After years of prodding by FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net the Federal Communications has finally fixed one of the major flaws in the Lifeline Assistance program. Until now the homeless, perhaps the neediest of Americans, had been intentionally (and stupidly) declared ineligible for this program designed to help the needy.
Now the homeless and others in shelters can get free cell phones.
But now the FCC has announced several changes to correct eligibility problems and made millions of additional Americans eligible for free government cell phones.
The FCC announcement said, “… [W]e adopt a requirement that, prior to providing service to a consumer, an ETC must obtain that consumer’s permanent residential address, unless they only have a temporary address.”
They continued, “… [W]e codify additional protections to be implemented by those ETCs that serve consumers without a permanent residential address, in order to assist ETCs in more easily verifying such consumers’ continued eligibility for the program.
Please allow us to translate that into English from the arcane language used by bureaucrats: The rules have now changed so that temporary residents of homeless shelter, women’s shelters, veterans shelters and any other multi-family address can now use the shelters’ addresses to qualify for a free government cell phone. This is, of course, excellent news for incredibly needy, incredibly vulnerable Americans. The only caveat is that residents of temporary shelters must re-verify their temporary residence address every 90 days.
But the good news just keeps coming. The FCC announcement also said, “… [R]ecognizing that there are instances where multiple households (i.e., families) reside at the same address we implement procedures to enable applicants in such circumstances to demonstrate at enrollment that other Lifeline recipients residing at the same address are a separate household.”
In other words, in these terrible economic times, when multiple families often share expenses by living together in one home, both families will now be eligible for free government cell phones.
The FCC retained some restrictions, however, in order to protect the program against fraud. They said, “Lifeline applicants will not be permitted to use a P.O. Box address as their Lifeline address. We are concerned that some subscribers could list a P.O. Box as their address in an effort to avoid complying with our one-per-household requirement.”
The new FCC rules constitute a major victory of FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net, its readers, and needy Americans. We congratulate the Federal Communications Commission for making these long-needed rule changes.
Source: FCC
Sara says
Ok so if a homeless person in need of the phone is using a homeless shelters address then does this mean the phones are sent to them thru the mail? Or is it possible to go to the department of human services in person to pick up thier phone once they have been approved? I’m sure every one understands that they need an address to use what people are asking is how will they receive thier phone? And it’s a bit ridiculous that this system is set up the way that it is. It’s hard enough for the homeless. Offering a service Like this is a great way to help start getting things back on track however requiring an address to even be able to utilize the service is beyond stupid. Most Homeless folks don’t have access to an address hence the homeless part of thier problem. And they wonder why it’s so hard for homeless ppl to make it out of thier awful situations and then with the ignorance added on top from people who have no clue what any of the circumstances even were that caused homelessness in the first place.
Free Government Cell Phones says
They must be shipped through the mail to a regular street address.
Katherine says
My brother in law is homeless and needs to use our address for mail because he doesn’t want to be a burden on the family. How do I help him get a free phone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
What you’re proposing is not strictly legal, but in the words of Sgt Schultz, “We see nutting.” You can find all the providers and plans available in your state here:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Henry says
From my understanding of the Lifeline rules, a residential address can have multiple households. So, your brother-in-law (or maybe he is an ex-brother-in-law?) should be able to apply on his own for registration to the program as long as he doesn’t abuse the use of your address. You may be to apply for him as a proxy, but he will have to approve it and provide to you his personal information.
Free Government Cell Phones says
He cannot use the address if the total household income exceeds 135% of the Federal poverty guidelines. Also, in order to qualify, he would need to fill out paperwork proving that he and Katherine were “separate households” within the same home. That is, they would have to prove that they do not share expenses. That is, for example, how multiple senior citizens qualify while living within the same assisted living facility.
Andrew says
I deaf / hard of hearing I get free phone problem they don’t provide what deaf access need like each phone shut down on me for this issue and I cant even try call some one the phone is low brand and low memory so I can’t talk on video phone keep shut down on me
Dexter says
I am homeless how can I get a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one of the biggest problems with the Lifeline free government cell phone program, Dexter. Homeless, who may need the phones more than any other group, are not eligible because a street address is needed to enroll. Crazy, huh? If you can get yourself into a shelter you can use its address.
Rob Richardson says
They should be ineligible for cell phones. I am so stick and tired of bleeding hearts enabling this homeless behavior. And despite your name, nothing is FREE, not to the taxpayers that need to fund this program.
William says
Screw you idiot. Want less homelessness? Then we need a phone stupid. I bet your dumb ass voted for trump
Free Government Cell Phones says
Let’s hold off on the politics in both directions.
Sara says
This is the type of ignorance that makes ppl In need not want to reach out for help. There is absolutely no reason for that comment and do some research and look in to how much of ur “taxpayers” money actually goes in to programs Like this as opposed to where most of that money is actually spent on. You pay more in taxes on the prison system taking care of criminals then u do taking care of low-income family’s or those homeless folks that don’t deserve any type of assistance cuz everyone who is homeless must be some sort of drug addiction or loser and clearly wanted to be homeless because life is just so much easier that way right…….pray that ur never in this type of situation because God forbid if u were and ended up there thru a series of unfortunate events and needed any type of assistance possible and then get denied those services because u couldn’t provide an address how donu think u feel…….don’t worry I’ll wait for the next retarded statement ur gonna make I’m sure u will
Roberta Scott says
how do I go about getting a phone for the homeless people I work with in Martin County FL
Free Government Cell Phones says
You can find all the plans available in your state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
The folks you work with will be required to enroll themselves. It’s illegal for you to fill out the docs and enroll them.
Stephanie says
Can I use my business address since I have a nonprofit that assists the homeless people, I know lots of people that are in need in the Dallas-Fort Worth area it would help them tremendously it would give them not just a lifeline, but it would help them so that if someone called them about a job or anything else important then they would know. is there somewhere I can contact so that I can become a provider or something? Thank you in advance for any information you can provide . Much Divine love and discernment to everyone. It is time to assist others to be able to assist others-selflessness is contagious 🙏😁
Free Government Cell Phones says
The regulations of the program say that you must use your home address. Sorry. But we appreciate the good work you are doing.
terri says
Can a homeless person use my address to get a free phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
It wouldn’t be legal, but…
Miguel Bianchi says
Yes I am homeless in Fort Lauderdale and I am a Type 1 Diabetic and I also have Seizures. I need help. Please e-mail me back and let me know how to get a Gov phone.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Miguel, you must get yourself into a homeless shelter before you can apply. It’s a crazy rule, but homeless people are not eligible because a street address is required. If you can get into a shelter, its street address will suffice.
Rob Richardson says
Not a crazy rule at all. Why is it crazy to at least get them through the door somewhere that might get them the real help they need?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Because there isn’t room for all of them, Bob. How are those who cannot get into a homeless shelter supposed to communicate?
Miguel Bianchi says
I have been Homeless for over 15 years. I am a Diabetic and I also have Seizures so I need help. Please see if you can help me in anyway.
Thank you so much.
Free Government Cell Phones says
The problem, Miguel, is that homeless people do not qualify for Lifeline free government cell phones unless they live in a homeless shelter. Yes, it’s a crazy rule, but it that’s how the program works.
sherry roy says
so if you dont have a address due to being homeless how do you get the phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
This is one of our pet peeves, Sherry. There is no way if you don’t have an address. It can be a homeless shelter, but it must be a street address. Obviously, this regulation harms the people who most need help.
Renee says
There’s a homeless gal, Mary. I provide meals, etc. For.
She DESPERATELY needs a cell phone.
Can she use my address to obtain a free phone?
Fyi- I too, due to coronavirus. Find myself unemployed after 30+ years.
And caring for my older, disabled brother who is recovering from major cancer surgery.
I must keep him virus free.
I can’t invite anyone into our apt.
My brother and I have our own service.
But, Mary needs her own phone to find shelter and employment.
Please help me help her.
Respectfully, Renee Weiss
661-316-****
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, Renee, your address can’t be used. Even if you wanted to cheat the rules, you couldn’t use it because you already have a free government cell phone at that address and the rules say only one per household.
Rosa Arroyo says
My brother is jobless how can I help him apply for a free phone, he is on food stamps living in AustinTx
Free Government Cell Phones says
Find all the plans available in his state at this link:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Check them all out carefully to find the plan that fits his needs best, then call the company’s customer service team using the contact info we provide.
Greg Bolick says
Hello I’m a member of a local church in Columbia S C we are trying to reach out to the homeless in our area and was wondering how I could get them free phones , to help them find jobs and get in touch with family.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Good for you, Greg. But here’s the problem you face: One of the basic rules of the Lifeline free government cell phone program is that all applicants need a street address. That means they must, at least temporarily, live in a homeless center when they apply and when they receive their phone. If you can figure out a way to make that happen, you’re on your way.
Sara says
What ur doing is totally cool but maybe ask ur pastor if it’s at all possible to provide some type of temporary shelter for those in need even if it’s at ur local church this way the homeless have some sort of shelter and no one would be breaking any rules or even asking if there’s some sort of way of starting up a program or project to start help the local homeless in ur area. Talk to members of ur church and see if anyone would want to start some sort of program to help the homeless or other family’s in need. I wish I went to church because now u have me thinking about this and what could actually be done and accomplished if I did.
Henry says
This is so stupid figures dam gov.free phone but must have a address not even a Pobox.very stupid .not helping homeless .just make it harder and easyer to viilate rules .you stupid POLITIONS are the problem
Free Government Cell Phones says
Well, we agree that stupid politicians are the problem. This is one of the biggest flaws in the free government cell phone program.
Bernard burley says
Need phone and service.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Then you need to check out all the plans available in your state and enroll in the one that fits your needs best. Here’s where you can find details on all those plans:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Darrin Scott Brown says
I just got out of jail nowhere to go no job I need a phone I’m homeless out in the street I found someone to help me to get on line to get help please I need help to get a phone
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are about to run into one of the great flaws in the free government cell phone program, Darrin. You cannot get a free phone unless you have a “permanent” street address. That “permanent” address can be a shelter, but you need to have a street mailing address. If you can’t find a shelter, can you possibly move in with a friend or relative?
Tina says
I am homeless and there are no homeless shelters in the county I live in there is one warming shelter in the county but you can’t be there during the day, they only let you stay one night at a time?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, you fall into a bad spot, Tina. The rules say that you must have a permanent address, even if it’s a homeless shelter. We hate to say it, but that’s the only way you can qualify for a free government cell phone.
Miguel Bianchi says
I have been homeless for over 13 years and I have major medical issues with me. I am a Type 1 diabetic for since I have been 16 years old and I also have Seizures since I have been 23 years old. I am now 50 years old and I need massive help with all of this. I need a cell phone A.S.A.P. for my medical problems. Can you help me in any way.
Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Here’s where you can find all the free government cell phone companies and plans in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Miguel Bianchi says
I have been homeless for over 13 years and I am a Type 1 Diabetic and I also have Seizures so I need a Free Cell Phone to call for help when I need it so if you can help me, may the Lord all Mighty help you in the name of Jesus.
Thank you.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Sounds like you may well qualify, Miguel. But we’re not and service provider and you’ll need to enroll with one that offers plans in your state. Here’s where you can find them all:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Eric Tuell says
I’ve been trying to get a phone through Qlink for almost three months. I’m not employed, I just got out of prison no work history for 13yr I’m on food stamps EBT statement sent to Qlink and they still are asking for income/W-2 form that I didn’t have. I keep telling them what stated above!
People who are coming out of prison are (in a nutshell) homeless by law, no job, no access to documents and have no money to pay for a phone plan, or other things in life. I’ve sent them all I have. Can you please help me with this program problem.
Free Government Cell Phones says
You have stumbled upon one of the craziest parts of the free government cell phone program, Eric. That is, it’s impossible to prove that you have no income. The USAC, the organization that governs the free government cell phone program, says its “working on it” but so far they haven’t come up with anything to solve this issue. That being said, your EBT statement should be sufficient. If you can’t solve your problem with Q Link, please consider enrolling with a different company. Here’s where you can find a complete list of all the companies and plans available in your state:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
Silver says
One of our patients is homeless and needs a phone. Due to not having a place to live at the moment he only has a PO Box. Can he still register using his PO Box? He is 65, living in his van.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Unfortunately, it is not possible for register using a PO Box. If you can get your patient into a homeless shelter, he could get a group home exemption and then be able to enroll.
Nancy White says
I have a friend who is homeless and is about to have her phone cut off tomorrow…. a church put her in a hotel for two nights and after that she’ll probably stay on my couch. Does she qualify for assistance with a cellphone?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s not possible for us to give a definitive answer, but we would say she is not eligible. If you can get your friend into a homeless shelter she would definitely qualify. Here’s an article that tells you all the ways to become eligible. Good luck to her.
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/basics/qualify
PatriciaAnn says
The Homeless need a temporary address every 90 days. Do they loss their phone if they migrate away from cold weather?
Free Government Cell Phones says
They won’t lose it immediately, but when it’s time for their annual recertification, they will lose it if they don’t have a permanent street address (or at least a group home address).
Marlene Pilcher says
They still won’t let some one to use your address to get a phone free phone please tell me how we can do that
Free Government Cell Phones says
What do you mean by “use your address?” Whose address are you trying to use?
Larry Miller says
How do I apply for this service of a phone for the homeless?
Free Government Cell Phones says
It’s in the fifth paragraph, Larry. You need to be at least a temporary resident of a homeless shelter to enroll.
James Volpone says
im a new jersey resident who became homeless over a year ago! assurance wireless refuses to accept my application for a recertify. I let assurance know along with everyone else where I was moving to. since ive been living in a shelter, my address was not changed. the recertify went to a former address. because I live with people in a shelter who are unrelated to me ive had my application kicked back and or denied because of my address.i had my caseworker help me fill out the forms fully along with a shelter form and it was faxed. caseworker has proof it went but assurance said they didn’t get it. ive had to pay 10 cents per minutes for some time now. its really getting unbelievable. am I being discriminated against???
Free Government Cell Phones says
There’s no way for us to know what’s going on in your individual case, James. Have you spoken to customer service at Assurance?
Ginger says
How can you Apply for Phone Service?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Just click around on this website for all the info you need, Ginger. Start with “Do You Qualify” in the navigation bar at the top of this page and work your way across.
Shaun says
Doesn’t do any good for people who can’t get into temporary housing. And a cell phone is one of the things standing between me and getting on my feet. Too many circularly exclusive barriers that just lead right back around to being out of luck. I’ve given up once again because the system is not designed to help people. I thought maybe I’d try again, but once more I’m reminded why I gave up in the first place. The War on Poverty and the War on Homelessness are actually wars on the poor and homeless.
Sandra Decker says
Heres the problem im facing. Im homeless with no fixed address. How am i suppose to get one of these free cell phones if no one is willing to let me use their address? Im in a do or die situation right now n having a working cell phone could make a difference between life n death.
Free Government Cell Phones says
We feel your pain, Sandra. You have run right smack dab into one of the biggest flaws in the free government cell phone program. The last time we communicated with the USAC they said they were aware of this problem and working on a solution. But so far, nothing.
Aaron Finekl says
Do like Illinois people do use the local PADS address, get a driver’s license and then get all the benefits and never work again. Get free meals, go to cross-n-crown and get free clothing, free haircuts, free laundry, free cellphone, free laptops, free link card, free gift cards, ect.
Lorenzo Belloso says
I’ve been going by the welfare place to get a Obama cell phone I’ve been three times there and they tell me that I need an address that I cant use the g.r address. I think that are a bunch of liers
Free Government Cell Phones says
We don’t know what a g.r. address is, but we can tell you that Lifeline regulations say that you must have a valid street address to qualify for the program.
Rolonda Brown says
I have a boyfriend that is homeless he need a government phone bad
Free Government Cell Phones says
The problem he’ll face, Rolonda, is that he must have a street address to get a phone. Does he live in a homeless shelter? Exceptions to the rule are made for people who live in group homes such as homeless shelters.
Dr. Wayne E. Manzo PhD says
Oh, the Reptilian Jew Telepathic Scumbags that own the government and who pay the phoney phone providers with Billions are afraid of fraud? What a joke. You have a valid I.D. and Foo Stamp Card the phone is yours! Period! Oh, I might make mulitiple I.D.’s and Fake Foo Stamp Cards. Will somebody explain to the Foo CC that the phone data base is also keyed off of the applicants name. Oh, I’ll just make 1000 I.D.s withthe name John Smith and use different addresses on each of them and then get 1000 free phones. Hey, this guy doesn’t look like John Smith? Ha Ha Ha! We are Foo F***ed! You are homeless because the Reptilian Jew government kicked you out of the Jew USA and the Reptilians are all Telepathic and don’t use or need phones. Steal all the phones and free stupid service you want because the Reptilian Jews control the phoney phone system and the Net!
Free Government Cell Phones says
You are a sick, sick son of a bitch, Dr. Wayne E. Mango, PhD. We approved your comment only to show our readers the kind of lunatics who lurk out there. We’d like to think you are the exception and most of the world is filled with kind, caring people, NOT paranoid, neurotic, anti-Semitic losers.
Aaron Finkel says
Food stamps are called the link Card. Given out freely if you are not European.
Aerial Fuqua says
Could someone from the FCC contact me please Ive been working for the Safelink program helping ppl sign up for phones . Working under a guy name Ed and the other one name is John I have yet to receive my pay check and I still have some phones and etc . Can someone please contact me about this matter this is unprofessional. I got all my apps approved and now they are not willing to pay me and keep texting my phone using foul language when I ask for my check
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to contact the FCC directly, Aerial. You can find all the contact info you need in this article:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/faq/file-official-complaint-about-your-lifeline-service
Brenda H Nelson says
How does one qualify as a homeless shelter for lifeline.
Free Government Cell Phones says
Ask your homeless shelter supervisor for details.
Shaneen BoldingRoberts says
Hello i guess someone stole my id and information to get them a free phone though one of the free cell phone places because for 4 days i have had to get all the right paper work to see if i was able to get one myself and qas told that i have one and account us frozen due to some one has one already so i can say that 6months ago or now i do not have a cell phone and 6 months ago i had a phone which was though tmobile and i will send proof of that if u need it but no need to lie i dont have a phone and would like one and whoever has heen useing my name n id to access one them self i wantbtonpress charges please
Free Government Cell Phones says
A couple things, Shaneen. First, we can’t help you press any charges because we are not the police. Second, T-Mobile does NOT offer free government cell phones. The company only offers a discount Lifeline cell phone plan. Third, you should be able to clear up the confusion about your eligibility by contacting your service provider’s customer service team. Ask to speak to a supervisor and tell them you need help clearing up a mistake in the National Lifeline Assistance Database (NLAD).
Sean meyers says
I’m homeless and was in a accident 4/22/2011 where I went into a coma and had severe brain trauma. I don’t know what yo do but I need help. My girlfriend left me and had all of my information for just about everything. Please help me get a phone please
Free Government Cell Phones says
You need to choose a program and enroll in it, Sean. Here’s a link that will take you to all the service providers 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, etc).
Yumi Jerins says
The intention of this article might be correct, but the facts are VERY wrong for Tulsa, OK. I sometimes stay at a homeless shelter (the Salvation Army when it gets below freezing), but the streets most of the time. (I would love to get a house or apartment, but I can never get one.) EVERY government phone provider inm Tulsa, OK (maybe the whole state) says that ALL of the homeless shelters in town are disqualified for this. Why? Because their programs classify all hiomeless shelters as BUSINESSES. & yes, their programs REQUIRE that you have an address (a non-business address), & that you can PROVE that you live there, in writing (a bill or a landlord’s lease or such).
Free Government Cell Phones says
First time we’ve heard that one, Yumi. If it’s true, it’s contrary to the rules of Lifeline.
james k says
the people who REALLY need a lifeline phone don’t “qualify” -the homeless. why?
Free Government Cell Phones says
Crazy, isn’t it. They should be the first ones who get help. However, what you said is not quite true. There are situations in which the homeless are eligible. Here’s an article that tells you more:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/free-phones-for-the-homeless
Conita says
I think its very good idea
Aurea says
Thought it was free not a little money here and there???????
Free Government Cell Phones says
It is free, Aurea. What makes you think you need to pay a little money here and there?
Criselda says
I have been trying to assist someone that is homeless and staying in a shelter to get a phone. I included a letter from the agency where he is receiving services but they are still requiring additional information before they supportive him. How can this agency get a waiver our something to avoid unnecessary delays?
Criselda says
This is through Assurance Wireless that I acne having such difficulty.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Perhaps this article might help:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/qualify-in-group-home-shelter
Robin Wallace says
I have no income, but in need of free phone
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Then you qualify based upon income.
DAVID ONEILL says
WHERE GO I GET A FREE CELL NEAR GILROY,CA. I AM HOMELESS, PERMENTELY DISABLE. HEART AND BACK INJURIES PREVENT ME FROM WORKING ANY TYPE OF JOB. PLEASE HELP.
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states/california-government-cell-phone-providers
ANNETTE KOHLER says
I would love to get a phone and services I’m homeless on ssi how to I get started?
FreeGovernmentCellPhones.net says
Begin by selecting your state from this page:
https://www.freegovernmentcellphones.net/states
mileena says
What about homeless people who don’t live in a shelter, but live in their cars or outside, like many in California do??
Also, the requirement to re-certify every 90 days is very strict.