgrade.

      Reply

  282. I would really like to have customer reviews. Just because a service is “free” doesn’t make it operational or effective or efficient. I have had safelink since april 2016 and I can’t make a phone call but receive spam texts from companies I’ve never heard wanting to sell me stuff. all I want to be able to do is make a phone call and call 911. I live within 40 miles of dc everyone else around me has cell service. I had better service when I lived on an island in the middle of the pacific.

    Reply

  283. I’ve got a safe link cell phone but I can’t use it when I’m at home it don’t get signal at my house but I have a neighbor that lives up the road that has a safe link touch screen phone that picks up fine can I get a replacement touch screen phone so I can use it at home

    Reply

    • Getting a different phone does not guarantee that you’ll get a signal, Krystal. Invite your friend over to make sure she gets a signal at your house, too. It might just be that you live in an area that’s farther away from a cell tower.

      You can get a replacement phone from Safelink, but you’ll probably need to pay for the smartphone upgrade. Contact customer service to find out the details.

      Reply

  284. I’m new to this. I want to get a smart phone with Free Talk and Texts. I won’t be using it that much since I don’t know many people, just immediate family. However, I do know a couple of people in Florida and one in another State. How does this work? I usually email them. Please tell me more about The Pilot Program. What’s the best plan for me?
    Thank You.

    Reply

  285. hi I have a free government cell phone from access wireless for like 2 yrs. and I have a lot of problems with it. do u guys replace them for free. I was just wondering because I haven’t been able to buy a new one cuz I only get ssi income n have to pay bills n take care of my son.

    Reply

  286. I was try to get in touch with your service to have my phone turn off it was stold two weeks agao I don’t want buy replace phone for 25$ please leave me message

    Reply

  287. I want to know why I am told I have to buy another phone to receive pics and internet when most people received that kind of phone right off and I have a flip phone that I can’t use well at all can’t I send it back. Thank you for your time

    Reply

    • Most people don’t receive smartphones, Vickie. Many do, and all new customers of some Lifeline customers of some companies receive them. But things will change as of December 1 when all Lifeline customers are required to give all customers smartphones.

      Reply

      • This is my enrollment ID #. I call but they can’t find my información. please Let my know if I have to re-apply 100990****

        Reply

        • You didn’t tell us which company you enrolled with, Lorena. But most of the companies have a place on their website where you can check your enrollment status. That’s where we’d start if we were you.

          Reply

    • We’re 99.99% sure it will work, but there are blank spots in every service provider’s coverage. For example, if you go out into the middle of the Everglades, odds are that it won’t work. If you’re in any major city, it should work just fine.

      Reply

  289. I have a zte phone I have got a year ago and I wanted to start service on it again I just don’t know what company it too or the company number . The cell number is 806 759 ****

    Reply

    • Not all phones are compatible with all cell networks, Marisa. So it may take phone calls to a few service providers before you find one that will accept your ZTE phone, Marisa. Here’s where you can start. The following article will give you a list of every free government cell phone company in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  290. Yes I have a client. I have a free government cell phone with internet and it’s a pice of garbage! So I purchased a phone, a “net 10 ” ” track phone” one they said was compatible. Now after 2 months or more of using it they’re saying it’s not compatible, that I need to purchase another phone. They will not replace my defective phone. I already bought this phone because the phone I was sent originally was defective. This is ridiculous! I am very unsatisfied!

    Reply

    • Did you check with your service provider in advance to determine if the phone you intended to purchase was compatible with its network? That should have been your first step. Well, actually, it should have been your seconded step. The first step should have been calling your service provider’s customer service team to determine if they would replace your defective phone.

      Reply

  291. Because I live only on s.s. And do not receive food stamps, help with housing , free medical care I can’t get a free phone why?

    Reply

    • Why, indeed, Mary. The rules sometimes seem arbitrary when someone in great need does not qualify for a free government cell phone. Unfortunately, the rules are the rules and we cannot change them. Write a letter to the Federal Communications Commission and your Congressman. Believe it or not, they really do pay attention to such things.

      Reply

    • C’mon, Shirley, we’re not a free government cell phone company. We don’t know you. We don’t know which service provider you use. We don’t know anything about your account. We have absolutely no idea why they stopped your free minutes.

      Reply

    • We’re not your service provider, Jeffrey. We’re an independent website. Contact your service provider’s customer service team.

      Reply

  296. I have Assurance Wireless now and understand they are turning over to Access Wireless. When they do, is there anyway we can upgrade to a smartphone or do you replace what we have? Please explain this to me.

    Thank you

    Reply

  298. Hi im dan, I currently have an older safelink prepaid phone. Is there anything I can do to receive a smartphone from safelink?

    Reply

    • This website is not affiliated with any of the free government cell phone companies, so “we” can’t give you a phone, but we can give you the information you need to get one. Start with our “Do You Qualify” page here:

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

      If you do qualify, you can find all the free government cell phone companies in your state here:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Check them all out carefully, Jacqueline, because each plan is a little different (minutes, texts, data, etc) so pick the one that’s right for you, then enroll with that company either online or by phone.

      Reply

    • Sorry, Laura, but being on Medicare does not make you eligible. The program that makes you eligible is Medicaid. Common error.

      Reply

    • Impossible to answer your question, Tenesha, because you didn’t tell us who your service provider is. We’d recommend that you visit its website to find the answer. You can also call 6-1-1 to speak to customer service.

      Reply

  304. I am a SafeLink customer I still get assistance from the state I have an old broken flip phone how do I upgrade to a smartphone from the state

    Reply

    • It won’t be from the state, Mary. It will be from Safelink. There is some dispute as to whether this is still true, but as of a few weeks ago Safelink only offered smartphones in California. We have not been able to confirm whether it’s true or not.

      Call 6-1-1 (customer service) from your cell phone and ask the question. If it turns out that you cannot get a smartphone from Safelink where you live, here’s where you can find all the other free government cell phone companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      And here’s where you can find the info you need to switch service providers. It’s really a pretty simple process:

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

      Reply

  305. My cell failed in water. I need other phone. where can I go and sign up for other one? my locations is indio california

    Reply

  306. Called Safelink with a enrollment # I received online . Listened to unending ads then they hung up. Beginning to giveup.

    Reply

    • Safelink does not show a way to contact customer service on its website. We say “show” because it may be hidden behind the current customer sign-in. Have you tried to contact the company online?

      Reply

  307. My son had a free phone and he cannot use it because he needs one that he can see. he needs one with big letters and numbers like some of the senior phones have. is there one available. If so can you tell us how he can get it. he is on disablity and gets very little income. Jean White

    Reply

  308. There are mamy many people that live in perham mn 56573 that are not allowed to get any of the free services when it comes to free or next to free internet or very low cost offered by gov
    services
    we live in a town called perham where this company has manopilized it and will let no one in.our neighborimg towns are allowed these services but not this towm.THE COMPANY IS ARGVIG EVERY TIME I HEAR ARVIG I WANT TO SCREAM
    LOOK OF THE PERCENTAGE OF NON INTERNET OR TY USERS IN THIS AREA I WILL NOT SAY BUT SO UNBEILABLY HIGH.WE ALL RELIE AND AIR TY 2 CHANMELS NOT THE BIG ISSUE THILL TORNADO SIRIENS GO OFF WE HAVE NO CLUE WHAT GOING ON IN WEATER..WE ALL REALLY NEED HELP HERE DO SOMETHING ABOUT THESE PEOPLE THEY OWN US AND THIS TOWN. WHO SO UNFAIR.
    SPEAKING FOR THE TOWN PERHAM MN PLEASE HELP AT LEAST LOOK INTO IT……………..PLEASE

    Reply

    • In most cases, it’s not that cable TV companies won’t let other companies in, it’s that they have been granted exclusive territories by cities. We’re not sure if that’s the case for Perham, but we would imagine it is. We also went to the trouble of locating Perham on a map and it appears that it’s a rather isolated community, which means most cable companies are hesitant to build the infrastructure to support cable tv. (Why? The explanation is simple. Installing cable is very expensive. In a crowded city a cable company might be able to sign up 1000 customers per mile of cable. In a rural area, they may be able to sign up only 10 per mile. So it becomes very difficult for the companies to make a profit on their investment.)

      Our only suggestion is that you might take a look at PCs for People. It has a great program, but we must warn you that its program is available only in areas covered by the Sprintcell network. If that includes Perham, take a look at the program on this page:

      http://www.cheapinternet.com/low-income-internet

      Reply

  309. I had a Qlink wireless phone. I had to change my address because the other nursing home i was in left me for dead and would not call an ambulance for me. I had a severe allergic reaction to macrobid. My sister called and i told her i was swollen. She called my police department and they sent me anambulance with 3 attendants and one police officer to check on me. The ambulance attendants pulled me on the gurney and rushed me to the hospital, where i stayed 4 days using an IV drip with multiple meds through it. The hospital would not allow me to return to the old facility because i no longer could say i felt safe there. Today qlink shut off my service saying they do not service my zip code now. However, my phone was working fine up until today when they shut off my service. Explain to me …WHY ??? :`(

    Reply

    • We cannot explain, Lisa. The good news (and you can certainly use some good news) is that there are plenty of other Lifeline companies out there and you can take this opportunity to select the one that offers the plan that’s best for your needs. Here’s where you can find all the companies in your state:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  310. I received a letter saying I can get a smartphone so I applied & I just received my phone & it is NOT a smartphone, it is an old tracphone from like 1996 & I can’t go online or any features I use in my daily day to day life. Why didn’t I receive a smartphone???

    Reply

    • You didn’t say who your cell phone service provider is, but it’s a shame that they advertised on thing, but delivered another. You should call them back and ask to speak to a supervisor.

      Reply

      • Thanks for the feedback. The provider is Tracphone/safelink & if they don’t offer smartphones in NJ then why did they advertise it to me. That was the main reason I applied because I needed a smart phone. I use email & I take pictures of items at work & this phone does not even have a camara. So basicly I have to contact a supervisior??? Will that make a difference or will I just be wasting my time? Thanks

        Reply

        • Do you still have the direct mail piece that they sent you? Odds are good that if you check the small print it probably says “Available in California only” or something similar.

          In answer to your other question, we can say for sure that it will do you any good to contact a supervisor, but we always ask for a supervisor whenever we don’t get the answers we want from a call center. And if that supervisor won’t help us, we ask for their supervisor. Sometimes you just need to ask the right person.

          Reply

    • That’s the first time we’ve ever been asked that question. We can’t think of any reason you couldn’t receive calls from anywhere, including jails.

      Reply

  312. I request for a free replacement phone, si cr a letter they sent me. I do it by internet. They said it was going to sent it, but At this date I have not received the phone. Reference in the letter: S1L-C13900A 005****. Phone: 787-306-****

    Reply

    • How long has it been, Ana? Most companies say it will take two weeks or so, but our readers report that it often takes a month or so.

      Reply

  313. What happens if your already have a basic government phone?when the internet smartphone program starts can the people who have just the basic phone trade it in so they can have internet?

    Reply

  314. So looking forward to this, thank you for the info. However it seems I am reading this two years after its inception. At what point is the progress of this plan now? Are the smartphones and thier internet capabilities avail?

    Reply

  315. Budget Mobil cut off my service. Days later I have received a notice that my phone is being transitioned to Safelink Wireless. No response from Budget Mobile on the Shutoff until I received a post card ten days after I was cut off. What if I had an emergency while away from home, no connection available! No notice from Safelink either!

    Reply

    • That’s a VERY unusual story, Lance. We’ve never heard that complaint before. Good luck getting it worked out.

      Reply

  316. I am trying to get the free replacement cell phone, through the free cell phone exchange program. Help !

    Reply

  317. I received my phone from Safelink Wireless but it wasn’t a Smartphone. It was just a basic phone (even though the ad said it would be a Smartphone). I cannot access the internet. Is there any way to get a different phone sent to me?

    Reply

    • As we understand it, Safelink only offers smartphones in California. However, you should be able to upgrade for s relatively small fee. If not, and if a smartphone is really necessary, you can easily move to a different company after 60 days.

      Reply

  318. I just got a “plum” phone. It worked for about three hours and then it says no data connection. I can’t seem to figure anything out. I can’t even find out who the provider is for the “plum” phones which is the only way I can proceed. Can you help me please?

    Reply

  319. How do I get a replacement phone? My phone broke. I was wanting a Samsung Galaxy S6 edge if I could get one.

    Reply

  320. HELLO , TODAY I RECEIVED YOUR LETTER STATING MY PHONE 2G NETWORKS ARE BEING PHASED OUT IN MY AREA THAT AS A RESULT I WILL EXPERIENCE A DECLINE IN THE SAFELINK SERVICE THAT I AM USED TO. . IT STATED I WAS ELIGIBLE FOR A FREE PHONE THAT WILL CONNECT TO THE UPDATED NETWORK . THE PROBLEM I AM HAVING IS I DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO TO GET THIS DONE . COULD YOU SEND ME A EMAIL , ..canesmomma53@*****.net and let me know where i can go on the website to order my new phone . my phone number is , cell 850-559-****. . it is off right now but my house phone is 850-597-****. please let me know as soon as possible . thank you , patricia colvin .

    Reply

  321. Dmacpd@gmail.com
    I have a phone but it does not work and I’ve sent numerous emails and letters to the company for a new one. I can’t even make one phone call. My name is Clarence Davis

    Reply

    • You don’t say who your service provider is, Clarence, but we suggest that you call or email them again. Ask for a supervisor. Tell that person about your on-going problem and tell them that if it isn’t resolved immediately, you will report them to the Federal Communications and your state’s public utility commission. This usually gets problems resolved quickly. Here’s an article you should read before you make that call:

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

      Reply

  322. The application dept. for SafeLine is in INDIA!!! I can’t understand them and tho I have faxed a copy of my food stamps card, — five times –they say it’s unreadable. It’s been 2-1/2 months since I first applied! Don’t know what to do! I am 77 and live alone…no family around… Help, please! Thank you. My income is well below poverty level.

    Reply

    • Yours is a common problem, Carolann. One solution is to cancel your application with Safelink and apply with another Lifeline Assistance company. You can find all the companies that offer free government cell phones in your state by going to our “States” page. Here’s a link:

      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states

      Reply

  325. i know all of this already. but how can i have internet all the time on this gov. phone. it only has wifi and hot spot and it wont give me internet at all when either one is around. i rally need to have it all the time.

    Reply

    • Who is your service provider, Maria?
      If Internet is your primary concern, you may want to check out our sister website, CheapInternet.com
      It has tons of information on low-income Internet programs.

      Reply

    • Not if you live in the same house, Jacob. Only one Lifeline account permitted for each household. And how old are you? You must be 18 to qualify.

      Reply

  327. I was wondering if the phone u can get with safelink can u get on the Internet??? And if so where do I go to apply for one??

    Reply

  328. I received a letter today that I should contact Safelink Phone Exchange to get a new phone because mine will no longer be up to date. I am already a member and have a cell phone, but I have had it for over 10 years. I like the idea of having a smartphone with internet. Thank you.

    Reply

    • The FCC ordered Safelink to offer all their customers phones that could be unlocked. Your older phone is apparently one of the models that cannot be unlocked, so they are required to give you a new one.

      But you need to contact Safelink, Sharon. This website is not affiliated with Safelink nor any other free government cell phone company.

      Reply

  329. please tell me more that I can see clearly or is it just me not you , so was or is it that good

    Reply

    • Here’s what we recommend, Ana. Click on the “States” link at the top of this page to find a complete list of free government cell phone providers in your state. Click through all of them to find a company and plan that works for you. Then contact that company via the contact information at the bottom of that page.

      Reply

  333. I’ve been waiting for a lifeline INTERNET smartphone for several years, but still nothing!
    I’m already 70 and not much longer to enjoy it, if it EVER BECOMES AVAILABLE….

    Reply

    • Here’s an article that tells you which companies offer smartphones and which ones don’t:
      https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/which-lifeline-cell-phone-companies-offer-smartphones

      Please be aware that most companies distribute a variety of cell phones and that they distribute them randomly. In other words, one customer may get a smartphone, but the next one might not. However, even if you don’t get a smartphone, most companies allow you to upgrade to one for a small upgrade fee (which may be as high as $70).

      We also suggest that you visit our sister website, CheapInternet.com. Here’s a link:
      http://www.cheapinternet.com

      Click on the “Low Income Internet” link at the top of CheapInternet.com’s homepage. It will show you a range of companies that may be able to help you.

      Reply

  334. I heard from my friend that safelink is doing away with this older cell phone and upgrading to a touch screen phone. Is this true and if so I can I get a more modern phone

    Reply

    • We cannot confirm Safelink’s future plans, Mary. You’ll need to speak to a company rep.

      Reply

  335. Wondering if my sister is able to receive a phone for free? Medicade, SSS, social security. Please let me know if she’s qualified for a free phone. Thank you. My email is ********* thank you Carol

    Reply

    • She should be eligible if she’s on Medicaid, but there are other requirements you didn’t mention. Does she live alone? What is her household income? Check out all the requirements by going to the “Do You Qualify?” Link at the top of this page.

      Reply

  336. When will we be relieveing these phones if we are waiting on them to come in the mail with Obama phone services

    Reply

    • Each company and each applicant is different, Hannah. You should contact the company through which you applied and ask for the status of your phone. Some companies even allow you to check your status online.

      Reply

  337. I am LIFELINE eligible. I would love to have a free government internet capable smartphone and free mobile internet service. When is this possible and what must I do to apply?

    Reply

  338. Can’t wait for free government phones to have internet,I was trying to hook up my phone to my PC internet& I can’t? It will be so helpful,and greatly in need thk u to those that r in this process

    Reply

  340. Could you tell me if these phones will work with Uber or Lyft. The free phone I have now does not have this feature, this is very important to me. Would you please e-mail me back & let me know the specific website I should contact to find the appropriate phone specifics.

    Reply

    • We’re not quite sure what you’re asking, Kimberly, but it sounds as if you are asking if your phone will work with the Uber or Lyft apps. If that’s the case, only smartphones can use apps. If you don’t have a smartphone, it’s possible that your service provider will allow you to upgrade to a smartphone for a small fee. If you’ve had your account long enough, they may even provide you with a replacement phone for free. But you need to contact your provider’s customer service team by phone or online. Good luck.

      Reply

  341. I am a Qlink wireless customer and was wondering if we are allowed to trade in our current phone for an upgraded model?

    Reply

    • Here’s what QLink’s website says about upgrades:

      The free phones Q Link Wireless provides depend upon availability, and models shipped may vary. When ordering your next phone, you can request a smart phone. Since phones depend on availability, we cannot guarantee you’ll get the phone requested, but we do our best to honor customers’ requests. For quickest processing, you can order a [Read More]

      Reply

  342. Are the internet smartphones available in the lifeline program in Tennessee? If so with who?

    Thank you

    Reply

    • Most free government cell phone companies offer smartphones, Kathleen, but many of them only offer them as upgrades for a pretty reasonable price.

      Reply

  343. I am 100% behind Holly and her reply to a clueless bottom feeder. We paid into the system, over 43 years in my case. We paved the road for what people like the so called fed up have and enjoy today, and we did it on. Hourly wages a fraction of the average pay of today! And now we are not getting enough to live on and on top are called names, besides being discriminated against when we try to go back to work, despite debilitating physical problems and health conditions and because of sheer necessity!!

    Reply

    • You dont have to send back your phone .. Read what i have been posting on here >>>> I live in Alabama and i got the letter today that said my phone maybe out of date and i can get a free update , And they sent me to the site Tracfone.com and looked at their phones .SOME are free And once you pick 1 call 866-667-6437 …They are also offering a discount for the other phones that arent free , The more the phone the bigger the discount . What i had to do was i already have an iPhone 4S and instead of ordering a phone they said i could use that phone to transfer all my mins and # to it but that i would have to get a new sims card , So i used Tracfones CHAT to order the new sims and its also FREE , Ordered it just a lil bit ago and they said i will get it in 4 days or less and to contact Tracfone to activate and to transfer my mins and # when i get the sims in the mail ..I dont think you can use a 4 G phone but can use just about any 3G phone .. This is the link i used to get to the phones they offer .. You can only get the discount for the Non – free phones if you order through SafeLink . Which is the # i posted above

      Reply

  345. Yes iam disabled I get either medicare or meicade my freind has a free government smartphone phone her phone does everything my smartphone does for free or a small lot cheaper. Tan mine got to start cutting back on my bills I need a smartphone for my doctors and looking up things I cant afford a computer so I use my smartphone for everything if the government does not offer yet I guess I will have to wait until thay do could someone answer me back please all iam asking is do the government offer a free government phone with smartphone with internet,text, I think she only gets 500 min.but if she comes up with extra money she puts buys more min.some how or her min. Roll over because she has about 2500 min. I do no she has unlimited text. Iam not shure about her internet she is always on her internet and taking and sending me pictures the government gave her a smartphone but her mother got her a lot better smartphone from Wal-Mart for Christmas so how can I get a smartphone like hers gat free phone and a plan like hers what will it cost me I will have save up to buy phone like hers when I get a smartphone from the government mabye I can get a better phone like hers latter please send me a answer telling- what I need to do and to go about I thanks And God Bless I hope the government can help me like thay helped her and buch more of my friends please help me thanks and God Bless

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    • Most of the free government cell phone companies offer smart phones, but there’s no guarantee that the one you receive when you sign up will be a smart model. However, virtually all the companies will allow you to upgrade for a relatively small additional fee. In most cases, the price is $45 or thereabouts. Good luck.

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  346. No Smart Phones in MA. SmartAss phones, maybe. We are permitted to purchase 3 useless outdated phones that one can barely use to text so don’t get yer hopes up if you want to use a phone that works if you’re old and disabled and poor in MA.

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    • You are incorrect, BostonHolly. Four companies offer free government cell phones in Massachusetts and they all offer smart phone upgrades. It’s even possible that your initial free government cell phone could be a smart phone because it’s the luck of the draw. Some people get them, others don’t. But everyone can upgrade for a small charge (typically $40 or thereabouts). The companies that do business in Massachusetts are Assurance Wireless, Safelink Wireless, Standup Wireless and Budget Mobile. You can find their contact information on our “Providers” page at the links at the top of this page.

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  347. I would like a free smart phone. Oh wait…I actually get up and go to work each day. So does my husband. We also live within our means and pay our bills. So never mind, my hard work will just pay for everyone else’s instead.

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    • Well… I hope you NEVER ever have to have one either one day. I’d hate to know I was that miserable within myself that I cudnt be happy for anyone else.

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    • Lucky you. You’re able bodied, under 62, not forced onto Disability (also what I paid into) which you have barely paid for your entire life, not forced onto Medicare which you have barely paid for your entire life and which now costs me and other seniors $450 per month when we were promised it would be free for our Golden years but we have NO ONE paying for it now, not our husbands healh insurance plan, not our employers plans at our 40 hour a week jobs (seniors are hired at 25 hour wee plans at minimum wage if that) Nope, it’s my ROTH IRA that pays for my Medicare and my almost wiped out SEP that pays for my mortgage, condo fees, utilities, real estate taxes, gas, insurance, excise tax. Wowoie zowie am I livin large. Same house for 28 years, same car for 16 years, same clothes. Living large. So, Yes, I get a free cell phone that doesn’t work and it’s noy your tax dollars paying for it , idiot, it’s MY tax dollars at work. You are an unkind , clueless idiot who will eventually understand what it’s like when you cannot pay for dental work, or prescriptions – not like it was when your employer paid for some of it as he/she pays for your vacations, sick days and lunch hours. I worked 90 hour weeks as an exec, saved and paid and paid and paid into the system. I made it when women weren’t welcome – we paved the way for you little snits and this is how you take care of us ?? We weren’t living beyond our means when we were robbed in 2007 you clueless Trump support brat. Wake up-or better yet, stop texting , talking, and looking in the mirror for 22 seconds and maybe you’ll pull your head out of your as–troid.

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      • Wonder how much of her companies time she took to reply to this forum of questions? I hope I wonder if this is her idea of hard work? Why would you be or bother to spend time insulting others about a phone you have no use for? Well sweetie keep your hard working job and your pedestal in another Q&A and remember God don’t like ugly, and only he sits that high! God bless you! I hope you find peace one day!

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      • I agree with most of what you have said .. But i am just wondering how Trump had ANYTHING to do with 2007 and your free phone? You must be confused I think Obama was put in office in 2007 ?? [the rest was redacted — political content]

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    • @ Fed Up I doubt a smart phone would benefit you….You’re about as dumb as a box of rocks! A lot of us used to get up and go to work but that suddenly changed for us and it will for you too someday. Then you’ll discover the true meaning of “living within your means” when you have to deal with the struggle of trying to pay all the bills from a tiny check you paid into your whole life. Bet you won’t be so cocky then! And btw…It’s not your hard work that is paying for our phones. Google it and educate yourself. We qualified so we are entitled to them. You brought your problem of us having them to the wrong place so just ride your high horse out of here and go whine to the ones who set this program up! Good day….

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  348. I have medicaid and Fidelis,I live in New York area code 12190 ,can you please let me know which plan will service my area for a free phone.thank you

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    • NO ONE under 18 can enter into ANY contract with ANYONE . IF there is someone living in the home is on “Public Assistance ” can get a free phone .. So say the kid gets Aid and the parents dont make over a certain amount per year then they can get a phone .. And in that case dont matter who carries the phone

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  349. how much would it cost me to turn in my old ,broken barely useable blackberry for a smart phone, ? budget says it costs $50 for one if youre new customer , what about an old, old customer of budget ? what can you do for me ? on housing and tdap , food stamps,,,,seriously cant afford anything yet until i get my disablilty,,,,,I been waiting for one for so long , can see more easily , communication better, and texting,,,,,this phone I have is off the chain frustration and unneccesary stress in my life , causing so much trouble for me and the person on the other end upset….. mainly , i have to share a house phone with other tenants in separate housing just if I want to have any long discussions or important calls….not good

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  350. Is there now or will there be a free cell phone that my grandchild would be eligible for, for his own protection, he has been permanently removed from his mothers care, for his safty, I worry about him walking to the bus stop all alone at 6:00 am. His mothers boyfriend scares the child badly. Every government phone i check on says he has to be 18, if I’m willing to be responsible, whats the problem, is rather he be safe, I thought that’s what SAFELINK IS FOR , ,,,TO HELP KKEEP KIDS SAFE. I have to have a lifeline due to heart,lung problems, what can I ,should I do to keep him safe an not be breaking laws? Please help,

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  351. I am interested in the free SmartPhone for my disabled son. Please send me updates and how we go about enrolling for this program in Ohio. He currently is enrolled with SafeLink for his phone.

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  352. Have there been any updates on the government smartphone services? If so who can I contact if I am currently working with safelink to get one and switch so I can use the Internet for daily activities for my daughter and apps for her school etc…?

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  353. I am currently on Medicaid and food stamps ,possibly disability in the near future.
    I reside in Rhode Island, how can I get one of these phones for myself and possibly
    another one for my elderly parents who are retired and on a fixed income?

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